Interview with Larry Jensen

Larry Jensen is the owner of Jensen Designs, Inc. As a Graphic Designer and Illustrator he believes creative ideas are meaningless unless they provide a results-oriented solution to the marketing problem, meet quality standards, and satisfy the client’s budget. Jensen Desings, Inc brings together creative and production specialists to work with the client, creating a team that will produce innovative, cost-efficient solutions that generate results.

Now , let’s get to it.

Larry, what are your tools of the trade (Computer, Monitor, Scanner, Cameras, etc.)?
Mac and PC, mostly Mac for design and PC for administrative work. For several years I have used dual monitors with my Mac. I have used expensive scanners and printers, but now use a basic Microtek scanner and HP printer/copier.

What is your favorite tool (Plug-in, Software, Equipment, etc.)?
My favorite software has been Macromedia FreeHand. But, thanks to Adobe, that will be a thing of the past. I also use Adobe Creative Suite. For intial concepts I still like pencil and paper the best.

Favorite Resource(s):
This varies with each project. It may be the web, a trip to Barnes & Noble, or a tour of the client's work...

Who, what, or where do you get your inspiration?
I consider myself to be a right brained individual with left brained tendencies. I often start my creative process brainstorming using a word grid exploring terms that relate to the project.

If you could have one thing what would it be? Why?
God's creativity. Wow, just imagine what you could do.

What are the primary goals of the church as it relates to your position?
"To be a community of believers that glorifies God through Christ-likeness and proclaiming Christ to the World." One-on-one marketing is the most effecetive marketing weapon a church has in its arsenal. My goal is to create tools that inspire and equip people to engage in one-on-one marketing for their church.

What hindrances do you have to overcome?
My biggest hindrance is me getting in the way of God's solution.

What is your favorite trick or technique and would you consider giving an example?
The word grid mentioned above is probably my most effective tool. I use this for myself and also in brainstorming sessions with clients. Along with the word grid I use a visual grid (still words -- not sketches) to explore colors, symbols, abstract, and concrete terms relating to the project. Combined with the word grid visuals begin to emerge -- visual that solve the problem and typically bring results. My second "trick" is to ask questions and take notes. Sometimes asking the right questions will prompt my client to provide the solution.

How did you get started in your profession?
I've been drawing all of my life. I started creating graphic design projects for my church in high school. I was blessed to have a family and church that encouraged my artistic pursuits. I began my career as an illustrator for the U.S. Army where I was selected to head the Graphic Arts Department for the Chief of Staff of the Army in Washington D.C. In this position I designed collateral material and visual presentations for the highest levels of the Department of Defense, the U.S. Congress, and the President of the United States.

Readers can find out more about you by?
www.jensen-designs.com

Making Vision Stick by Andy Stankey

Andy Stanley is an author, speaker, and the founding and senior pastor of North Point Community Church in Atlanta, Georgia.  His book, "Making Vision Stick", is very short but to the point.  Andy Stanley gives firsthand examples of why vision doesn't stick and then explains how you can succeed in making your vision stick in the hearts and minds of those you lead.  Here are some points that stood out.

•  vision doesn't stick without constant care and attention

•  the most important thing to remember - You are responsible.

•  clarify or simplify - it must be memorable

•  define the problem, determine a solution, and discover a compelling reason why now is the time to act

•  build vision casting into the rhythm of your organization

•  celebrate the wins

•  living out the vision establishes credibility and makes you a leader worth following

•  passion comes and goes, but commitment never wanes

•  Think steps, not programs

•  Pay the price.  Embrace the vision.  And do whatever it takes to make your vision stick!

Interview with Marcello Aquino

Marcello Aquino is the graphic designer and photographer for The Refuge in Concord, NC. He is responsible for all the imaging that is related to The Refuge, from branding, print design and web design to photography.

So here we go...

Marcello,

What are your tools of the trade (Computer, Monitor, Scanner, Cameras, etc.)?
The basics: Pen and Vellum paper - man, I use those a lot! PC or Mac with lots of RAM and fast processors, Wacom Tablet, cheap HP Scanner, Canon 5D plus Lenses (24-70 2.8 L, 85mm 1:2 L, 100-400 4;5L, 100mm 2:8 macro Lens and to provide lots of fun a 10mm Fish Eye) and 2 430Ex Flashes triggered with pocket wizards (wireless transceivers).

What is your favorite tool (Plug-in, Software, Equipment, etc.)?
I've been using Corel Draw for 10 years. It has a very user friendly interface. I like it better than Adobe Illustrator. I know that AI is a lot more popular here in the U.S., but I love corel draw, It will be my favorite tool along with Photoshop to add some extra spices.

Favorite Resource(s):
Collide Magazine
NAPP - National Association of Photoshop Professional
Flickr (Church Marketing Lab)
Church Marketing Sucks
Phill Cooke Books and Website
CMYK Magazine
Create Magazine
Luzers Int'l Archive to keep up with worldwide media.

Who, what, or where do you get your inspiration?
I love going to junk yards and antique stores to get inspired. There is a huge one called "Clines" in Mount Pleasant. I've heard that even famous movies directors are going there to get some props...

