What should you not do with simple graphics?

• A. Add excessive borders
• B. Use only grayscale
• C. Don’t overcomplicate it
• D. Use small thumbnails

Answer: (C)

Keep graphics simple and uncluttered so the message comes through quickly and clearly. When you don’t overcomplicate visuals, the viewer’s eye is drawn to the main point instead of getting lost in extra details. This is especially important in ministry materials, where messages need to be understood at a glance whether they’re viewed on a screen, printed handout, or poster from a distance.

The guideline is to avoid adding elements that create visual noise—things like unnecessary borders, busy textures, too many colors, or tiny details that don’t serve the message. Instead, aim for a clean layout, a restrained color palette, readable typography, and a single focal point. If you’re unsure, simplify further and strip out anything nonessential. The other options describe specific design choices that can be appropriate in certain contexts, but they don’t capture the overarching principle as effectively as not overcomplicating the graphic.