About Trenton
Trenton has spent his career at the intersection of ministry and design — first inside the church, now building brands for the organizations trying to change something.
Today, he is the founder and director of Creative Arts Department, a Midwest Design Studio, and serves as Creative Director at Black Fox Media. He writes here about the creativity and how to find a creative rhythm of life.
Now
Founder & Director — Creative Arts Department · 2023–present
A creative studio working with churches and ministry-driven organizations.
[Brand strategy, identity systems, graphic design, and strategic consulting]
Creative Director — Black Fox Media · present
Leading creative direction for the agency's brand and client work.
Writer — Laffoon · present
Essays on creativity, the Imago Dei, and designing for change.
Before
Church Planter - Freshwater Church · 2.5 years
Planted a new church in Evanston, IL
Executive Pastor - Evangel Church · 4.5 years
Oversaw staff, budget, and ministries. Preached regularly. Built and directed the church's creative and communications department.
Youth Pastor - Evangel Church · 4 years
What youth pastors do.
Books
Sensus Divinitatis: A Theology of Creativity
This book reveals that creativity isn't a secular pursuit separate from faith, but a sacred reflection of being made in God's image.
Design Like God: A Creative Bible Study
Taking that theology off the page and into practice, for individuals and teams.
The short version
Fifteen years in ministry. No design school. Entrepreneur, Partnered agency, two books, and a growing pile of essays.
"I've learned most of it the expensive way — by getting it wrong in public. My detours could be somebody else's shortcuts. That's what this site is for."
Elsewhere
Creative Arts Department · Black Fox Media · Instagram · LinkedIn · Email
Kansas City, MO