Type & Clipart:forget creativity, be clear & consistent

Have you been in this situation?

You are working the bulletin or other church communication

You want people to read it

You want them to respond

Be catchy!! be

different!! Be

creative!!

You KNOW it’s incredibly important!

You need ideas!

There is another way

• Forget trying to be creative

• Strive for clarity• Through consistency• Your message will come

through clearly and people will respond

Option #1: Text only, no contrast

• This is how we often start

• Text, just the facts• Our eyes don’t

know where to go• Without contrast it

is all or nothing—so most people opt for nothing.

Option #2: Text with one contrast –bold headers

• One small change –making headers bold makes the sections clear

• Now at least we can see the divisions

• But still no sense of importance or content

Option #3: Text with 2 changes

• Type headers changed in size

• To reflect importance, hierarchy

• Largest headline overall title

• Others under this main topic

• Nothing new—this is the language of type and layout you’ve read all your life

Option #4: Text with images added

• Challenge –if some contrast is good, isn’t more better?

• NO!• Lots of typefaces

and scattered images are not creative, but confusing!

• People read based on need and interest

Option #5: Text and images organized consistently

• Make headers and captions clear for skimming

• One or two typefaces

• Consistent placement of images for a simple layout

Option #6: Footer added

• Add a footer for more information

• FINAL RESULT:• Clear, consistent

communication• That results in

specific steps to spiritual growth

• Much easier for you!

Summary & Reminders

• Come up with a consistent PLAN for your communication:

• Location• Layout• Typography• Use of images and captions• Strive for clarity in content above all• Worth the work—so that your

church communications can fully fulfill the Great Commission!

For more simple, practical training in print and digital communications to help your church fully fulfill the Great Commission:

www.effectivechurchcom.com