Diamond Author
Readership of a church newsletter depends partly on how it looks. Eye-catching illustrations draw readers to the newsletter. Your newsletter illustrations do not have to be pricey. In fact, there are many free options, and clip art is one of them. But some graphic designers are bypassing clip art because it has been overused.
Some clip art choices do not fit the articles. A cute drawing of workman with a hammer may not be appropriate for a serious article about the need for a new church roof, for example. In fact, a photo of the leaking roof may get more attention. You do not have to use clip art and have many illustration options.
1. Original art. Ask around, and you may find several artists in the church congregation. These artists may be willing to create drawings for the newsletter. An artist in my congregation drew a simple line drawing of the church and it is on the newsletter masthead.
2. Children's art. Nothing equals children's art, not even the art of great masters. (Picasso said it took him years to learn how to draw like a child.) Sunday school children and youth group kids may be willing to create illustrations for the newsletter. You might even stage an exhibit of their artwork, along with the newsletters that contain their work.
3. Digital photos of the church. Each church has something or many things that make it unique. Several members of the congregation may be talented photographers. Ask them to take exterior photos, including close-ups of special features, inside shots, and photos of anything else that catches their eyes.
4. Event photos. Years ago I took a course in newsletter production and design. One of the things I learned is that publishing names increases readership. Take photos of church events -- a rummage sale, auction, pot luck supper, or crafts group -- and insert these action shots into the newsletter. Identify the people in the shots and print their names in bold.
5. Royalty-free Internet photos. Go to the Internet, enter the words "royalty-free photos" and you will find thousands of listings. Some websites even specialize in royalty-free religious photos. You may access these photos by joining the photo service. Membership is usually free and the photo fees are cheap, as little as $1.50 each.
6. Church artwork and artifacts. Your church may have paintings, a beautiful sculpture, or artifacts from earlier days. Digital photos of artwork and artifacts are perfect for your church newsletter. Before any items are photographed, however, get advice from a conservator or the local historical society.
Credit all of the artists, children, and photographers and make sure their names are spelled correctly. You might even do a series of articles about newsletter illustrators. Producing an effective, attractive church newsletter is an art.
Copyright 2010 by Harriet Hodgson
About this Author
Harriet Hodgson has been an independent journalist for 30+ years. She is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, Association of Health Care Journalists, and Association for Death Education and Counseling. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD is available from Amazon.
Centering Corporation has published her 26th book, "Writing to Recover; The Journey from Loss and Grief to a New Life" and a companion journal with 100 writing jump-starts. Hodgson is a monthly columnist for the new "Caregiving in America" magazine, which resumes publication in August. She is also a contributing writer for the Open to Hope Foundation website. Please visit Harriet's website and learn more about this busy author and grandmother.
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