On Graphic Design

In the early 90s I was a single mother with two small children. I decided to earn my degree in office administration so I could quickly enter the work force and care for my family. I recall one day sitting in Word Perfect class learning about “dingbats” (”symbols” in Microsoft Word.) As I scrolled through this simple library of hearts, diamonds, smiley faces and pointing fingers, my heart began to pound. Oh the imaginations I would imagine! The creations I would create! And when I encountered Microsoft PowerPoint about two years later, I fell head-over-heels in love. They actually made a software to animate words? Wow!

Excited as I was, I never dreamed of what would come. In fact, a few years ago I prayed God would somehow make a way for me to be a graphic designer. But the dream seemed impossible: I was a full-time secretary; I’d never had formal training in graphic design, and I had little to no real-world experience. Who would want me? Yet God enthusiastically answered my prayer, and I’m both humbled and overjoyed to lead the Publications Team at Freedom House Church! Besides doing what brings me joy, I get to pour my heart into a place I consider home, into people I consider my family. Somebody pinch me!

Since joining FHC, I’ve learned quite a bit through books, magazines, short-term classroom instruction, and tons of hands-on experience. My favorite resources include:

Before and After Magazine. It’s both visually compelling and highly informative. Each article shows a project from beginning to end, and each article includes the how-to and why of every design decision made in the process. I love it! Visit www.bamagazine.com.

Before and After: Page Design and Before and After: Graphics for Business. Two resources by the same people who give us the magazine. More excellent how-to and why-to for the graphic designer. Visit www.bamagazine.com.

iStockPhoto. This website sells royalty-free stock photos cheap. You can find everything from illustrations to gorgeous, imaginative model shots. I’ve tried other photograph resources, but this one is my very favorite. Visit www.istockphoto.com.

The Non-Designer’s Design Book (Robin Williams). This book is great for beginners, or for anyone who’s not a graphic designer yet must perform GD tasks.

If you have any questions about graphic design, I’d be happy to help in any way I can.