Art Lessons From God » graphic design

Business Card Makeover by Christian Designer

tsnipes — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 04:50:16 +0000

I enjoyed seeing this “Business Card Makeover” so much that I had to share it with you!

John Clement is a graphic designer and the founder of J. Sharp Studios in Greenville, SC. As a follower of Christ, he has a heart for seeing up and coming business owners with a professional image. I did a brief interview with John about the recent job he did for his newest client, “Fit for a King” spa (don’t miss the Before and After pics below):

1. John, tell us how you met this client?
“I met this client through a friend. They didn’t start out as a client. I was actually looking for a place that could help with a razor bump problem and my friend introduced me to the owner of this business. After talking with her, I found out that she was a new business in need of my services…and that’s how she became a client.”

BEFORE

2. You did such a great job in taking this client’s image to another level. What was the drive that motivated you?
“First, thank you for the compliment. I try to make my clients look good to their client so that maybe my client will bring me more clients.
My motivation is just creating from a blank canvas and ending up with a masterpiece for my client.

I love the look on a client’s face when they see the finished piece and they say ‘John, you captured who I am and what my business is in this piece…’ Whether that piece be a logo, a business card or website, that’s my motivation right there.”

3. Would you say that the following scripture applied to the use of your talent for this job, and if so, how?
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10
“Tony, I would absolutely say this scripture applies. God has truly gifted me and I know it is gift given to serve others. I want to always use my gifts and talents to serve others so that my talents aren’t taken from me and given to someone else…..like Tony! (Love ya man!)

But all of our gifts, no matter how small we think those gifts may be, must use them in excellence and to the glory of God.

Thanks for the opportunity, Tony.”

AFTER

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How Artists Can Tattoo An IPad-(video included)

tsnipes — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:00:38 +0000

Whether you own one or not, you can now create custom designs or “skins” for the new IPad tablet.

GelaSkins Mobile Art allows you to create removable covers for protecting and customizing portable devices such as cell phones, laptops, MP3 players, gaming consoles and now the new IPad.

Why is this significant? Aside from it being another outlet for your creative expression personally, more importantly it also creates another revenue source for those of you who do art and design work for others. Think of the many people who are jumping on the band wagon to buy an IPad. How many of them (that are not designers themselves) could you help by creating a personlized version of their new toy for them?

Below is a 30 second video from the folks at Gelaskin to give you a better idea:

So, do you think this is a good idea or a waste of time? Think there’s better ways for artists to make extra cash? Share your voice and post a comment:

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Artist In Action: Chad McMillan, Creative Director

tsnipes — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 01:00:36 +0000

Our “Artist In Action” series is all about giving you a snapshot of a Christian visual artist actually operating in and active in their creative gift. If you’re like me, seeing fellow artists using their God-given talent motivates me to get off of my butt and create!

Chad McMillan

Chad McMillan is the creative mastermind at ShowCase Marketing, a leading marketing organization based in South Carolina. He’s also an entrepreneur, friend and great man of God. Take a look at what he had to share:

1. Tell us who you are and what you do as an artist/designer:

As Creative Director, I lead ShowCase Marketing’s team of brand developers, ensuring that everything about a client’s brand that is seen, heard, and experienced is consistent and at the highest level of excellence. I consult with business leaders on the creative aspects of a business, including design, interactive and social media strategy, and perfecting the vehicles that communicate the brand of an organization.

2. Now tell us about your artistic/creative background:

I’ve always loved drawing and being creative, but I didn’t start to hone my skills as a graphic designer until I was 17 when I got my first computer. I started by creating manual covers and brochures for the ministry college I attended. From there, I continued by helping other ministries create their logos and business cards until I eventually started my own business doing freelance design and web building.

3. What role does God play in your life and in your work?

Huge part! At one time, I was interning at a ministry training for the day when I would become the pastor of my own church. Of course, God had other intentions. Being the Creative Director for a marketing firm that assists many ministries allows me to impact hundreds, if not thousands, for the Lord…way more than I would have impacted in a local church.

Staying centered on the Lord is everything and, without His guidance on a daily basis, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

4. What advice can you give the rest of us?

Stop waiting for your door to open. As a teen, I planned my life out early. I knew that when I turned 20 I would get engaged, married by 23 and have my first child at 25. Career, ministry, married live, everything was planned. When I turned 25 I had accomplished none of the above. I wasn’t even in a serious relationship. I was devastated and frustrated at why God had not opened the doors in my life. One day, the Lord spoke to me and told me that He had already given me the tools and talents to take me wherever I wanted to go. Stop asking me (God) to open the door and open it yourself.

God talks us to us how we need to hear it. That was exactly what I needed to hear, when I needed to hear it. So, my advice to people…stop waiting for the door(s) to open. You were born with the tools and talents given to you by God to accomplish whatever you want to accomplish. Get moving and don’t slow down!

5. What’s the latest project that you’re most excited about?

It’s hard to ask a creative person this question. It’s hard to narrow down the list if you’re passionate about what you do. If I had to narrow it down to one project, I would probably have to say Redemption’s (Redemption World Outreach Center) newest website we’re about to launch.

Share your feedback or questions you may have for Chad by posting a comment below:

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Is Digital Art “Cheating”?

tsnipes — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:07:42 +0000

This is one of those controversial issues that may not be known to those outside of the art community, but has been thought about if not openly discussed among visual artists.

I personally was originally trained to use more traditional tools for more traditional methods of visual art, specifically painting. I was introduced to electronic tools automatically as I studied Graphic Design and Illustration.

Initially I was intrigued with how digital tools such as Photoshop allowed more for corrections and testing concepts within the cleaner and more “forgiving” environment of a screen versus a canvass or art paper.

You may have found as I have that now Digital Art calls for its own level of skill and ability as much as the traditional art form does.

Gone are the days of simply adding a lens flare or using layers alone and expecting to have a creation that meets your expectations.

Today’s artists that choose to pursue the digital route know that their skills with their digital tools have to be as sharp (if not more than) as with using a pencil or paint brush.

But what do you say?

Is the use of digital art “cheating” as far as you’re concerned? Post a comment and let us know what you think:

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How To Get More Art and Design Customers

tsnipes — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:08:03 +0000

Whether you’re an illustrator, comics creator, graphic designer, freelancer or painter; getting more customers and building (or even starting) your art business can be a challenge.

Big business makes it a common practice to guide their profitability based on steps taken from a written plan, but neither artists nor other entrepreneurs have a written roadmap to guide their success.

I’ve linked to a resource I use with my small business clients that you can print to help you get started in selling more and going to the next level with your Art or Design. Go here>>

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