Graphic Design

This page outlines graphic standards for all ministries at Tree of Life Open Bible Church (including Sprouts). For the original reference page, see Graphic Design Guidelines .

For templates, specs, and related resources, see Category:Graphic Designs.

These guidelines help church staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers work professionally with the Design Team, protect our brand, and ensure that all visual materials reflect our values and the standards of Tree of Life Open Bible Church.

Purpose and Scope

These guidelines apply to:

• All Tree of Life staff and ministry directors.
• Any volunteer or staff member who creates or requests graphics, signs, flyers, or digital media for any ministry, event, or program (including Sprouts, Acorns, USDA, and Head Start–related programs).

Our goal is to:

• Minimize time spent doing “DIY” design work.
• Maintain a consistent, professional brand.
• Ensure content is welcoming, inclusive, and appropriate for children, families, and our wider community.

Use of the Design Team and Timelines

• Whenever possible, submit a design request to the Design Team instead of creating materials yourself.
• Plan ahead and submit requests according to the lead times listed in your Event Sheet Checklist.

 **See: Event Sheet Checklist for specific lead times.**

• The Design Team may use Canva or other professional tools (Adobe, etc.) to complete the final design.

The Senior Pastor reserves the right to reject any design for any reason. Designs may be revised, delayed, or declined if they do not meet these guidelines or overall church standards.

Canva and Design Tools

• All staff who create ministry graphics are provided access to Canva at no cost.
• Use Canva for any basic design work you must do yourself (flyers, slides, simple graphics).
• The Design Team may update or replace staff-created Canva designs to align with brand and quality standards.

Brand Awareness and Professionalism

• Maintain Brand Awareness in all church materials.
• Use approved colors, logos, and fonts whenever possible.
• Do not stretch, recolor, or alter official logos without approval.
• Aim for professional, clean, and easy-to-read layouts with clear information hierarchy (title, date, time, location, call to action).
• Remember: our visual environment should communicate that Tree of Life is a well-run, professional ministry, not a cluttered bulletin board.

Language and Tone

• Use person-first language (e.g., “children with disabilities” rather than defining people by a condition).
• Use positive, hopeful, and welcoming images and wording.
• Avoid dark, frightening, or depressing themes, especially in materials directed toward children and families.

Sensitive and Prohibited Imagery

The following imagery is not permitted in church designs:

• Alcoholic beverages or related items (wine glasses, bottles, bar scenes, etc.).
• Tobacco or vaping products.
• Sexualized imagery, innuendo, or suggestive overtones.
• Any content that conflicts with our safety standards, values, or licensing requirements.

When using stock art, especially for groceries or food:

• Carefully review images for hidden or background alcohol (wine bottles on shelves, champagne glasses, etc.).
• Choose images that are clearly family-friendly and compliant with our standards.

If you are unsure whether an image is appropriate, consult the Design Team or your supervisor **before** submitting.

Non-Discrimination Statement Requirement

Any design that includes the following names or logos must include the short ND Statement:

• Sprouts
• Acorns
• USDA
• Head Start / Headstart

When in doubt, include the ND Statement or ask the Design Team for guidance.

Signage Standards (Temporary and Permanent)

• **Permanent signage** (doors, classrooms, hallways, recurring program signs, etc.) must always be created using Canva or a word processor (e.g., Microsoft Word) and printed.
• Staff-created permanent signs **may not** be handwritten.
• Handwritten signs by **students** (art projects, classroom boards, temporary displays clearly marked as student work) are acceptable and encouraged as part of learning and creativity.
• Temporary staff signs (e.g., “Wet Floor,” one-time reminders) should still be typed and printed whenever reasonably possible.
• **Any sign hung around the building** (hallways, doors, common areas) must include the date the sign was made in very small font in the bottom right-hand corner (e.g., “Printed: 12/11/25”). This helps us keep signage current and remove outdated information.

Submission and Approval

• Submit all design requests through the designated process (see your Event Sheet Checklist for links and timelines).
• The Design Team may adjust wording, imagery, and layout to align with these guidelines and overall church branding.
• Designs that do not meet these standards may be returned for revision or rejected.

If you have questions about how to apply these guidelines, contact your supervisor or the Design Team before printing, posting, or publishing any materials.