If you could have one thing what would it be? Why?
Deep intimacy with God! I'm striving to get there...Currently reading "The Shack" and I would love to have a similar experience. Why? God knows better and He will protect me from myself making me a better husband, father and friend!

What are the primary goals of the church as it relates to your position?
The church, in general, needs to speak a language that our culture understands.
The primary goal is to express our lead pastor's vision "visually" I know that it sounds redundant, but this in the main goal.

What hindrances do you have to overcome?
Lack of organization is one of the hardest ones along with prioritizing time: work time x family time

What is your favorite trick or technique and would you consider giving an example?
I love sketching! Paying respect for basic techniques is ones of my best tricks. So pen and paper is my favorite one. It's quite challenging when you have a project to develop and start with a blank piece of paper...That is when God shows up and we have fun together!

How did you get started in your profession?
I always loved drawing since I was a little boy! My mom can paint and draw and she gave me great incentive. I ended up getting an Architecture degree, but better than that I was exposed to Graphic Arts and Photography during college times, so they became my passion!

Readers can find out more about you by?
marcello.aquino@theRefuge.net
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aquinonline
www.triple7design.net

2009 Color Trends

The 2009 Spring color trends have been given by Pantone.  You can read what they have to say about them here and view the Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2009 here.  What do you think about these or other color trends and how are you using them?

"Branding Faith" by Phil Cooke

I just finished reading Phil Cooke's book "Branding Faith" and it is filled with essential information for any Church, business, or non-profit that wants to understand and implement the power of branding.  Here are a few quotes from the book that stood out to me.

"... anyone who attempted to present the Christian message in a relevant way knew they had to recognize and understand the cultural framework of the time in order to be an effective communicator."

"For a visually oriented, media-savvy generation, it's about more than just the message; it's also about the medium.  And it's about the brand."

"Today it's about making a connection - the kind of connection that not only makes them want to hear what you have to say but also makes them respond."

"At its core, branding is simply the art of surrounding a product, organization or person with a powerful and compelling story."

"... a successful brand isn't what you say it os; it's what they say it is."

"The key is in understanding how the media works and using it with integrity and authenticity."

"God gave you unique DNA, so your job is to discover how your unique gifts and talents can differentiate  your ministry form everyone else's."

"The medium does indeed impact the message."

"... the power of design has influenced millions."

"... the three most dangerous areas of branding are (1) technology, (2) chasing relevance, and (3) a key conflict with the concept of marketing."

"Real branding is about creating and maintaining trust; and without delivery on that trust, the relationship is broken."

"Branding isn't an exact science.  It's organic, reflecting the changing culture, trends and ideas of each generation."

"Don't give your audience what you think they want.  Give them what they never dreamed possible."

If you are in the profession of design, communication, marketing, or media - you must have this book in your reference library.

LessAcounting.com

LessAccounting is a free, web-based app that was designed for small businesses. You can create proposals and invoices with your company's logo and track all business expenses. What is also great is that you are able to assign tax categories to your expenses that will help you at tax time. The best part I think is the weekly emailer. You can have LessAccounting send you a weekly email reminding you of upcoming bills as well as invoices that might be past due. This helps you get paid! If your looking for an easy to use, no fuss accounting software - this should be on the list of choices. For more information and to signup, visit LessAccounting.com

Interview with Scott Brannan

Each month we'll ask some questions to top graphic designers, media specialists, communication directors, and others about who they are, what they do, and to share tips and resources with us.

Up first, is Scott Brannan. We used to work together in Charlotte, NC and he is now the Minister of Media at First Baptist Church Merritt Island, Florida. He handles all production elements for worship services and major/minor productions.  So let's get started.

Scott, 

What are your tools of the trade (Computer, Monitor, Scanner, Cameras, etc.)?
Several macs, running fcp, after effects, photoshop, pro tools. You know the basic staples of the trade.

What is your favorite tool?
I have worked with several in my career, most were at my other church! Really, I would have to say I love after effects. I tried motion for a while, but I have found that AE pops so much better than motion. I know that it is all preference, but I'm sold.

Favorite Resource(s)?
videocopilot.net, collide mag, churchmarketingsucks.com

Who, what, or where do you get your inspiration?
I like to see what is going on with secular tv and print. They know how to distract people with "stuff". Why does the church not at that same level? Most churches use clip art and cheesy powerpoint presentations and then question why they are not being effective.

If you could have one thing what would it be? Why?
An assistant! I have made too much work for lay people and for myself!

What are the primary goals of the church as it relates to your position?
To provide technical excellence to our members and guests.

What is your favorite trick or technique and would you consider giving an example?
Making a church choir sound bigger than they are. You would look like a hero in any church with a choir if people can hear them, understand them and they sound HUGE. I like to pan my choir hard left and right and have a praise team fill the middle.

How did you get started in your profession?
My wife was in a group in college that toured NC, when we got married, I was kind of roped into running sound for them. Nothing glamerous, I can not remember how bad it was, but I'm sure it was bad!