Every logo should convey a clear, concise, and memorable message. A good logo should strive for both simplicity and originality. Your logo should communicate one message, and communicate it well. Additionally, a church logo must inspire a spiritual connection with your audience.
Here are five steps to building a logo that embodies your message and begins a conversation with potential church visitors.
- TELL YOUR STORY
Take time to reflect on your message. You want to tell your church’s particular story, focusing on what makes your church unique. Your logo should be distinct. Ask yourself questions like, “What is the mission of our church? What values do we want to promote?” Don’t try to say everything with your logo. Remember, think of it as an introduction. Keep it simple and to the point. The Ark Church’s logo below (designed by Kyle Kutter) is a good example of a logo that keeps a single focus and tells the unique story of the church it belongs to very well:
Remember to choose colors, fonts, and symbols that embody the uniqueness of your church!
- DECIDE ON STYLE
Who do you want to inspire to join your congregation? Does your church cater to a younger generation? Are your services more traditional? Does your church have a denominational focus that will appeal to some more than others? Your audience can determine the style of your church logo. If you want to appeal to younger people, use current design trends and popular colors in your logo. The logo below, belonging to Commission Church, is a good example of a logo that features modern design.
A traditional congregation will want to use classic symbols of faith and religion in familiar configurations, like the logo below, belonging to Grace Fellowship Church.
A modern church logo may be abstract. A traditional church logo is literal. It’s important to decide on the style you want to represent your church before you begin the logo design process. A modern, traditional or abstract style will help you determine the colors, graphics, and fonts. Whatever style you choose, make sure it matches the characteristics of your ministry so people know what to expect.
- USE MEANINGFUL SYMBOLS
The beauty of symbols is that they are packed with meaning. Images of a church, steeple, or the cross have come to represent Christianity. Don’t be afraid to use traditional symbols in a new way. A classic image rendered in a fresh perspective can portray your one-of-a-kind church. For example, a modern congregation might use an abstract stained glass window in neon colors for their church logo. McCoy Memorial Baptist Church’s Logo, designed by Luke Anspach, makes good use of a stained glass window in its design.
- APPLY COLOR THEORY
The colors you choose will add clarity to your message. Like a symbol, color can accentuate and clarify a message. Pay attention to the meaning of different colors. Every color evokes a different reaction. Do you want to convey energy or calm? Classic or modern thinking? Past traditions or future possibilities? The logo below, which belongs to Calvary Memorial Church, (and was designed by Belief Agency) makes good use of vibrant colors.
Color can tell people a lot about your church. Use it wisely, and have fun with it!
- VISUALIZE YOUR COMPLETED LOGO
Once you consider all the elements, it’s time to visualize your completed logo. Try to think of all of the ways that you will use your logo. It should be appealing in every size from a business card to a billboard. Your logo should look good in color as well as black and white. Consider how it will look on your website and signage. Keep it clean and simple and it will display well on shirts, hats, bags, brochures, pens, and much more. To help you visualize your finished logo, you might consider using a logo mockup generator.
CONCLUSION
Ready to create your unique church logo? All that’s left to decide is whether or not you’ll design it yourself or hire your logo design job out to a professional designer.
Source: Church Tech Today
Shelby Systems has decades of experience working with ministries of all sizes, for more creative ideas and suggestions contact your Shelby Sales Consultant today!