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30 December 20079:05 PM

Looks Matter

I spend a lot of time on how the pieces of paper I produce for work look. No, I do not proofread well all the time, but I care about the layout and the look.

Not that I know what I’m doing, but something tells me that this is important. I haven’t been able to figure out why.

We just watched the documentary Helvetica, and now I know why: I’m working with people (read: teenagers) who are part of a culture that is so very visual that even graphic design is important to them.

It’s important the same way that, in generations past, how the church presented itself through– music; dress; liturgy; language; action–was important.

I think this documentary should be required watching for anyone who thinks he or she will be doing ministry to the current generation of teens. because whether they can articulate it or not, whether we can articulate it or not, how things looks increasingly says more and more about who we are.

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3 Responses to “Looks Matter”

  1. Erik Says:

    Here’s a nice bit on the power of design when it comes to politics and the Obama campaign.

    4 January 2008 at 11:21 am

  2. Marcia Van Drunen Says:

    this is exactly what I’ve been trying to communicate to a few folks at our church!

    8 January 2008 at 9:51 pm

  3. Erica Says:

    Marcia-

    Yep! And, with teens especially, it doesn’t matter if you’re doing urban or suburban ministry. In fact, urban teens might be more tuned in to design, and to really cutting edge stuff.

    See if some of them will watch the movie.

    9 January 2008 at 8:50 am