Less Clutter. Less Noise.

I just finished reading Kem Meyer's book "Less Clutter. Less Noise." I would suggest that if your job has anything to do with communications that you go out and buy this book. There is a lot of practical wisdom in her solutions and principles. Here are some of the things that I took note of.

Good communication is not so much about sending the right message as it is releasing the right response.
Advertising doesn't create interest, at best, it creates awareness.
What people want is a promise they can trust, consistency, something worth telling their friends about-an experience.
Instead of investing efforts in promotions to get attention, we should be getting attention with what happens when people show up.
To attract is to cause to approach or adhere.
Clarity is the new creativity.
Take the time to learn what's effectively gaining credibility with people in today's culture.
The secret is for churches and other organizations to narrow their focus and reach fewer people more times.
Let people color outside the lines. You might just learn something.
Spend lots of time getting to know the people your trying to reach.
Identify the distraction and eliminate it.
Each communication piece is a valuable tool with the opportunity to unify all communications or dilute them.
People leave with the "actual" experience, and that's what they talk about.
Simplify the problem. Don't complicate the solution.
Everybody should find at least two image consultants in the workplace: one who helps process your effect on the individuals and another who helps process your effect on the crowd.

Interview with Adam Tarwacki

Adam Tarwacki is the Creative Director for St. Mark's Church, NC. He describes his job this way - Be creative! haha, it's pretty funny when all the pressure to be creative falls to one person. (I wouldn't recommend it) I am in charge of the weekend experience, and also very involved with the look and feel of graphics that are being created. I will also be working on the website for an overhall asap. Photography, video and anything else we might need.

Adam,

What are your tools of the trade (Computer, Monitor, Scanner, Cameras, etc.)?

Apple iMac 24 inch monitor. Canon EOS digital Rebel (I'm behind I know) No scanner but I've been eyeing a canon.

What is your favorite tool (Plug-in, Software, Equipment, etc.)?

Photoshop, Bridge and my new challenge is Final Cut.

Favorite Resource(s):

iStock ;) Who doesn't like help.

Who, what, or where do you get your inspiration?

TV is great, Disney Channel, MTV, Fuse, just anything that is showing you stage design, layout of graphics and it shows what's "hot". (what's up Paris "Thats hot"). Magazines, deviant art, and other creators.

If you could have one thing what would it be? Why?

Canon 5d. Beautiful shots and AMAZING VIDEO!

What are the primary goals of the church as it relates to your position?

To create an experience when it comes to the weekend, as opposed to just elements thrown together.

What hindrances do you have to overcome?

The church has been around since 1860 something. So as you can imagine there is deep tradition and many "oldchool" thought processes. (not that there is anything wrong with that at all. It actually can be used) As churches progress and change and watch other churches and say I like how they did that, how can that work here or something like it, there are many challenges to work through.

What is your favorite trick or technique and would you consider giving an example?

I'm still looking for tips and tricks of the trade, I'll be learning from this.

How did you get started in your profession?

I was actually laid off from a position at a church because of the economy. (I'm sure you are saying yeah right, but its true ;) My job was not a creative director where I came from, in fact far from it. This has just become a passion of mine and a church found me who was willing to take a chance and we jumped together. So as I am one month in, I am learning and loving it.

Readers can find out more about you by?

Email, Website, or you can google me the good ole stalker way.

Free Magazine

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