Our logo design for Pipeline Student Ministries was recently chosen for the upcoming LogoLounge Master Series book featuring lettering related logos.

NBC's America's Next Great Restaurant shows contestants working with a graphic designer who whips out a logo in minutes. It doesn't work this way in real life, and thankfully, we're committed to better results.

http://www.nbc.com/americas-next-great-restaurant/video/ep-102-first-business-challenge/1313706

 Logo designer Leighton Hubbell responded to a question from businessman Chris Brogan, who wondered what the difference was in designers, besides price. If you've ever wondered the same thing, click on the link below to read Hubbell's well written response. He covers areas like:

At 3.5" x 2", a business card may be small in size, but they still have a large impact. Although cell phones can store contact information, the business card isn't going away any time soon, because it not only gives information, but image as well. It can convey whether your church is traditional or contemporary, contemplative or energetic, liturgical or progressive, and many other things.

Contact information can include:

• Your name and title
• Office phone number
• Cell phone number
• Email address
• Street address
• Church website

Many churches use their business cards to include additional information, including:

• Service times and information
• "You're Invited" text
• A slogan or vision statement
• Map and directions
• Church Facebook address
• Student ministry website
• Pastor's LinkedIn

Printing prices are lower for full color printing than for one or two color printing, so your business cards can closely tie in to your website, bulletin, and other communications design. Consistency in design is a key element in good branding. Your communications will have a stronger impact and be more memorable if they coordinate. They will also give you and your church a more professional image if they look like they are well thought out.

Your logo, church website, bulletin, and business cards are foundational in branding your church. Church Logo Gallery offers design and branding services for churches. Give us a call at 888.831.6811 to see how we can help your church. 

For additional reading, go to: www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/04/AR2010100406824.htm

Ten years ago a church (or any organization) could tell the world what they were all about. An organization used to be able "push" the message. That is, people within the organization controlled the information that was made public. An organization controlled their image because they controlled the message that went out.

Our hyper-connected world has changed all that. Facebook, texting, cell phone cameras, Twitter, blogs, and other forms of social media means those who come in contact with your church can relay their experiences to friends in real time. As one branding expert said, your brand isn't what you decide it is, it's what happens when you Google it, or overhear two people talking about their experience with your brand (or church in this case).

"Pushing" has been replaced with people "pulling" the information. If anyone wants to know what your church is like, they won't find out from you. They will find out from their social network or Google. 

So what can you do to influence how people see your church?Understand that since your church members have a larger voice in your church image than you do as a pastor, they can be advocates who bring your message to life and share it with others. Brand consultants Lippincott (who work with companies including Walmart, McDonalds and Nissan) believes the two most important ways to do this are:

• Tell Authentic Stories. What is the central message of your church? At my church it’s how ordinary people can share the love and grace of Jesus in everyday situations. Stories of people in our congregation are shared weekly. Real stories about struggle, loss, questions, answers, and victories. We identify with the people and the stories, and it helps reinforce the central values of our church.

• Foster Inspiring Experiences. What makes your church unique? Since our church seeks to live like Jesus, we are moving away from programs and doing more acts of service. Besides sharing stories of what individuals are doing, the church also organizes house casa building in Mexico, weekly tutoring, monthly service projects with an orphanage, and an annual day where we take a Sunday morning and tackle 150+ projects in the community. These are memorable and inspiring experiences we associate with our church. Through these interactions we live out the message.

The result is that members of the congregation not only understands what the church stands for, they participate in, and tell the story in tangible ways. If you can craft a simple, authentic story and invite your congregation to live it with you, they will tell the story in real and transparent ways.

^{This article was adapted from “Building winning brands in a radically transparent world” from Lippincott: http://www.lippincott.com/pdfs/StoryExp_brochure.pdf}

A recent LifeWay Research report surveyed over 1000 churches to see how they use their websites. While
the report addresses multiple topics about how churches use websites, I thought the statistics on how often churches update information was noteworthy:

• 15% of churches update their website more than once a week.
• 40% of churches update their websites weekly.
• 42% update their sites once a month or less, including
• 7% who update their websites once a year or less.

Pastors cited lack of time, finances and lack of interest among the congregation as reasons why they didn't update more. With the web becoming such a central source of information it's important to keep your church website current. The more up to date the information, the more people will turn to the website. With my own church, the website has become the place to find out what's going on and also the place to sign up for events. The church has been able to cut down (or eliminate) most print communications, which saves staff time and printing costs. Realizing that not everyone has access to a computer, a laptop is frequently present on Sunday
mornings so people can sign up for events between services, or they can sign up with a written sheet.

