There’s nothing “basic” about great graphic design, but there are some easy elements to consider and some you should avoid before you start designing! Here’s a sneak peek into our members only resource this month: DO: Be Consistent with your Branding Beyond the use of your logo, typography, colors, and photos in a design, using them consistently (and correctly) is essential in launching and sustaining your brand. All these elements as a whole bring your brand to life! Your logo isn’t your whole brand, but it is the basis upon which you will build everything else. It’s the most visible branding asset that people will identify as you or your business. Be sure it is legible, not pixilated or stretched. If you don’t have a brand guide, consider investing in one to establish all of your brand elements – especially if you have a team of designers or are going to be outsourcing design work. Choose and use fonts (probably some used in your logo) consistently across your pieces. Same for colors – over time, the repetition of color usage, font usage, and your logo will solidify your ‘look’ and make yourself easily identifiable in a sea of businesses. [...]

You want to know the number one reason the swHw Business Tracker contains the format I’ve kept for myself over the years? Because I’m a sinner. (I’ll give you a minute to get over your shock – ha!) But truthfully, I am prone to sin. I am prone to wander. So the four words on the front of the tracker is the most important component of the swHw business tracker: keep my hustle holy. Now, hustle can bring out all kinds of emotions. Some people are anti-hustle because when they think “hustle,” they think no days off, and work days full of comparison, competition and cutthroat activity. But holy hustle doesn’t mean we hurry through Kingdom work or tirelessly pursue our own selfish gain. Holy hustle is a commitment to Kingdom work that is driven by prayer and action. As my friend Andy Savage puts it, it’s working in such a way that “asks God to act perfectly on our behalf instead of us trying to act imperfectly on His behalf." (I’m gonna give you time to make sure you “Amen’ed” that!) But friends, the last thing we want to do is attempt to work for God without consulting [...]