I am often asked about software we use, and books we have found helpful, so I wanted to share some resources that we have found useful in our ministry:

Software

Adobe Creative Suite
This is the primary software for our media department. It includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, DreamWeaver, Acrobat, and some other smaller products. It is available from Adobe for both Mac and Windows.

FinalCut Pro
This is our video editing software. It is available from Apple. It runs only on the Mac. Windows users could consider using Adobe Premier, or AfterEffects.

Adobe AfterEffects
We use AfterEffects to create video motion graphics. Available from Adobe for both Mac and Windows

Books

The Non-Designer’s Design Book by Robin Williams
I consider this a must-read for anyone starting out or relatively new in design. Any time someone comes to work for our department, we provide this book for them to read.

The Non-Designer’s Type Book by Robin Williams
Great book on basics of typography

Before and After Page Design by John McWade
Book of several sample projects and the design thinking behind them

Pantone’s Guide to Communicating with Color by Leatrice Eiseman
Great reference to the subconscious meanings of color

Looking Good in Print by Roger Parker
This is the first book I ever read on page layout and a very solid starting out guide.

Design Workshop by Robin Williams
This is a collection of sample design projects and the reasoning behind the design decisions.

The Complete Manual of Typography by James Felici
More thorough guide that is very useful for anyone who deals a lot with text.

Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst
Well written guide to typography

This is not an all-encompassing list of every resource we use and have read, but it is a highlight of some of the most helpful. Share some resources you have read or used that have been especially helpful in the comments section.

Disclaimer: the resources listed above are primarily secular sources. We certainly don’t agree with, or endorse all of the personal or political views of the authors.