If your website is difficult to update, it may be time to look into a new website. The LifeWay report was sponsored by Axletree Media, which provides low cost, easy to manage websites (Church Logo Gallery has no affiliation with Axletree). Church Logo Gallery partners with a company specializing in church websites, so we would be happy to help in this area as well. If you can use Microsoft Word, you can update the easy to use content management systems that are now available.

With web access by smart phones, tablets, laptops multiplying, keeping your website current isn't just good communication, it's a necessity. To read the full report, go to: http://www.lifeway.com/article/170638/ 

A few weeks ago, The Center for Church Communications/Church Marketing Sucks published an interview with board member Maurillo Amorim. Here is one response from the interview.

Maurilio Amorim: Church Marketing is getting more professional, so in a sense things are getting better but the expectations also have risen for the quality of church marketing. The advent of the pre-designed, “put-your-logo-here” packages have helped a lot of churches but it also has elevated the expectation for all churches and created confusion on brand promise. The problem is one of true brand identity and how to communicate that with integrity to the church’s own unique DNA.

Overall, I agree and thought it was a positive, thoughtful answer. The good news:

 One of Church Logo Gallery's 7 Rules For A Great Church Logo is Authenticity. Your logo has to have the same personality, and tell the same story that people will experience when they step into your church. If you promote yourself as one thing, and the experience isn't consistent with the expectation, the visitor will be disappointed. In all likelihood they won't come back.

SHARE

SHARE is a missions ministry of a local church. Our direction was to show that people of every
nationality, working together can change the world.

Pastor Dale Meador

This is a logo we designed a few years ago for a blog by Pastor Dale Meador in
Medford, Oregon. Anyone who has met Pastor Dale knows he has his eyes fixed on
Christ, and he's straightforward in the way he communicates. We thought a bold and
simple cross, modern in appearance but rooted in history was fitting.

Forward In Faith

First Church of Christ in Owosso, Michigan needed a logo for a capital building campaign.
We were given free reign, and went in a direction that  clearly conveyed the idea of
moving forward in faith.

Burdick Construction

We designed the title portion of the Burdick Construction logo in the mid 90's,
before websites were a factor. The original logo had a background with more detail
that didn't work well on the web, so we simplified the approach. Bold, simple, and professional
were key to the update.

Consulting Logo

A consultant to pharmaceutical and high tech companies needed a logo that showed
how coaching could improve communication and productivity. They chose another of our
designs, which illustrated their coaching process. It goes to show that there are a lot of
factors that go into the final choice.

 As we look back on 2010 we have a lot to be thankful for. Despite the economy churches continued to partner with us for their logo, branding, and communication needs. We do consider the churches we work with partners, and we're truly thankful to be a small part of what the local church is doing.

We're also pleased to acknowledge our peers in the design community awarded Church Logo Gallery 36 national awards in 2010, including awards from Trademarks USA, LogoLounge, Graphic Design USA, and American Graphic Design & Advertising. Serving the design and branding needs of the churches we work with is, and will continue to be our motivation for doing great work. 

 

 10 Award Winning Logos

September 14, 2010

Church Logo Gallery received 10 American Graphic Design Awards from Graphic Design USA for recent logo projects. Look us up on Facebook to see the winners, or click here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=206447&id=90196523715&ref=mf

Trademarks USA Winners

 2 More Master Logos

Trademarks USA Recognizes Church Logo Gallery

June 21, 2010

David Carter is one of the most recognizable names in logo design, having produced over 100 books on outstanding design. Now, he's taken to the web with a new site focusing on award winning designs. Trademarks USA is the new site, and Church Logo Gallery had 3 logos chosen as winners in the first Trademarks USA competition. The new TrademarksUSA.com website should be up soon to display the winning logos. 

Logos Are in Our DNA

April 16, 2010

Two Church Gallery logos, B-Flame Premium logo and Explore Children's Ministry logo (both available for sale on our website) were chosen for inclusion in a new book, Design DNA, to be published in the U.S. by Rockport Publisher's. The book highlights examples of excellent design, explains the design rationale and lists the fonts and colors used as an example for other designers. To upgrade the identity of your church or ministry, give Church Logo Gallery a call at 888.831.6811.

Can You Relate?

