New Site - O2 Graphic Design

We have a new site for our custom design work. Check it out!

http://www.o2graphicdesign.com

Trash Fonts from dafont.com

Check out these free "Trash" Fonts! These are fun fonts to use on GenX or Grunge projects.

Resizing Images - Tips

I've been noticing that many do not know how to resize an image properly on their websites and publications. Here are some tips that may help some of you:

• When you are wanting a smaller image on your website, please resize the image in an image editing application like Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, Photoshop Elements, etc. instead of resizing it in your website editor. When you resize it in your website editor it only changes the size it displays in the browser, but it does not resize the actual image. It will take a longer time for the image to download and it can frustrate your website visitors. It will look better too if you resize it in an image editing application.
• Do not make a jpg or gif image larger than the original size of the image. These images are made up of pixels that only get distorted when enlarged.
• When resizing an image in your image editing application or desktop publishing application (Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.) please use the corner sizing handles of the image to maintain the image's proportions. If you click on the top, bottom, left or right sizing handles of the image you can stretch it too wide or too tall and it will NOT be in proportion to the original image. Sometimes you may have to hold your shift key while resizing using the corners to keep it in proportion, depending on the application you are using.

Stock.XCHNG

FREE stock photo site. Check it out.

ChurchMarketing 101

I read something today in ChurchMarketing 101 by Richard Reising that I'd like to share. Here is what he writes:

". . .You can learn a lot about how well your church is connecting with your community by how many visitors return. . . Unreturning visitors in commerce and in church are a sign that there is a disconnection somewhere. There are a million reasons they might not return but only one reason they do -- value. And the more applicable and life-changing the service is to them, the more valuable they will find it. The higher the value, the more likely they will return. . . Ultimately, value is a combination of consistency, relevance, and power. Notice I include power. I believe we should be simple enough to be understood yet powerful enough to change lives. Provide services on visitor's level and do it consistently, and they will return and return with friends. . ."

This really hit home with me. I've thought about the times that I've gone to an event or service that was life-changing and I wanted to go back again and tell everyone I knew about what happened during the event or service and how it changed me. This creates a "buzz." If a service isn't life-changing then there is no buzz. Wow! Great thoughts for those of us in marketing. Marketing a church goes way beyond the graphics and publications...perceived value.

Church Marketing - An excerpt from a new book on church planting (The Real Dirt on Church Planting)

Church Marketing - An excerpt from a new book on church planting (The Real Dirt on Church Planting). This church marketing paper is a great read for those of you who are planting churches. It has some wonderful ideas on how you can "touch" your target audience.

New at Graphics4Christ.com

New at Graphics4Christ.com!! Flattened Photoshop Files Advertising a "Refreshing Church" for $69.95. All files are at 300 dpi and and sized with 1/8" bleed. The zip file includes the following Photoshop files: Invite Card (3.5" x 2"), Door Hanger (8.5" x 3.5"), Post Card (8.5" x 5.5") (We can change the wording for you for an additional $30.00 - Contact Us for more info.)