Canva Design Basics: Where to Learn More

Learning Objectives

• Find reliable sources of design inspiration for your Canva projects
• Navigate Canva's Design School tutorials and learning resources
• Use templates effectively across different project types
• Connect with the Canva community for ongoing support and feedback

Introduction

Now that you've got the basics down, you'll want to keep learning and finding fresh ideas for your designs. This chapter shows you where to look for inspiration, how to make the most of Canva's built-in resources, and how to connect with other designers who can help you improve.

Lessons

Finding Design Inspiration

Good design ideas don't appear from thin air. Here's where to look:

Step 1: Start with Canva's Design School
Access this through your Canva dashboard. You'll find tutorials, case studies, and examples of effective design work.

Step 2: Browse external inspiration sites

• Pinterest: Search for specific design styles or project types
• Behance: Look at professional design portfolios
• Dribbble: See current design trends and techniques

Step 3: Save what catches your eye
Create a folder on your device or use Pinterest boards to collect designs that inspire you. Note what specifically appeals to you – the colours, layout, or typography.

Using Canva's Design School

Canva's Design School is your best starting point for improving your skills.

Step 1: Access Design School
Click on 'Learn' in your Canva menu, then select 'Design School'.

Step 2: Choose your learning path
Browse by topic (colour theory, typography, branding) or by project type (social media, presentations, marketing materials).

Step 3: Apply what you learn
Don't just read – try out the techniques in your own projects straight away. This helps the knowledge stick.

Getting the Most from Templates

Templates aren't just time-savers – they're learning tools.

Step 1: Choose templates strategically
Pick templates that are slightly more complex than what you'd normally create. This pushes your skills forward.

Step 2: Analyse before customising
Before changing anything, look at how the template is structured. What makes it work? How are elements arranged?

Step 3: Adapt, don't just fill in
Change colours, fonts, and layout elements to understand how each affects the overall design.

Connecting with the Canva Community

Other users can be your best teachers.

Step 1: Join the community forum
Access this through your Canva account dashboard under 'Community'.

Step 2: Participate actively
Ask specific questions, share your work for feedback, and help others when you can.

Step 3: Follow design challenges
Many community members run design challenges that help you practise new skills.

Practice

Create a mood board in Canva using inspiration from at least three different sources. Include images, colour palettes, and typography examples that could work together in a future project. Share your mood board in the Canva community forum and ask for feedback on your choices.

FAQs

What makes Canva's Design School different from other design tutorials?
It's specifically tailored to Canva's tools and features, so everything you learn can be applied directly in the platform.

Can I use designs I find on Pinterest as inspiration without copying them?
Yes, use them for inspiration but create your own original work. Look at what makes them effective rather than copying elements directly.

How often should I check the community forum?
Weekly engagement works well – enough to stay connected and learn from others without becoming overwhelming.

Do I need to upgrade to Canva Pro to access all learning resources?
No, Design School and the community forum are free. However, Pro gives you access to more templates and design elements to practise with.

Jargon Buster

Templates: Pre-designed layouts you can customise with your own content and branding.

Typography: The style and arrangement of text in your design, including font choice, size, and spacing.

Mood board: A collection of images, colours, and text that represents the visual direction for a project.

Design School: Canva's free learning platform with tutorials and design guidance.

Community forum: Online space where Canva users share advice, feedback, and design challenges.

Wrap-up

You now know where to find inspiration, how to learn new skills, and how to connect with other designers. The key is to keep practising and trying new approaches. Set aside time each week to explore one new tutorial or template style. Your design skills will improve steadily as you combine learning with regular practice.

Ready to take your Canva skills further? Join our community at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership