The Sticks

The Treehouse Group, LLC is going to be a sponsor for The Sticks in Orangeburg, SC. The conference will be held on November 9-10 at Cornerstone Community Church. This will be our first conference as a sponsor so we have a lot of things to do and only a month left. Please be in prayer that we will get everything done that is needed and that the conference will be a big success.

Below is the description of the conference found on The Sticks blog. If you are a Pastor of a small to mid size church in a small community, this conference is for you.

The Sticks is more than a conference! The Sticks is an opportunity to equip, inspire, and encourage church leaders in small communities. The goal of The Sticks is to create a community for leaders to network with each other to help them impact the Kingdom. You can find us on facebook, twitter, and the web.

The Sticks..."Breathing life and vision into leaders in smaller communities."

The Sticks is also giving away a free iPad. Register for your chance to win.

Olympic Potential

I love watching the Olympics. The athletes inspire me through their abilities and performances. I especially love the winter event - short track speed skating. The strategy along with the fast pace shows the extreme mental and physical requirements needed for an Olympian to become champion.

Athletes train and prepare themselves mentally and physically for an event that lasts but a brief moment while the outcome is determined by tenths of a second, by inches, or by decimal points. Athletes have to train at such a high level for years in order to even try out for the Olympic team. A decision has to be made very early in their life to focus solely on what they can potentially do better than any one else in the world. In an interview with Olympic Champion Apolo Ohno seen on NBC, he explains that his father left him in a cabin to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. As a result, Ohno came out focused on becoming an Olympic Champion and now he has won the most medals by any American in the Winter Olympics.

In 2016, there will be another Winter Olympics. There are athletes who have been training for the opportunity to be apart of it. Now put yourself in this situation. What “Olympic Event” are you training for? Maybe it’s the 500m Start Your Own Business Short Track Event. Or perhaps it’s the 50km Multi-Site Church Plant Cross Country Event. Are you putting your body and soul through the intense training needed? Will you just be happy to be there or will you be standing on the podium raising the gold medal and hearing your Country’s National Anthem?

I encourage you to focus on the one thing that you can potentially do better than any one else, and train for Gold! If that means isolation to get focused, do it. It could be a critical factor in reaching your peak performance.

Reaching Our Potential!

The Treehouse Group, LLC - Free Design Service

Professional quality custom graphic design has never been more affordable. Be the first to contact us today and you could receive absolutely FREE (no value limit) expert design services for your first project.

1. The first group of five will receive FREE design service on their first project.

2. The second group of five will receive 75% off design service on their first project.

3. The Third group of five will receive 50% off design services on their first project.

4. The fourth group of five will receive 25% off design services on their first project.

Hurry and get your projects in. You don’t want to miss this opportunity! Applies to new clients only.

The Treehouse Group, LLC

New Web Site Design

I have been working on a new design for my web site, The Treehouse Group, LLC. I would like to receive some feedback, any comments are appreciated.

The purpose of the new design is first to achieve a more simple layout, less clutter. This is why I decided to go with a one page design. Second, I think it touches on a more personal level by including a photo of me and a brief description of my background. I want to achieve the impression of one-to-one interaction and the feel of professionalism. That a potential client would sense the attention and care that would be given to their particular projects. Lastly, the portfolio section would include less examples that illustrate better quality. In comparison to the existing site that shows a lot of examples.

Below you can see my concept. You can see the web site's current state, here.

Bible Reading Plan

If anyone is interested, Elevation Church is providing a reading plan to read through the New Testament in 30 days. The entire sermon series is available at newthru30.com. The site provides downloads to the resource materials. If you decide to participate, I would love to hear your feedback during this process.

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

I have an extra copy of the July/August issue of Photoshop User magazine. If you are interested in subscribing to Photoshop User and would like to try it out first, comment on this post and I will pick one lucky winner. All I ask, if you like it and want to subscribe - come back and use my link. Good luck.

How To Take Better Pictures For Your Church

Collide Magazine | ARTICLES +

Interview with Nathan Sutliff

Nathan Sutliff is the Director of Creative Arts for Grace Church of the Nazarene in Columbia, TN. His job description includes a variety of responsibilities including Lead Worship, Direct Choir, Manage Tech Teams, Manage Drama Ministry, Camera Ministry, Video Ministry, Maintain and Develop Website, Graphic Design, Marketing.

