As Christians, we often complain about the separation of church and state. Yet our complaints only apply when they negatively affect us. We want to express our religious faith but we don’t want others to express theirs. That’s not how it works.

Separation of church and state is a gift that allows us to worship as we choose. We need to abide by complete separation. As you said, that’s what our nation was founded upon.

cheers, Dehydrogenate.

Graphic designers regularly offer their services pro-bono (as do many other service industries). It’s our way of using our skills to the glory of God. However, quite often our work is unappreciated, taken for granted and abused by the very people who benefit most from it.

Please understand a pro-bono project requires the same amount of time as a paid job (both yours and mine). If you and I schedule an appointment, please respect my time as important as the person you are paying. Understand that the product I create for you is a valuable commodity - I’ve put a lot of work and knowledge into it and people willingly pay big bucks for it. And finally, allow me to do the work I know best so you can do the work you know best (that is, unless you’ve studied art, graphic design and advertising in divinity school).

I’m sure there were many people that rolled their eyes when they read about the ‘church’ session figuring that it was a group that was so far behind. So when they got word that the session was on the mark, I hope it made them stop rolling their eyes and instead turn their head.

My biggest goal was for God to be glorified and I really think he was.

1. Assume That You Don’t Need a Consultant

2. Don’t Check the Consultant’s Track Record

3. Never Give a Consultant Access to the Top Person in the Organization

4. Have Middle Managers Criticize the Consultant’s Recommendations

5. Nickel and Dime Your Consultants

6. Be Afraid the Consultant Will Take Over

7. Don’t Take the Consultant Seriously

8. If the Consultant Makes a Mistake, Get Rid of Him or Her

9. Don’t Recommend the Consultant to Others

10. Only Use Consultants for Short-term Projects

For more information, buy and read the book! “Branding Faith” by Phil Cooke

http://www.amazon.com/Branding-Faith-Churches-Nonprofits-Culture/dp/0830745637/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1212854819&sr=1-1

As a graphic designer (inhouse for a religious organization and freelance for churches), I quite often run into the situation where the client has unrealistic expectations of how fast I can complete a project or for what cost. Understandably so, churches must work on a budget. I usually offer a discount (which still seems too high for some churches) but in doing so, it’s necessary to fit their projects in amongst other, full-price paying customers.

Designers have a phrase that says you can have your project two of three ways: Quality, fast, or cheap. Only two. Not all three. I think this holds true for most business services.

Jason Rakowski

Blessings

Tony