How to Create Worship Background Graphics

[See also: My 25 free worship backgrounds here.]

Here’s some ideas and tips for creating worship background graphics … inevitably, this will need to be tweaked. And I realize not everyone has Adobe Photoshop (those that do, probably don’t need this tutorial). But hey … I offer it up for your use.

6 STEPS FOR CREATING A WORSHIP BACKGROUND GRAPHIC:

1. Find an appropriate image or texture – Go to IStockPhoto or stock.xchng or Texture King, and search for the images you need. Good keywords to use when searching these sites for worship backgrounds are: textures, backgrounds, and of course, whatever image keyword you’re looking for.

2. Open the file in Photoshop – and crop it to these specifications: 1024X768 or 800×600 (pixels) at 72 dpi [source]. Or you could create a new file with those specs and drag the image into the new document.

3. Add text to corner – If you’re using this background for a sermon series, select one of the image’s corners and add your text.

4. Save as JPEG in RGB mode — JPEG refers to the file extension and RGB to the color.

5. Insert finished image into PowerPoint – or your worship software.

6. Add text.

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3 DON’Ts

Here are some things you want to avoid when desigining background graphics:

• Using white. Or light colors too much. It’ll wash out on a screen.
• Busy, cluttered chaos. Don’t put too much stuff in the graphic. Keep it simple. Busyness reduces readability.
• Ugly, clashing colors. For good color schemes, check out Color Schemer for help.

3 DO’s

Here are some things you want to DO when designing background graphics:

• Communicate one key concept or idea.
• Brand it. Use the same images in all your promotional materials, including print, web, etc.
• Test market it. Pick a couple of people in your church who will give constructive criticism and also a diversity of people (male, female, old, young, etc.).

UPDATE: I just uploaded 25 free worship backgrounds here for your use in your church or ministry.