April 5, 2010

You may have a great story, but it won't have an impact unless you tell it in a way people can relate to. To make a difference, you need to:
• Understand your audience
• Know the issues that are a priority for them
• Build bridges that connect with them
• Be able to move together toward a common goal

For a closer look, take a look at this article from our friends at MarketingProfs.com: http://www.marketingprofs.com/articles/2010/3465/achieving-relevance-understanding-and-connecting-with-constituents

Be Strategic in Telling Your Story

April 4, 2010

Every church has a unique story that should be life changing. Focusing on what your core message is, and how to say it can make all the difference. Church Logo Gallery recommends this free article from our friends at MarketingProfs.com to hep craft your message: http://www.marketingprofs.com/articles/2010/3505/articulate-to-resonate-crafting-and-communicating-messages-that-matter

Build Your Brand Identity Toolkit

April 3, 2010

Your logo may be the most visible part of your identity or brand, but there are other pieces to the puzzle, that, when put together in a consistent, compelling, and coherent way add up to a strong brand presence that is quick and easy to spot.

Here's a good article from our friends at MarketingProfs.com that gives a good foundation on what's needed in your branding toolkit: http://www.marketingprofs.com/articles/2010/3520/achieve-compelling-visual-coherence-build-a-brand-identity-toolkit-thats-flexible-durable-shareableand-yours/?adref=znnpbsc41410

9 AGDA Award Winners

March 15, 2010

The American Graphic Design & Advertising 26 Awards chose 9 church and ministry logos as award winners for this year's national competition. Church Logo Gallery's logo design for Pipeline Student Ministries was chosen as the 2nd Place recipient out of all the logos in the competition. Church Logo Gallery is passionate about providing the church with outstanding design. Contact us at 800.831.6811 to make a difference in your church identity. 

East Side Logo Chosen

January 25, 2010

Index Book, a publisher based in Spain, chose a logo designed for East Side Baptist Church in their new book Basic Logos. Basic Logos is a collection of 911 outstanding logos from throughout the world. 

If your church or ministry needs a world class logo, give Church Logo Gallery a call at 888.831.6811. We're passionate about designing the best church logos, and we offer personalized customer service.

2009 in Review

January 1, 2010

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times... 2009 was a year of highs and lows, but mostly it was inconsistent compared to years past. Like the churches we serve, we were aware of the recession. Business was down, just slightly. We're thankful it held as stable as it did. We created just a few less church logos in 2009, which probably reflects less churches being planted, and churches holding off on updating their identity.

On the plus side, designed a record number of youth logos, and children's logos were up 50% over last year. Custom church ministry logos tied our previous mark. We also added a new category of church ministry logos in 2009 to better serve church ministries.

Our work was recognized way beyond any previous year. We counted 30 national awards or publication in books on outstanding logo design. We're already at work developing new designs so we can better serve you in 2010. If we don't have what you're looking for, give us a call. We're here to help satisfy your identity needs.

8 American Graphic Design Awards

December 7, 2009

Eight logos designed by Church Logo Gallery were selected as award winners from the American Graphic Design Awards for 2009. This matches our high of 8 AGDA awards in 2008. In July, we were awarded 7 awards from a different, but similarly named organization (Just didn't want anyone thinking we were claiming the same work twice). If your church is looking for the best church logo design available, give Church Logo Gallery a call at 888.831.6811.

 11 Logos Named Master Logos

December 8, 2009

Logo Lounge, a series of books representing the best logos throughout the world is producing a Master Series Library focusing on specific themes. 11 logos from Church Logo Gallery were chosen for inclusion in 2 books in the series. 7 logos were chosen for inclusion in Initials and Crests, and 4 logos were chosen for the Animals and Mythology book. We're honored to have our work recognized as among the best of the best.

Green Design Honored

December 6, 2009

When Solana Beach Presbyterian Church started a Creation Care ministry to champion good environmental stewardship, they called Church Logo Gallery for their identity needs. The result - a logo they were thrilled with, and work that not only supports their vision, but is giving more attention to their ministry. The Creation Care logo has been selected by Logo Lounge for includsion in LogoLounge 5 book, as well as Big Book of Green Design - featuring the best design work devoted to environmental causes. If your church or ministry is looking for great work at a great value, give Church Logo Gallery a call: 888.831.6811

