ICOC ICON & LOGO Design Brief The ICOC is in the process of creating a singular, unified icon that will ultimately become the logo and brand representing our multi-national and multi-cultured family of churches around the world and we need YOUR help! We need the assistance of designers in the ICOC. Because we are such a diverse global family, it is key that our icon and brand represent this. Not only that, this icon needs to serve as our identity for many years and generations to come. You will find on the following page more specific guidelines to assist you with designing your logo! Assignment/Objective: Develop a globally useful and identifiable logo for the International Churches of Christ to be used across our families of churches around the world. Background: As part of the ICOC 3.0 discussions, the ICOC delegates in Oct 2017 asked the ICOC 3.0 Communications Task Force to develop visual identifying logo for our churches. The International Churches of Christ are a fellowship of churches around the world committed to know God and to make him known as he is revealed in the Bible. We come from all walks of life, races and nations, are passionate about loving all people and bringing Jesus to the world by preaching, teaching and sharing his gospel wherever we go. We are organized into 32 regional families of churches that span the globe and collaborate and cooperate to honor God in respectful unity.
As we move into the future in a unified way, to glorify God, we need to communicate a consistent identity to our members and the outside world. Communications/Design Problem we are trying to solve: Throughout the history of our movement we have had both wonderful and tumultuous times. As we seek to move forward to reach all generations we must find a unifying identity to connect us to each other and the world. How do we stand out in an ever-changing environment that is cluttered with religions, denominations and spiritual information in an increasingly fragmented online and offline world? How do we become approachable and inviting in a world ever-increasingly skeptical of Christianity? Audience/Audiences: ICOC members worldwide and all who may be seeking, curious, or looking for resources, connection and information around our families of churches. What do they think now? 2
We have a fragmented perception of our family of churches. There is not one consistent voice, message or visual identity. This is especially true in the online presence of our church brand. What are we trying to communicate? The ICOC is a unified family of disciples dedicated to loving God and loving others by spreading the gospel to all people. We recognize our past, are open about our shortcomings, and look to the future as we dream for God s kingdom to reach all nations with humility, respect and love above all else. Key message/takeaway: We are a unified global family, with the heart to serve others as Jesus has served us. We are led by the Bible and we strive to be open and connected regardless of race, ethnicity or culture. We are global kingdom citizens who love others above ourselves. Key Words/Core values: Disciples of Jesus. Unified. Diversified. Global family. Humble servants. What makes us stand apart/reasons to Believe: We are truly a global family. We are connected and committed to walking this life together and loving the world enough to share the good news, wherever we go. We are dedicated to serving the poor and needy and we take care of those less fortunate or broken in spirit. We believe that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the authority above all. We exist to know him, honor him, and serve him by sharing his good news with all we meet. Channels to be used: Church websites. Social media platforms. ICOC conferences and brochures. Both digital and print material. Deliverables: visual icon options. Icon development should be presented with various backgrounds/applications in order to evaluate how designs will be shown on/offline. Do s and Don ts: As we are a global movement we require an ICON that represents our family. Do not use the ICOC letters in the ICON (this doesn t translate well in all languages.) 3
The icon should not look corporate and should be unique to our family of churches. Concepts / Ideas for Icon The ideas that need to be represented in the icon are as follows: Christianity, Diversity, Global, Vibrant Energy, Life, Hope. These are just a few of the keywords that will hopefully spark your imagination. We believe that the icon needs to be easily recognized as Christian so that there is no confusion or ambiguity, especially for visitors and outsiders, as to what and who we represent and stand for. Christian symbols and icons that are universally recognizable include the cross and the fish. Logotype of ICOC The acronym ICOC needs to be NEXT TO the icon; OR ONE of the letters I, C, O or C can take the form of the icon / become the icon. For example the O lends itself well to becoming the icon. This decision is left to the discretion of the designer. Bear in mind though that at times ONLY the icon will be used as countries around the world would not use the ICOC acronym but rather an acronym in their own language. Color Given that the icon would need to represent diversity, it seems appropriate to have a variety of colors in the design. We are however open to discretionary suggestions. Colors used should represent and compliment the essence and meaning of the design. Simplicity For many reasons including practicality, versatility and general best practice, simplicity is encouraged, but this too is left to the discretion of the designer. For example, complex gradients, small detailing, lines and fonts that are too thin etc., should be avoided as they become problematic for printing and other forms of reproduction. Bear in mind that the design will have to be used in a variety of mediums where complexity could pose challenges. These mediums include: inkjet printing, litho printing, digital printing, embroidery, web, digital platforms, signage etc. Conclusion 4
What an amazing opportunity and privilege we have...to design an icon that represents and encapsulates the essence of our family of churches which spans continents, countries and cultures the world over! What an opportunity to glorify God using the talents he has given us! What an opportunity for the ICOC to represent God by presenting a singular, powerful and cohesive and consistent brand image to the world! Have fun, enjoy it and go for it! We look forward to seeing the ideas and designs you present! Specs You can submit as many designs as you wish but each design must adhere to the below specs: - When emailing logos: example; 1 Logo = 1 Attachment, 10 Logos = 10 Attachments ie. one design per page, do not have multiple designs per page - Size: All designs need to be sent in the following dimensions: 650 pixels wide and 450 pixels high LOGO Page - Format: Jpeg (RGB, not CMYK) Minimum 200dpi - Mailing to both: 5
jenna.sheedy@gmail.com lai.yan.faller@gmail.com Mail Size NOT TO EXCEED 5mb Send more than one mail if needed Timing/Key Milestones: All submissions due by July 9, 2018 A panel will select the best few and submit them to the Delegates for voting at their meeting in October. The winning design and designer will be announced and the icon will be propagated among our churches. An honorarium of $300 will go to the winner in appreciation along with some Disciples Today apparel. 6