From caves to computers : a history of design
by Michael Buckingham
Many think of graphic design to be something belonging to recent history, birthed by big brands. Graphic design, or visual communication, has in fact existed for thousands of years. The History of Visual Communication gives a brilliant visual history of the birth and rise of graphic design used to communicate ideas, tell stories and as [...]
My [fill in the blank] doesn’t understand
by Michael Buckingham
It’s one of the most frustrating things in the world of church marketing. The people around you, maybe it’s the church administrator, maybe it’s the church board, or even the pastor, don’t understand the impact of marketing and excellence in communications. Some may even think it in poor taste, I recently had a conversation with [...]
Where did the great Super Bowl commercials go?
by Michael Buckingham
I don’t follow football religiously, I can’t tell you who won the AFC last year or anyone’s record. Fortunately, I do enjoy watching the game because what is normally my highlight of the Super Bowl was a complete disappointment this year. Where did the great commercials go? Normally we all talk about which commercial we [...]
Stop stealing from sinners
by Michael Buckingham
I was chatting with Terrell Sanders of ministryCOM and during our conversation, we were talking about the possibility of speaking on sermon branding at the conference, we stumbled upon a pet peeve of mine. Church “creatives” stealing ideas from Hollywood. You’ve seen it…Desperate Housewives (a sermon on relationships) Extreme Makeover Home Edition (a series on [...]
Sermon series highlight: Grow Up Great
by Michael Buckingham
This sermon series, for Sam Rijfkogel at Grand Rapids First, is all about pressing towards greatness. The series was also attached to their Vision Sunday, Martin Luther King day and Sanctity of Life day – A tall order. We quickly threw out the idea of anything to do with plant growth…sometimes it works, but it [...]
More than just a birthday card
by Michael BuckinghamYep. It’s my birthday. [cue music] Along with that came one of the best compliments, a birthday card from someone whom most would call a client. Joe and I have worked together for a bit over a year and one of the things that I love about our relationship is that I see him as [...]
Is there such a thing as going to far?
by Michael BuckinghamApple doesn’t steal ideas, they take inspiration
by Michael BuckinghamThe billboard formula (hint: less is more)
by Michael Buckingham
It doesn’t get bigger than a billboard in church marketing…well, unless you make the unfortunate choice of a giant Jesus statue…so what do you put on such a thing? It’s the size that gets many in trouble…more size, more content, right? Wrong. 7 words max. Your biggest challenge is catching people’s attention. You need come [...]