Lets get this interview going.

What are your tools of the trade (Computer, Monitor, Scanner, Cameras, etc.)? Taylor 814ce, Parker Fly Classic, Vox AC30TBX, Vox Pathfinder, Apple Powerbook G4 (soon to be upgraded), Adobe CS3 Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, Dreamweaver, Flash, InDesign), Final Cut Pro, Twitter, Canon XL2, 10x20 Green Screen, Iphone 3G.

What is your favorite tool (Plug-in, Software, Equipment, etc.)? Think Tank Creative Meetings (not always considered a tool but oh so beneficial - this is the best tool i have - other creative minds).

Favorite Resource(s): Digital Juice, iTunes, Lynda.com, istockphoto, youtube, vimeo, books books and more books, friends, dvcreators.net, linkedin, videocopilot.net, creativemyk.com.

Who, what, or where do you get your inspiration? Books, conversations with friends, nature, music, silence.

If you could have one thing what would it be? Why? More Time... There is never enough time to do everything that needs to be done.

What are the primary goals of the church as it relates to your position? To share the love of God in new and creative ways to a community searching for truth.

What hindrances do you have to overcome? At times my lack of organization, being a perfectionist is one thing I constantly fight, lack of finances but creativity is more powerful than an empty wallet.

What is your favorite trick or technique and would you consider giving an example? My Favorite trick is photoshop gradients. Even if it changes 2 shades it creates so much more depth than a flat color. Of course there is a lot of fun to have with multiple color gradients as well. I use it in film, design, and web whenever i can. I just feel it looks better cause in nature there are very few times you see solid color.

How did you get started in your profession? Started as a touring musicians with film, web, and design hobbies. God led me to the church i currently work at as a volunteer and now i work full time and love it. While still a volunteer I attended Belmont University in Nashville and received my Bachelors in "Religion and the Arts" and "Multimedia Productions" as a double major.

Readers can find out more about you by? My Blog, Columbia Grace, Twitter

Interview with Kat Moore

Kat Moore is the Graphic Designer/Video Producer for Lompoc Foursquare Church in Lompoc, CA.  Her job description is three-fold: 1) Graphic Design: Create communication materials. 2) Video Production: Develop and produce video announcements, document church events and teams, develop and produce short videos for special events, and 3) Creative Arts Team Leader: Organize and direct a volunteer-based team of writers, video crew, actors, stage crew and fine artists in the development and execution of creative materials that help communicate the message of the Gospel.

So Kat,

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

I have an iMac that is partitioned. I use the Mac side for all video production utilizing Finalcut and Garage Band. Our team has two Canon XL2s and one Canon GL2 that we use for all video production. All of my design work is done on the Windows partition. [We decided to partition the Mac so that we wouldn't have to repurchase the Adobe Creative Suite (CS3) when we upgraded to the Mac]. I use and love CS3 and my Wacom tablet.

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

I don't know what I'd do without CS3. I am daily figuring out new ways to integrate Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign with each other. What I love about these programs is that the possibilities are endless...which makes for good creative flow.

Favorite Resource(s):

Whenever I can get my hands on a copy of Collide Magazine, I am in heaven. Between the articles and the amazing design (thank you, Barton Damer), I find this to be an endlessly valuable resource whether it's for video production, team development or graphic design. I also utilize iStockPhoto for design, and digitaljuice elements for video work.

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

I get my inspiration from anything and everything. Basically, as I encounter different scenarios in life or process different thoughts, my mind will often ask itself, "How can I take this to design? or film?" I've been inspired by the appearance of a valley at dusk while driving and I've been inspired while exploring the past use Art Nouveau in book designs. My mind has just been wired to go off in mental tangents and I think the way I bring some sanity to those thoughts is by bringing it to my work.

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

At this point, I'd really love to have a beautiful digital SLR camera with a trunk full of lenses. I think that having the luxury of staging and executing professional quality photos would elevate the level of work that I currently produce.

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

The heart behind what Lompoc Foursquare Church (LFC) believes is that People Matter to God and that when we are "Doing Church As A Team", we are living out God's design for effective and fulfilling ministry. The graphic design, video and Creative Arts Team work is geared toward communicating the message and power of Christ, as well as communicating the heart of LFC to the congregation and community. We want to help illustrate the Word of God and clearly show people how they have been specifically designed to come along side other believers in worshipping and serving Christ.

