DEVELOPING A VISUAL TREATMENT

<aside> 1️⃣

Define the Core Theme

• Purpose: Establish a clear understanding of the message and tone of the curriculum series.
• Steps:
  1. Identify the BIG IDEA or central message of the series.
  2. Determine key values or emotions (e.g., hope, kindness, faith, joy).
  3. Develop a descriptive tagline or phrase that summarizes the series (e.g., “Living Generously” or “Heroes of Faith”).
• Example: For a series on generosity, your theme might include keywords like abundance, kindness, and blessing. </aside>

<aside> 2️⃣

Understand the Target Audience

• Purpose: Ensure the visuals resonate with the intended age group.
• Steps:
  1. Analyze the audience's preferences, behaviors, and development stages:
     • Preschoolers (HEROES): Bright, simple, playful designs with easily recognizable shapes and icons.
     • Grades 1-3 (CHAMPIONS): Fun, adventurous, slightly more detailed graphics with relatable characters.
     • Grades 4-6 (LEGENDS): Bold, modern, dynamic visuals with a “cool” factor.
  2. Consider color schemes, icons, and typography that appeal to the age group.
  3. Align visuals with what the audience is familiar with (e.g., trends in kids’ media, cartoons, or social themes). </aside>

<aside> 3️⃣

Create a Mood Board

• Purpose: Build a visual direction for the branding.
• Steps:
  1. Collect images, textures, colors, and design elements that reflect the theme.
  2. Include inspiration from nature, pop culture, or daily life. Pinterest is our best friend!
  3. Present your mood board to leaders for alignment. </aside>

<aside> 4️⃣

Develop a Visual Identity

• Purpose: Create the foundational elements that will be used consistently across materials.
• Steps:
  • Logo or Icon: Design a series logo or icon that reflects the theme. Ensure it is versatile for multiple uses (digital, print, videos).
  • Color Palette:
    • Choose 3–4 primary colors that fit the tone of the series.
    • Add secondary/accent colors for highlights or depth.
    • Use bright, cheerful colors for younger kids and slightly muted or vibrant tones for older kids.
  • Typography:
    • Select fonts that are easy to read but visually engaging.
    • Use playful, rounded fonts for preschoolers and bold, sleek fonts for older kids.
  • Imagery:
    • Design or choose illustrations, icons, or photos that visually communicate the series.
    • Consider character mascots or visual metaphors that resonate with the age group. </aside>

<aside> 5️⃣

Create a Design System

• Purpose: Establish rules and templates for how visuals are used across all materials.
• Steps:
  1. Layout Templates:
     • Design templates for slides, activity sheets, and social media posts.
     • Include placeholders for text, icons, and images.
  2. Graphic Elements:
     • Develop reusable icons, shapes, and patterns (e.g., arrows, stars, speech bubbles).
  3. Photo Treatments:
     • Use overlays, filters, or borders that align with the brand aesthetic. </aside>

<aside> 6️⃣

Design Content-Specific Elements

• Purpose: Ensure the branding enhances and supports each element of the curriculum.
• Steps:
  • BIG IDEA Visuals: Create a bold, eye-catching design for weekly BIG IDEAS that tie into the main theme.
  • Memory Verse Visuals: Design engaging and age-appropriate verse visuals with illustrations.
  • Devo Guides: Include fun design elements like borders, character illustrations, or themed doodles.
  • Video Branding:
    • Create an animated intro/outro for video lessons.
    • Add lower-thirds and overlays for scripture or quotes.
  • Playlist: Create a playlist of background music and sound effects that can help enhance the overall experience. </aside>

<aside> 7️⃣

Test Across Media

• Purpose: Ensure the branding works in all formats.
• Steps:
  1. Mockup designs for:
     • Print (booklets, flyers, banners).
     • Digital (slides, social media graphics, videos).
     • Physical (classroom props or decorations).
  2. Check readability and clarity of visuals in small and large formats.
  3. Adapt designs for black-and-white printing if necessary. </aside>

<aside> 8️⃣

Build a Style Guide

• Purpose: Provide clear instructions for consistent use of branding.
• Steps:
  1. Include color codes (HEX, RGB, CMYK).
  2. Specify font names and weights.
  3. Provide guidelines for logo placement and size.
  4. Include do’s and don’ts for using graphic elements.
  5. Provide templates for slides, handouts, and social media posts. </aside>

<aside> 9️⃣

Roll Out the Branding

• Purpose: Introduce the branding to all involved team members.
• Steps:
  1. Present final designs to the team.
  2. Provide templates and assets to teachers and media teams.
  3. Create a checklist for consistent branding in all materials. </aside>

GUIDELINES

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