Visit the UCCF website
Open menu

Design is all around us, shaping the spaces we live in, the objects we use, the ways we communicate, the interface of our apps and even the layouts of our cities. Design is a deeply human activity, an interplay between aesthetics and function. As Christian designers, we are part of a discipline that shapes how people experience and interact with the world. But what does it mean to bring our faith into this field? How does a knowledge of God shape our understanding of design, and how can we reflect His character in our work and how we work 

In this article, we’ll explore what it looks like to approach design through a biblical lens and engage with the challenges unique to the discipline. We’ll explore how design aligns with the biblical mandate to care for creation, worship God, and witness to the world, and hopefully offer encouragement for bringing our faith and our studies/work together. 

Working for the wellbeing of creation

God has established Himself as the ultimate Designer. Genesis 1 reveals a Creator who brought order out of chaos, crafting a world teeming with life, beauty, and functionality. We certainly cannot create like this, but as designers, we are uniquely positioned to reflect God’s image through creativity and innovation. In Genesis 1:28, we are called to “fill the earth and subdue it”, a command that invites us to steward creation, and design is one way we can fulfil this mandate. As designers, our work contributes to this stewardship, whether by creating accessible spaces, sustainable products, or visual tools that communicate truth. 

In the book ‘God, Technology, and the Christian Life’, Tony Reinke writes: “Creativity... is the art of listening to the Creator, the art of following out the patterns and possibilities that God coded into creation.” Designers discover these possibilities and have the privilege of bringing them to the world. 

Here are three characteristics of design that might be helpful to think about at this point:  

  • Design is inherently relational.  
    Whether designing for individuals or communities, we will always be considering the end user’s needs. How might an 80-year-old man interact with this table and chair, compared to an 18-year-old woman? This relational aspect of design aligns beautifully with the biblical call to love and serve others. 
  • Design has a distinct role in addressing the brokenness of the world. 
    The fall has affected every aspect of life, including the systems and people we design for. Issues like waste, inequality, and unethical practices in industries such as fashion and architecture call for a redemptive response. As followers of Jesus, we can advocate for sustainability and justice, echoing the Father’s heart for restoration. 
  • Design plays a key role in culture-making.  
    Design shapes the way people see the world and interact with it. Our work has the power to influence values and challenge injustices. By engaging with our studies thoughtfully and creatively, we can contribute to a cultural landscape that reflects God’s kingdom values. 

Worshipping the God we work for

Design is an act of exploration, revealing the fingerprints of God in the materials, forms, and systems we engage with. Just as scientists uncover the marvels of DNA, designers experience awe in the process of creation. This awe should naturally lead us to worship the Creator.  

In Psalm 19:1, we’re reminded, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” Just as creation reveals God’s character, the act of designing offers us a chance to reflect on, and respond to, His creativity. The principles of proportion, symmetry, and harmony that guide good design echo God’s order. When we experiment with colour theory or refine a user interface, we’re participating in a divine tradition of creativity. 

The act of designing can deepen our relationship with God. When we face a blank page or a challenging brief, we’re reminded of our dependence on Him for inspiration and perseverance. Prayer can become part of our creative process - asking for wisdom, clarity, and the ability to communicate truth through our work. When we approach design with humility, acknowledging our dependence on God, our creative process becomes a dialogue with the Creator. This perspective transforms even mundane tasks into acts of devotion, aligning our work with God’s purposes and renewing our hearts in the process. 

But design also confronts us with the brokenness of creation. Flaws, failures, and frustrations are inevitable in a fallen world, and these can either discourage or deepen our reliance on God. As we wrestle with challenges or clunky design cycles, we can let them draw us closer to Him, trusting that even our struggles can be part of His redeeming and refining work in our lives (and our designs).  

Moreover, design reveals aspects of God’s character. The intricacy of a blueprint or the elegance of a typeface reflects His attention to detail. The diversity of creative styles points to His boundless imagination. And the act of solving problems for the benefit of others mirrors His sacrificial love. As we study and practice design, we should take time to reflect on how our work reveals His character and let this spur us to worship. 

Witnessing to the world

Design transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, making it a powerful tool for communication. ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ and all. Our work can embody and convey the gospel in ways that words alone cannot. We don’t need to add a cross to the bottom of everything we make to in order for it to witness to the world. But when we explore themes such as identity, beauty and purpose, we are engaging in topics that can point to Jesus and his restoration. For example, a project focused on sustainability might lead to discussions about stewarding God’s creation.  

But don’t fret, if our work isn’t explicitly exploring topics like these, simply seeking to make something well, points to a design process God himself engages with. Design is inherently about bringing order out of chaos - seeing the potential in a collection of materials to become a building or a piece of furniture – design is a process that mirrors God’s creative and redemptive work. Colossians 1:17 reminds us, “In Him all things hold together.” This includes the principles and processes of design. When we see coherence, beauty, and purpose in our work, we should use these moments as opportunities to share the gospel, showing how Christ is the ultimate Designer who holds creation together. 

Finally, our conduct as a designer will speak volumes. In an industry often driven by competition and self-promotion, humility and integrity stand out. When we give credit where it’s due, approach critique with grace, or advocate for ethical practices, we reflect the character of Christ. A critique of our work might open the door to sharing how our faith shapes our approach to hard feedback and criticism. In a field where personal style and ideas often feel like an extension of our identity, it’s essential to remember that our worth is not defined by our portfolio or on the feedback of others. Our identity is rooted in Christ (Ephesians 2:10), and this truth can free us from the pressure to derive value from our output alone. Whether we’re working in a studio or presenting to our peers, our work and conduct can point others to Christ.

Conclusion

Design often involves constant revisions, and an exhaustive pressure to innovate. But when it’s good, it’s wonderful! Not a lot compares to turning the idea you had in your head into a reality. And even more than that, as a Christian designer, we have the unique privilege of working for the good of God’s creation, worshipping Him through our creativity, and witnessing to others in a field that shapes culture and society. 

So press on. Seek and strive to make beauty, trusting that God is using your studies and work for His glory. Pray for perseverance, creativity, and courage, knowing that your efforts are part of a much larger story - one in which every detail matters to the ultimate Designer. 

Let your time at university be a season of growth - not only in technical skills but also in your walk with Christ. Remember, you are ultimately designing not just for people, but for the glory of God. 

Reflect and discuss

Think: Think back over what you have studied so far in your degree. Where have you seen God's fingerprints? Where have ideas presented to you challenged what you believed to be true?

Live: What do you think your coursemates would know about what is important to you from the way you live? Is there anything you want to change here?

Speak: Are there topics in your subject that are closer to talking about your outlook on life, God or the gospel? Pray for people on your course and for opportunities to share about Jesus with them this term.

Taking it further

About the authors

Imogen Maycock

After completing my foundation diploma in art and design, I studied Graphic Design at the Manchester School of Art. I then stayed in the North for a year as a UCCF Relay worker.   Following …

View all resources by Imogen Maycock