Principles for Graphic Design in Student Ministry

In Student Ministry, a leader has to where many hats. In today's media driven culture, "graphic designer" has been added to the "hat list". Slides, flyers, t-shirts, and videos all require graphics. I believe that there are three critical attributes that every great design must possess. It must acquaint, it must appeal, and it must adapt. These are the principals that guide my personal design process.

1. It must acquaint.
A graphic is an introduction. It often serves as your first impression. Your design must acquaint it's audience with who you are and what you are doing. It must clearly display it's purpose and should express your unique personality.

2. It must appeal.
A graphic is a piece of art and while taste in art is subjective and often based on mood, you want to strive to create something that is aesthetically pleasing to a wide audience of students. This means adhering to basic design principles of space, color, form, consistency, and clarity. Your designs should be simple and sharp.

3. It must adapt.
A design is a stamp that will be used on everything. It needs to work on the web, in a brochure, on a t-shirt, in color, in black and white, on dark backgrounds, on light backgrounds, on textured surfaces, on a neon sign, on banners...you get the picture. A great design doesn't get carried away with embossing, shadows, glares, and other 3D effects. It is simple enough to to be effective in all kinds of environments.



Speak Out Reader:
Who does your designs? Are you satisfied with them?