Canva - The simple graphic design solution

Created in Canva!

APP

Canva

PLATFORM

IOS, Android, Windows

app RATING

       

MAPPING

Events, Marketing, Event Production

What a fabulous canvas to work on!

Canva describes themselves as a free-to-use online graphic design tool. It’s a place where users can create just about any promotional material required for marketing, promotions and event production. Canva was a real disruptor in the graphic design industry where clients previously had to rely on someone else’s expensive graphic design software and expertise to create innovative marketing material. Times have changed and Canva brought creativity and simplicity to the user. Now; anyone can create beautiful and professional designs for their print and social media presence.

What does Canva offer?

Canva provides a platform where users can create a range of marketing material ranging from infographics to websites. Canva content is organised into eight key categories; Logo, Docs, Whiteboard, Presentations, Social-Media, Videos, Print Products, and Websites. 

For users who still struggle with design concepts, Canva is full of innovative and inspirational templates that empower the user to design and create personalised and professional material fit for their purpose. The user has access to a comprehensive selection template that can be used as they are or tailored to make it their own.

Searching for templates?

HOME PAGE

The home page shows the key categories. The user can also view previous designs and begin a new search.

search categories

There many templates to choose from, seen here are whiteboards flyers and postcards. Swiping left reveals many more. 

Find template

I chose flyers. Once that selection is made the application   reveals the templates in greater detail.

NAVIGATION BAR

Use the navigation bar to jump between  elements, (explained to the right) text options, drawing and you can also upload your own images.

WHAT ARE ELEMENTS?

Elements are the creative features that bring your project to life. Choose shapes, frames, images, videos, the selection on offer is comprehensive.

The website is great but it's also mobile

Canva is easily accessible via the Canva app and it's quite remarkable how functional it is on a small screen. The portability allows users to begin a new project at any-time. Users can literally create a new flyer while sitting on a train travelling to work. The app is also ideal for those times when you notice an error in a project. It’s simple to log in and make a change, and update the project when not at the desk.

What are the downsides?

The canvas website is massive!  There's so much content and so many options, and it can become overwhelming. But stick with it because your creativity will be boosted and the results will be amazing.

Canva is free for everyone and offers an abundance of innovative templates, images and graphics. But remember when things are free there is always a catch! Sometimes some of the images or graphics may be more appealing than others and in many cases those ones come with a price tag. To gain access to the innovative images and features; Canva Pro or Canva Teams  may need to be purchased. 

Stephen's Take

Canva is an ideal platform for teachers to keep current with new innovations in marketing and the technology that allows individuals to take control of their own marketing needs. By taking advantage of the Canva app teachers can realise the flexibility for developing marketing and promotional material. The greatest advantage for us now is anyone can access it for free and we don’t need to rely on an IT department to do it.

Stephen

Unit of Competency Mapping

 


Content in this article relates to the following units of competency

Coordinate marketing activities

Manage event production components

Source and use information on the events industry

Please note; the purpose of this article is to introduce current hospitality trends. The content broadly applies to the units of competency listed. It is not intended that all content in this article maps directly to all performance evidence and knowledge evidence in the unit of competency. 

Teacher Resources

Bring your teacher currency to the classroom! Try the following documents and website links!

Canva Website

Article and photos original by Stephen Duncan

Posted 04 October 2024

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