Comments for Developing a Thesis: Visual Storytelling in Social Media http://blog.scad.edu/swilso23 Shala W. Graham's Proposal Log Mon, 21 Jan 2013 01:53:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Comment on Unit 2: Freewriting by Shala http://blog.scad.edu/swilso23/2013/01/15/unit-2-freewriting/#comment-174 Shala Mon, 21 Jan 2013 01:53:59 +0000 http://blog.scad.edu/swilso23/?p=141#comment-174 That’s how my church is. There is always a media element that introduces the sermon, and they tend to be very creative and powerful.

]]> Comment on Unit 2: Freewriting by Kaleena Tucker http://blog.scad.edu/swilso23/2013/01/15/unit-2-freewriting/#comment-173 Kaleena Tucker Mon, 21 Jan 2013 01:30:28 +0000 http://blog.scad.edu/swilso23/?p=141#comment-173 Hi Shala,

Really interesting topic! I actually go to a very contemporary Christian church who makes good use of a professional designer. At the beginning of every service, there is always a short video shown on the projection screens (looks like it was created in AfterEffects) that introduces the topic for the sermon. It’s kind of like a movie preview. It gets undivided attention while its on. For about 30-60 seconds, we all feel like we’re at the movies. Throughout the service, other graphics might pop up, but it is mainly used for presenting bible verses. This is the only church I’ve ever attended, who actually has a “real” graphic designer on staff. The difference is pretty interesting. I think that people respond to the contemporary, modern designs because it reflects designs that they see outside of church. It’s refreshing to see a cool AfterEffects video with dynamic typography. I think it keeps church “fun” and relatable.

I look forward to seeing how your ideas develop!

-Kaleena

]]> Comment on Unit 2: Freewriting by Michele Buchanan http://blog.scad.edu/swilso23/2013/01/15/unit-2-freewriting/#comment-172 Michele Buchanan Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:43:38 +0000 http://blog.scad.edu/swilso23/?p=141#comment-172 Hi Shala,

I don’t have much to contribute on the specifics of religion, but it is interesting to speculate about a re-brand. What would that look like, who would it target? What do we believe now that can be used as a fulcrum.

Michele

]]> Comment on Unit 2: Freewriting by Shala http://blog.scad.edu/swilso23/2013/01/15/unit-2-freewriting/#comment-171 Shala Sun, 20 Jan 2013 22:30:28 +0000 http://blog.scad.edu/swilso23/?p=141#comment-171 Thanks, Ericca. I’ll check those out! I do have Branding Faith on my list of books to read. My pastor used to be in design/marketing, so he gave me a number of books today.

]]> Comment on Unit 2: Freewriting by Shala http://blog.scad.edu/swilso23/2013/01/15/unit-2-freewriting/#comment-170 Shala Sun, 20 Jan 2013 22:26:09 +0000 http://blog.scad.edu/swilso23/?p=141#comment-170 Thanks Marina. I appreciate the probing questions into the mindset of people, thus impacting the messages they need (or avoid). I do like the idea of the symbols. Have people become tired of seeing the “cross,” so much that they are immediately turned off or don’t truly understand the significance. In undergrad, I created an installation called “Faith or Fashion,” addressing the rise of the cross as an ornament people wore, particularly in the midst of being half-naked (think popular music videos). So I bought a lot of Barbies, made some skanky clothes for them, and adorned them with huge cross necklaces. It created some controversial responses in my comment book!

No, I haven’t read anything by Joseph Campbell, but will check him out.

]]> Comment on Unit 2: Freewriting by Ericca Hope http://blog.scad.edu/swilso23/2013/01/15/unit-2-freewriting/#comment-169 Ericca Hope Sun, 20 Jan 2013 01:54:11 +0000 http://blog.scad.edu/swilso23/?p=141#comment-169 Shala,

I wanted to share a book I was skimming at the bookstore the other day, I am sure its for sale online as well. Its called Graphic Design and Religion: A Call for Renewal by Daniel Kantor. In the book he breaks down the iconography used throughout that ages to current day that express how the artwork transcends time and influences our perceptions on various religions.

Also of interest might be Branding Faith: Why Some Churches and Nonprofits Impact Culture and Others Don’t by Phil Cooke. I think that you could also explore the concept of religious branding. Why do some marketing and media strategies work. How do we reach a media oversaturated population with a social message, a positive outlook and a lasting impression? Just some thoughts. I hope this helps!

The SCAD library also has an interview with Daniel Kantor here: http://0-search.ebscohost.com.library.scad.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aft&AN=72449082&site=ehost-live

Works Cited
“Religion And Design Are Soulmates.” Novum: World Of Graphic Design (2012): 37. Art Full Text (H.W. Wilson). Web. 19 Jan. 2013.

]]> Comment on Unit 2: Freewriting by Marina Petrova http://blog.scad.edu/swilso23/2013/01/15/unit-2-freewriting/#comment-168 Marina Petrova Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:59:29 +0000 http://blog.scad.edu/swilso23/?p=141#comment-168 Hi Shala,
I thought of several questions that you might (or might not) find helpful:

- What do people find in church and believing in Jesus today? Are there any other ways that people meet the exact same needs? If you think about these other ways, how would you compare them to what the church means to you? What are they lacking that the church has? You can interview people going to church and people not believing in church and come up with some insights.

- Maybe you could address the question from the point of view of a person who is not sold out on the idea of going to church.

- My personal observation is that apart from providing faith, the church acts as a community. It is a social place where people feel connected. Why do people need to feel connected to Jesus, some belief or religion, a group of other people? A lot of people use various social media and networks to feel connected. Can you come up with an interesting insight from that?

- What are the symbols – visual or conceptual of Christianity or the modern church? How do they play on the contemporary mind/ faith?

Have you read anything by Joseph Campbell? You can find his talks with Bill Moyers on Vimeo. Joseph Campbell talks about an overarching belief and myth system that all humans share, that is relevant to how we perceive our life and what the meaning of our life is. You might find that interesting too.

Good luck!

]]> Comment on Unit 2: Freewriting by Shala http://blog.scad.edu/swilso23/2013/01/15/unit-2-freewriting/#comment-167 Shala Wed, 16 Jan 2013 03:17:54 +0000 http://blog.scad.edu/swilso23/?p=141#comment-167 After I wrote this post, I had the following thought, which I wrote down:

“Perhaps the better question is what is the role of the Christian graphic designer in the mission of the Church? How do we, as professional communicators, influence the work of the Church? As churches more effective if they either invest in design and marketing, whether that is through the use of freelance talent or having a staff member formally assigned to this role?”

Or are 2000 year old methods, put in place by the 1st century Church, still the best way to reach people and grow the Church, which is simply by Christians sharing their lives and the good news one person at a time?

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