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(Does having landing gear on an airplane matter?) Theoretically an aircraft can land without landing gear, though it
could get ugly. Taking off would be nearly impossible. As we seek to
engage a world that is largely ignoring the church, is it possible to
create external communication tools with a less-than-professional our
out-of-date visual identity system? Of course. Is it possible to do it well? Let's just say it could get ugly.
What a Logo Can Do--And Cannot Do But let's be clear: even the best logo is unlikely to ever attract someone to a church, or persuade them to trust Christ.
With that thought in mind, here is why a great logo is important: it will serve as the visual identity of the church, and as the foundational element in most communication efforts, for years to come. It will convey a very clear message about your church’s value of excellence, and about its personality. A well-designed logo should not be expected to tell a complete story, but should be expected to begin to paint a picture and to remind the viewer of a larger story.
A great logo will also help a church break commonly-held stereotypes that churches (or Christians in general) are behind the times or somehow out of touch. This is why great design is about so much more than merely beautiful aesthetics. If a church is intentional about the quality and messaging in its outbound communication efforts, it will actually begin to shape how it is perceived, which can help to remove barriers that could keep someone from choosing to visit.
The Core Tool in Your Communication Toolbox This is why branding is important, even for churches. When we talk about branding, we mean, at the very core of the issue, the process of influencing how a church is perceived. And the foundational element in brand communication is the logo.
On the higher end of the spectrum on a logo/identity project, we can get as involved as you'd like in the strategic thinking behind your brand. Or we can work with you on the logo only. Our firm belief here is that your logo and brand identity are critical, and that--in terms of cost and level of effort--this is not the place to skimp.
Value Matters We are well aware that it is possible to find a high school student who has a Mac and an eye for art who can pull something off in Adobe Illustrator. We are also aware that there are Web sites (often offshore companies) offering 8 options for $49 in 3 days. Part of the reason we are aware of some of these options is that clients often come to us after finding themselves disappointed with results from these very companies.
We point this out to say that we will not be the least expensive option you can find in the logo design realm. But we are confident that we will provide the best value—and that you will walk away more than satisfied with the end result.
We have worked hard to keep our logo design options affordable, but we hope you will consider value---and our ministry experience---over price alone. Our designers have designed logos for churches and ministries around the world. They have also designed logos and corporate communication materials for large corporations, non-profits, and associations—many of them nationally recognizable. But their desire is to use their gifts for God’s glory, and thus we have been able to work out rates that are reasonable for any budget.
The Process Typically, the process we walk through with clients looking to design a logo starts with a questionnaire we ask them to fill out. From there, we develop a minimum of three polished concepts, sometimes more. We consult with the church about color palettes and make refinements. Many churches also ask us to also design letterhead, envelopes and business cards in a matching package.
At the end of the project, we will email you the finalized files, in a variety of file formats that you will need for print, online, and other applications.
If you are contemplating a new logo, please don’t hesitate to call us at 866.342.5264. We trust that the conversation will be helpful for you, even if decide you aren’t ready to launch the project at this time.
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