What hindrances do you have to overcome?

I think the two main hindrances in working with a ministry are budget and volunteers. I am constantly trying to find ways to create effective communication materials and keep costs low. This often means having to design purely grey-scale, without a bleed, for an in-house printer/copier. Also, I have been blessed with an AMAZING team of volunteers who are passionate about creativity and ministry. There are times, however, where you realize you are working with people who have their own full time jobs and busy lives. So, executing a volunteer-heavy project can get very tricky very fast. The plus side is that I am constantly reminded to be grateful for the time and efforts of volunteers.

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

Blending modes in Photoshop. It's really simple, but when I first learned and starting playing around with them I think it pushed my design abilities to the next level. This is one of the areas that really makes design possibilities endless.

How did you get started in your profession?

My bachelor's degree is in Child Development and Psychology. It wasn't until after college that I began pursuing art and design. I was doing some missionary work and didn't have a guitar or piano by my side to get some creative energy out, so I picked up a sketch pad and went from there. I worked in my original field while going back to school full time to study design and prayed for the opportunity to combine ministry and art. As God is faithful, He provided that exact thing. I've been working at LFC for the past two years and have grown in my understanding of both design and ministry.

Readers can find out more about you by?

vI don't have my own website, but you can check out some of my work on Flickr.

You can also follow me on Twitter

Interview with Eddie Siceloff

Eddie Siceloff is the Communications Director for Crossroads Church in Concord, NC.  His responsibilities include ensuring church brand/identity continuity across various media platforms, graphic and web design for the various ministries of the church and it's campus', as well as the marketing and advertising of events and activities throughout the community.

Eddie,

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

Macbook Pro 17" running Leopard, iMac G5 17" running Tiger, HP DesignJet 130 NR- large format printer, and Canon EOS 30D Digital SLR- (try to abstain from stock photography).

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

Adobe Creative Suite- one package, works on the fly with each of the individual programs.

Favorite Resource(s):

churchrelevance.com, churchmarketingsucks.com, CFCClabs.org.

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

I'm inspired by what 'catches my eye'; as anyone in the graphics/art industry knows you get accustomed to seeing the best-of-the-best, so if something is able to reel me in and read about it then I feel that to be an inspiring source.

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

A large monitor to connect say, a 30" Apple Display.

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

To reach people with the most effective and easiest-to-understand message as possible.

What hindrances do you have to overcome?

Technology know-how of the general public, foremost.

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

No favorite per say, I have to say the creation of style sheets both for print and web have greatly increased production and symmetry in media over the years.  'Theming' is a great tool for the web.

How did you get started in your profession?

Working for an apparel manufacturer as a graphic artist.

Readers can find out more about you by?

visiting Crossroads Church, Facebook or following me on Twitter!

Kim Meyer's Blog Tour Q&A

As Granger Community Church’s Communications Director, Kem leads creative, information and technology teams to champion a clutter free, cohesive and unified experience across departments and campuses. While her faith is primary in her life and what drives her to achieve more, she doesn't believe in huddling inside church walls. She’s an advocate for applying these same principles and insights in businesses, schools, not-for-profits or any organization struggling to find ways to get the word out and, simply, do better.  Read her full biography here.

Kem,

What mistakes have you made in the past and how/what have you learned from them?

Wow, Curtis. You just went RIGHT THERE didn’t you? Where to begin … where to begin? Honestly, list is endless. So it probably makes sense for me to share a common mistake that we’re all prone to making. This will probably be my longest answer, so you win the prize for that!

I think we all have a tendency to “fill in the blanks” and make assumptions based on a snapshot. I’ve done it to others, and it’s been done to me. It’s particularly easy to do when someone’s actions don’t match up to what you’re used to in your own life. I’m thankful for the hard lessons I’ve learned in this area, because I jump to conclusions a lot less. I’m learning that the actions don’t tell the whole story, and I get the opportunity to dig deeper to learn about the story behind the person—behind the behavior. I’m better because of it and would miss out on SO MUCH that’s great in this world if I spent my days running away from, or fighting against, everything new and unknown.

The real boot camp experience for me came when my daughter hit turbulent times in adolescence. I’m convinced those times would have been a lot less turbulent if I hadn’t feared some of the new subcultures resonating with her (i.e., the punk scene). I reacted without taking the time to learn about them first. That season when she was 15-18 years old was enlightening in so many ways. I grew up as much as she did.

I read an article about Shepard Fairey, founder of OBEY Clothing. In it, he talks about his alternative journey and the assumptions that people made about his methods. The insights were helpful.

My whole mode of operation was very similar to skateboarding and punk rock, which was the idea that if the mainstream wasn’t picking up on what you were doing, create an alternative scene to the mainstream. My attitude was never ‘I want to be an isolated person and do my own thing in direct opposition to the mainstream’; it was more like ‘I need to be doing what I’m doing, and I need to figure out how to keep doing it by any means necessary.’ A lot of people think if you are into some sort of subculture or alternative culture that means you are anti-mainstream. My idea was always ‘Well, mainstream is kinda sucky a lot of times, but does it have to be?’ It would be cool to educate people about the stuff that I’m into. Sort of, enlighten the mainstream—raise the bar all across the board rather than having to feel like an outsider forever.

Geez, Louise. Is he right, or what? Too often, I have assumed the wrong motives in people. I defaulted to “if they don’t think like us, they must be anti-us.” A word to myself? Chill. To other people? Chill. To churches? Chill.

I think the big takeaway here is to let people color outside the lines. Every time I apply that principle I learn something new.

A lot of people struggle with this whole-heartedly believing it’s their holy responsibility to live “separate from the world” and fix the sin of anybody they come in contact with. But, here’s the thing…we’re responsible to people, not for them. This applies in every area of our life in every relationship.

I read something in Mark Waltz’s most recent book Lasting Impressions that talks about the difference between being to people versus being responsible for them. It’s been very helpful to me and I refer to it often. When I remember to apply this, it affects how I shape both my personal and corporate communication.

•        When I’m responsible to people, I understand they have a choice. When I’m responsible for people, I think I should decide for them.

•        When I’m responsible to people, I know they must figure out their next step. When I’m responsible for people, I try to tell them what their next step is.

•        When I’m responsible to people, I allow them to bear the brunt of the consequences for their own chosen actions. When I’m responsible for people, I assume the guilt, or worse the shame, for them.

•        When I’m responsible to people, I engage in their journey, offering encouragement and teaching. When I’m responsible for people I try to direct their journey, never allowing them to wrestle, mess up or make a wrong turn.

•        When I’m responsible to people, I talk to God on their behalf. When I’m responsible for people, I talk to people a lot on God’s behalf.

It’s incredibly freeing when we learn we don’t have all the answers and don’t have to operate like we do.

I big thank you to Kem Meyer for stopping by on her blog tour.  You can find out more about Kem by visiting her blog, or following her on twitter.

For a chance to win Kem's book Less Clutter. Less Noise. leave a comment and I will choose one lucky winner.

Kem Meyer's Blog Tour

Kem Meyer, the Communications Director for Granger Community Church, is coming to Church Creative May 29 to answer one question.  Make sure you check back for the Q&A and for your chance to win a free copy of her book by posting a comment.

Anti-aliasing

Before we get started discussing when to use anti-aliasing, let's find out what anti-aliasing is.

Definition

According to About.com, the definition of anti-aliasing is a technique of blending bitmap-based images and text to reduce the stair-stepping or jagged appearance. In areas of transition, the edge pixels are blended to give a smoother appearance.  Here is an example:

Application

As a general rule, use anti-aliased text with web applications and aliased text with print application.  When using Photoshop, there are five options to choose from - none, sharp, crisp, strong, or smooth.  You can find these options in the tool menu bar with the text tool selected.

When using Illustrator, there are only three options - none, art optimized (supersampling), or type optimized (hinted).  These options are found under the effects menu and selecting rasterize

Your choice when using any of these options will be based on the type size and type face that you are using.

Extras

Panther Products

Wikipedia

Antialiasing and Transparency Tutorial

Worldwide PhotoWalk

Scott Kelby is doing it again.  The 2nd Annual Worldwide PhotoWalk is taking applications for people to lead walks in various cities.  If you are interested just apply over at the official Worldwide PhotoWalk website: (worldwidephotowalk.com) and click on the “Lead Your Own PhotoWalk” link.  You can also get more information on Scott kelby's blog: It’s Official: Announcing My 2nd Annual Worldwide PhotoWalk! 

When Leadership and Discipleship Collide by Bill Hybels

Bill Hybels is the founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, and chairman of the board for the Willow Creek Association.  

In his book "When Leadership and Discipleship Collide" Hybels, using the examples from Christ and his own life and ministry, illustrates keeping Christ first whenever the laws of leadership and the demands of discipleship collide.  Here are the points that stood out to me.

•  Jesus actually withdraws from all the action; he goes off alone to a solitary place to reflect and spend some quality time in prayer

•  The potential of this kingdom is greater than any other, and the stakes involved in realizing it are higher.  

•  When we get it right, and especially when we don't, we impact people's eternities.

•  Decide on the side of discipleship every single time.

•  Just because you lead in a secular context does not mean that you, as a believer, don't have the Spirit whispering wisdom into your mind and heart.  At those times, friend, listen.  And obey.

•  you can't put a price tag on being obedient to the Holy Spirit's promptings.

•  I'm challenging you to be a Christ-follower who really does seek God's kingdom first.

•  Be Jesus' disciple in whatever arena you lead and conform yourself to his image in whatever situation you find yourself.

•  the power of the Holy Spirit is the leader's best friend.

•  Nehemiah 4:14 says, "Remeber God, who is great and awesome, and then fight with all your might."

If you are in a leadership position, I would encourage you to pick up the resource.

The New Wacom Intuos4 Pen Tablet

Wacom has introduced its new line of Intuos Pen Tablets.  "Intuos4 redefines the Intuos pen tablet experience, thanks to a new design and new features inspired by members of our professional creative community." If you head over to the Wacom website they give an overview of what the new tablets can do including new features, bonus software, comparison, special offers, and overviews of how the tablet can be used in many different industries.  The Intuos4 comes in four different sizes ranging from small at $229 to extra large at $789.  

Here are some resources covering the Wacom Intuos4 Pen Tablets.

Websites:

DESIGNM.AG community for designers

PHOTOSHOPSUPPORT.com

dimagemaker.com

Digital Arts

Layers Magazine

onOne Software

Terry White's Tech Blog

Videos:

Interview with Leigh Baldwin

Leigh Baldwin is the Creative Communications Coordinator for Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC. She is the manager of all technical staff; marketing and promotions, and all internal and external communications.

Leigh,

What are your tools of the trade (Computer, Monitor, Scanner, Cameras, etc.)?
Final Cut Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, Panasonic DVX 100B.

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

Favorite Resource(s):
Church Marketing Sucks and MinistryCOM.

Who, what, or where do you get your inspiration?
Author Seth Godin; Hanging out at Barnes and Noble reading creative books. Art Galleries, innovative restaurants and coffee shops. I observe experiences everywhere I go and try to see what makes the experience happen - that is inspirational - it gets my mind going. I also find inspiration meeting with our team.

If you could have one thing what would it be? Why?
I have a lot of support and freedom in my job. There's not much more I could ask for.

What are the primary goals of the church as it relates to your position?
To effectively communicate the gospel through various forms of communications. It is also our job to create programming and worship services that are inviting to the world - creating a comfortable and accepting environment. It is also our job to stay on top of the latest communication trends.

What hindrances do you have to overcome?
Managing perception.

What is your favorite trick or technique and would you consider giving an example?
Technique: encourage, encourage, encourage. Pats on the back, handwritten thank you notes, small gifts of appreciation and a platform for the team to feel comfortable taking calculated risks.

How did you get started in your profession?
God called me out of grad school. If you would have asked me in grad school where I would be in 3 years ministry would not have been the answer. He worked through a local church that I was involved in when I was in grad school. I am forever grateful that he called me here.

Readers can find out more about you by?
Having coffee or emailing leighbaldwin@hgbc.org

Amazing Work

You have to check out this amazing work by Slovenian artist Franc Grom.  Grom drills thousands of holes into egg shells to create unique Easter eggs of fragile beauty.  It was posted on boston.com under The Big Picture.