4 American Graphic Design & Advertising Awards

June 22, 2009

American Graphic Design & Advertising annually publishes advertising and graphic design work representing the best work in the field. Church Logo Gallery had 4 logos chosen for inclusion in this years book. Pick up your copy at your nearest bookseller to see some great design. If your church needs a logo, why not put our talented team to work for you? Give Church Logo Gallery a call at 888.831.6811

Ed Stetzer Recommends Church Logo Gallery

March 4, 2009

Church planting specialist Ed Stetzer lists Church Logo Gallery as a recommended resource in his book, Planting Missional Churches. The chapter is titled Choosing a Name and Logo, and we're right there on page 238. We learned of our inclusion when pastors started calling after reading the book. Stetzer includes a list of elements to design with the church logo on it, and we have considerable experience with almost everything listed. If you're planting a church, put our experience to work for your church.

4 More Logos Chosen

March 5, 2009

American Graphic Design and Advertising 25 just announced that 4 logos from Church Logo Gallery have been chosen for inclusion in their new book. All 4 are custom custom church logos, for Central Baptist Church, Cumberland Presbyterian Church, East Side Baptist Church, and Citadel of Grace. Thanks for letting us be a part of your new identity projects!

Masterful Design

March 5, 2009

We've been honored the past couple of years to be included in the best selling LogoLounge books featuring outstanding logos around the world (books 2, 3, 4, and 5). Last week we received word that one of our youth logos has been included in a new series of LogoLounge Master Collection book series. The first book features shield and letter forms, and our Extreme Youth logo will be included. Check out the Extreme logo in the Youth Logo section.

Thanks for a Great 2008

January 19, 2009

Like many of you, 2008 we couldn't have predicted the ups and downs that came with 2008. The first half of the year was busier than ever and we didn't see any signs of recession. In July we found out that it affected everyone. Some months since July have been normal, while others were noticeably slower. 

While orders for our pre designed logos were lower than for 2007, we designed more custom logos than ever before. 2008 ended as a record year for revenue and the number of projects we delivered. For that we're truly thankful! We realize there are real churches with individual pastos and church leaders connected with each project, so our thanks go to each of you for partnering with Church Logo Gallery on your identity and church branding needs.

As we start off 2009, you'll see:
- More new Standard and Premium logos to choose from
- More designs for Youth Ministry and Children's Ministry logos
- Ministry logos (a new category) will be added to the site soon
- Regular specials - significant discounts on services and design plus printing to make your budget stretch further.

Again, thank you for choosing Church Logo Gallery for your church logo needs. We look forward to creating designs that reflect your unique ministry and impact your community.

American Graphic Design USA Awards

October 30, 2008

In 2007, Church Logo Gallery was recognized with 6 American Graphic Design Awards. How do you top that? With 8 awards in 2008. With our feet firmly on the ground, we're here to work hard for your church. You logo is often the first image people see. Make a great first impression with an image that's memorable, compelling, and inviting. We understand the needs of churches and our work is the best you'll find. Give us a call today to start your church logo. 888.831.6811

Coming to a Bookstore Near You

October 29, 2008

LogoLounge 5, the newest in a line of bestselling books featuring logos from around the world features several logos from Church Logo Gallery. Over 30,000 logos were submitted from around the world, and the best 2,000 were chosen. This is the fourth straight year our work has been featured (we didn't know about LogoLounge when book 1 came out). View our Custom Logo section to see samples of our work, then give us a call to discuss your logo needs. 888.831.6811

New Church Bulletins

August 4, 2008

Check out our new Premier Bulletins, a new collection of church bulletins sure to enhance your worship services. Church Logo Gallery offers the most personalization options anywhere - a little or a lot to best meet your needs. Choose from 8.5"x11", 11"x14", or 11"x17" bulletins. The best part is you own the bulletin files, so you can take them to the printer of your choice. Give the Premier Bulletins a look - you won't find a better designed bulletin. To order, call us at 888.831.6811

Church Logo Gallery Logos Honored

June 13, 2008

Church Logo Gallery was recently informed that 5 of our logos have been chosen for inclusion in the new American Corporate Identity book being published this fall. American Corporate Identity features a select number of new identity designs in the U.S. From the beginning we've said that our greatest reward is designing outstanding logos for churches. It's fun though, to see how our logo design compares with the best work nationally and internationally. If you're considering a new logo for your church, give us a call. We would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Our toill-free number is 888.831.6811.

