Design Help for Non-Designers

Design Help for Non-Designers

June 1, 2017 by

If you’re like most church communicators, you’ve experienced random moments of blind panic when you’re asked to do something and you have no earthly idea how to do it. You agree it should be done. You’re even kind of excited about doing it. But actually making it happen? You don’t even know where to begin.

For me, those moments of panic came in regard to graphic design. I very clearly remember sitting at my desk as a newly minted church communicator, embarrassed to open Microsoft Publisher because I’d already caught wind that the use of Publisher is blasphemous (apparently) or, at the very least, deserving of deep and abiding ridicule. But that’s all I had at the time, and someone had to create those signs. And someone had to publish the newsletter (back then, anyway). So, I had to just dive in and learn how to design. At least a little bit, anyway.

You’ve been there, right? I suspect a lot of you are there right now.

This month on Courageous Storytellers, we’ve put ourselves back into the shoes of a newish church communicator who’s trying to navigate the ins and outs of design, and we’ve assembled some goodies for you:

  • Tips for creating better social graphics.
  • A decision guide for the use of stock photography and tips for taking better original photos.
  • Quick Photoshop tips.
  • Typography 101 (so, that’s what a serif is!).
  • Foundational principles every beginning designer should know.
  • Templates for letterhead, notepads, notecards, and business cards.
  • A handy comparison of the most popular design tools.
  • Suggestions for working with pastors who don’t “get” design.
  • A copyright guide in plain English.
  • A checklist for “proofing” your design before it goes to print.
  • Plus, ready-to-use social media graphics and stock photos.

Courageous Storytellers memberships are super-affordable and infinitely justifiable. We’d love to have you as a member.

“If you are new to your role or looking for ongoing, practical building blocks to help organize the communications activity in your church, get yourself a Courageous Storytellers subscription. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.” –Kem Meyer, Communications Coach, Author, Expert

Join Courageous Storytellers now >>

Post By:

Kelley Hartnett


Kelley Hartnett spent more than a decade working in established churches and helping to launch new ones. She recently launched Tall Tree Collective, which helps nonprofits craft messages that inspire people to get behind their cause. Kelley formerly served as the membership director for our Courageous Storytellers Membership Site and is the author of You've Got This: A Pep Talk for Church Communicators.
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