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How to Digest Technology's Alphabet Soup for your Church Captial Campaign Communications.
PART ONE: Making sense of all those abbreviations
By Bo Gray
As church capital campaign communications specialists, your friends at Catalyst Faithworks realize that there is so much to know about the design process and we want to help you sort through the oodles of noodles in technology’s “alphabet soup.”
In our work, we often find ourselves explaining the same concepts and techniques over and over to our varied clientele. As an aid for your church campaign communications team, we have compiled this list of definitions that we hope will serve as a resource for you. If you or a member of your church communications team is overwhelmed with technological terms that those of us “in the business” fluently speak, then you should find this article helpful.
The material will be presented in TWO parts, so please print out this list or simply refer to our website as often as you need.
DIGITAL IMAGE TYPES
A key element for any church building campaign is its communications; and we believe digital images drive the communications process. Catalyst Faithworks wants you to understand some basic terminology about images.
Pixel files / Bitmap Files: Usually a picture file that is calculated by the computer and displayed based on the number of separate pixels (dots) that make up the image. A pixel image can NOT be increased in size without distortion – it CAN be decreased in size, however. This type of file is usually larger than other file version of the same dimensions.
Web-Based images: Image files made of extremely limited data in order to load quickly over the Internet which only needs to be viewable on a monitor (50 dots per inch resolution). Printing from these images is NOT recommended...they will reproduce extremely pixelated.
Vector-Based: A picture file that is calculated by the computer with lines (as part of an X,Y coordinate) rather than separate pixels. A vector-based image can be increased or decreased to any size without distortion. A vector image is usually a small file and optimal for flat, solid color graphics.
FILE FORMATS
(SAVE AS...)
.tiff: A pixel-based file format usually used in print applications that contains the a wide range of pixel image information.
.pict: A pixel-based file format that is low quality. Used in limited applications.
.jpeg: A pixel-based file format that is similar to a .pict image, but is compressed to become a smaller file size and easily transmitted over the Internet.
.eps (Encapsulated Post Script): Vector-based as well as pixel-based images can be saved in this format. Pixel files saved in this format for print applications contain the widest range of pixel image information.
.pdf (Portable Document File): a file format that is utilized by the popular image editing program Adobe Acrobat. This is a good file format that compresses information tightly and still holds a high quality expanded reproduction. This is easily opened on Mac and PC systems. Excellent for sending & proofing designs via email.
SYSTEM PLATFORMS
MAC: The Apple Macintosh computer operating system.
Windows: A computer system that uses the Microsoft Windows operating system.
FONTS
(TYPESTYLES)
When embarking on a church building campaign, we suggest that members of the church capital campaign communications team develop familiarity with the following basic terms.
Post Script: Vector-based illustrated Fonts. The most reliable fonts to use in word-processing, graphics, and any other creation that needs to be output for high-quality reproductions.
True Type: A lower-end (less expensive) form of font. Usually created with less data information therefore, less quality reproduction capabilities. Can lead to problems in high-quality reproductions.
PRINTING LINE SCREEN / DIGITAL FILE RESOLUTION
A common question we are often asked is, “Will my photographs work in the church capital campaign communications?” Our answer is often affirmative, IF our church clients understand a few terms and facts about what is needed for quality printing for your church building campaign.
dpi (Dots Per Inch): ...when we look at a computer screen, we are looking at an image made up of 72 dots (pixels) per inch (some screens are 92 dpi). When an image or files goes to the printer, the dpi can be (and usually is) much higher (anywhere from 300 dpi to 4000 dpi - or more!)
High-res images: Images that are made up of many pixels (dpi) and are usually used in print applications.
Low-resolution images: Images made up of a lower number of pixels for rough proofing or to be viewed on a computer screen for example websites.
PHOTOGRAPHY PURCHASING
Royalty-Free Images: Purchased Images that can be used in almost any application or media...and altered / used as many times as desired. Others can also use these images searched and purchased from stock source. Very affordable!
Licensed Usage Images: Images paid on the basis of USAGE. Size of use, volume of exposure to demographic, times used, etc. can all factor into price determination of stock house that licenses photo. Expensive route, but sometimes necessary.
Licensed Buyout Images: Images paid on the basis of full ongoing USAGE. Expensive route, but sometimes necessary if repeated uses are needed.
Custom Professional Images: Photographer is hired to do custom shots dictated by client. Above License rights will probably apply.
Want to learn more?
Please contact us at Catalyst Faithworks because:
- Capital campaigns like yours are our specialty! Our design packages are tailor-made to your specific capital campaign approach!
- We have templated campaign design samples to view via e-mail or our website so that most of the design guesswork is eliminated!
- With today’s faster internet connections, viewing and approving our designs on your monitor is so easy it’s like we are on site!
- We offer both design and printing services to simplify your job as well as to free your staff and volunteers for other priority tasks!
Our Reference-Based Approach to Developing Your Communications...Puts You in the Director’s Chair.
With your direction, we’ll develop campaign communications that resonate deeply with your congregation to build top-of-mind awareness and excitement. We will deliver superior design, printing, and video services for consistent and timely delivery of each campaign communication element. Unlike most general church marketing and design firms, our capital campaign product lines focus solely on church campaign communications. Let us not only save you time, but also help you multiply your valuable people resources. We’ve worked with many churches across the country from denominational and non-denominational backgrounds, and we consider every church campaign unique. Along with hiring a consultant, an architectural firm, and church builder, we’ll be one of the best partners you can enlist to maximize your campaign.
Bo Gray, Account Manager
An account manager for CATALYST FAITHWORKS, Gray brings a wealth of leadership experience that includes 13 years in the marketing communications field, and another 14 years in pastoral ministry. He holds a Bachelor of Science (B. S.) degree from the University of Florida and a Master of Divinity (M. Div.) from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Happily married since 1980, he and his wife are parents to six children.
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For more information, contact:
Stephen Lee, Founder & Sales Director
Catalyst Faithworks
678.290.1150
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