Updated Stationery Section

June 12, 2008

Check out our new stationery section! We've added new designs and given the section a new look as well. With our new MatchSet system, a church can have a branded, coordinated look from top to bottom. The MatchSet Stationery matches our corresponding banners, bulletins, our soon to be unveiled brochure shells, and other print items. The stationery uses your logo, fonts, colors and other details to customize everything for your church. Give us a call today to get your new stationery designed.

New Bulletin Section

June 12, 2008

Bulletin design has been one of our better kept secrets, even though we've been designing them for years. Check out our new Bulletin section and see our MatchSet system. MatchSet Bulletins match the designs of our stationery, banners, brochure shells (coming out soon), and other print items. Church Logo Gallery will customize your bulletin design using your logo, church colors, fonts, and other details to make it truly yours. Give us a call today at 888.831.6811 to get your new bulletins designed.

A Preview of 2008

January 15, 2008

If you've grown accustomed to how our website looks, get ready for a change. We're freshening up the website with an updated design and new products. 
Keep a lookout for:

• Banners. Seasonal and coordinating banners to coordinate with your logo and stationery.
• Banner stands.
• Specials. Great deals on the products you use most.
• Stationery, Bulletins and Brochure Shells. Coordinating print oriented (and banner) products to give your church a consistent look inside and outside.

National Recognition

January 2, 2008

Our greatest reward is knowing we meet the needs of the churches we serve. Occasionally, we include our work in forums and shows to see how our work stacks up with design from around the world. Two of our logos were chosen for inclusion in the reference book LogoLounge 4, a collection of the best logos around the world, and six of our logos garnered awards from the American Graphic Design Awards sponsored by Graphic Design USA Magazine and Adobe.

Branding Defined

Recognition

April 21, 2006

LogoLounge is an organization that displays over 40,000 logos. They also have a best selling series of LogoLounge books showcasing the most outstanding logos around the world. For the second year in a row, Church Logo Gallery’s logo design was chosen for inclusion. We don’t do what we do for the awards or recognition, but it is a good confirmation that our work is among the best of the best.

 
Church Logo Gallery goes inside the NFL
Dr. Joe Savage is a missionary to the NFL. His ministry, Winners Influence, takes Christ to football movers and shakers. Church Logo Gallery was called upon to design an identity that would appeal to players and League leaders alike. OnMission Magazine just did a great article on Winner’s Influence. You can download the article here.

National Award Winning Logo Design

November 1, 2005

Church Logo Gallery has just been selected as a winner in the 2005 American Graphic Design Awards for the Performance Smarts business logo design. The nationwide competition, sponsored by Graphic Design USA Magazine is among the most prestigious of all such events. Church Logo Gallery specialializes in church logo designs, but also serves ministries and businesses.  For outstanding logo design for your church, ministry or business, call Church Logo Gallery at 888.831.6811.

Youth Logos are Here

July 1, 2005

When a logo designer with over a decade of hands-on experience in student ministries works for Church Logo Gallery, the inevitable result is our newest offering - Youth Logos. A full lineup of over 30 logos, Youth Logos can be instantly downloaded, or personalized for your ministry. If you have a great student ministry, show the world with a great logo that can be used on T-shirts, posters, and everything else you send out.

Welcome to Our New Site!

July 1, 2005

It started with the need for some site improvements and resulted in an all-new, much improved site. If you've visited us before, we hope you'll enjoy our more contemporary look, easier navigation, new logos and the ability to instantly download our $99 logos.

New Church Logos

July 1, 2005

In order to serve you better Church Logo Gallery has updated our church logo line-up. We've retired several logos, updated others, and have created over 30 brand new logo designs churches can use to communicate with excellence. Take a look and give us a call!

CLG Principal Provides Communication Leadership Locally

January 1, 2005

Church Logo Gallery Principal Michael Kern has been called to serve as Elder of Communications at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church (San Diego, CA). The 1500 member church is known for it's evangelical and dynamic worship. Michael will work with the Director of Communications on SBPC's communications strategy and serve as a resource for ministries within the church.

Direct Mail Marketing
Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons of direct mail and then some ways your church can maximize its effectiveness.

Familiarity
"The result might be a new member that says they visited because they felt comfortable at your church, because it somehow felt familiar..."

All About Color
Red, white, green, blue—what does it all mean when used in your communications materials?

The Value of a Good Logo
Communicating your core message or vision statement to your community is vital. This article will explain why and how to get started.

The Identity Game
Think you're a champ at recognizing well known logos? Take our quiz and find out. Then, discover strategies for making your next logo a winner.