Freshen Up Your Visuals: A Designer’s Summer Checklist for Churches

Summer naturally feels like a reset. It’s lighter, a little less packed (depending on the ministry) and a perfect time for reflection and refreshment. Summer is an ideal time to refresh your visual content so you’re ready to step into fall with clarity, confidence and creativity.

Why Summer Visual Maintenance Matters

Good design is more than aesthetics … it’s about welcoming people in, communicating clearly and encouraging next steps. When visuals are fresh, consistent and thoughtful, they quietly build trust and create connection.

Summer gives churches a natural pause to look at what’s working visually and make small but meaningful updates before the fall ministry season picks up speed.

Where to Focus: A Designer’s Summer Checklist

1. Audit and Refresh Your Visuals

Use this slower season to take a good look at your communication tools:

• Social media templates: Are they still serving you well? Do they feel fresh and aligned with your brand?
• Website graphics: Check your banners, hero images and key pages. Are the visuals current and consistent?
• Print materials: Take a look at flyers, signage and handouts. Is your messaging and branding up to date?

This is also a great time to audit how your brand is being used across different platforms. A few small adjustments toward brand consistency can make a big difference in creating a cohesive and welcoming experience.

2. Prioritize Social Media Templates

If you’re short on time or budget, start with your social media templates. They’re some of your most visible communication pieces and are seen by both your congregation and your broader community.

Investing in a few flexible, on-brand templates can help you:

• Save time week to week
• Create a more polished, professional presence
• Stay consistent without looking repetitive (just be careful not to overuse the exact same layout for everything)

Strong social templates help set the tone for all your other visual communications.

Signs It Might Be Time for a Visual Refresh

How do you know if it’s time to update your visuals? Here are a few clues:

• Ministries are creating their own designs that don’t really match your church’s overall look
• Your social feeds feel chaotic or disjointed—take a quick scroll through Instagram or Facebook. If the brand voice and style aren’t clear and cohesive, it’s time for a realignment

A little intentionality now can save a lot of confusion and inconsistency later!

Why Good Design Matters in Ministry

Design isn’t just about making things pretty—it’s about clarity, hospitality and connection.

Every piece of visual communication, whether a flyer, website banner or social media post—is an opportunity to:

• Help someone feel seen and welcomed
• Clearly communicate an important message
• Guide someone to take a next step toward community and faith

In many ways, your design is your doormat—the first impression people have of your church. Make it count!

Need Some Help?

If your church could use a hand refreshing your visual brand or creating a set of flexible templates, we’d love to come alongside you. A little summer work now can set you up for an amazing fall season.

We'd love to help you freshen up and move your visual communication forward. Reach out so we can start a no-strings-attached conversation!