Next Steps & Resources

Learning Objectives

• Discover resources to continue developing your Canva skills beyond the basics
• Learn where to find help when you're stuck on a design challenge
• Understand how to stay updated with Canva's latest features and updates
• Identify opportunities to expand your design knowledge and apply it practically

Introduction

You've covered the fundamentals of Canva and created your first designs. Now it's time to think about what comes next. This chapter shows you where to go from here, whether you want to tackle more complex projects, learn advanced techniques, or simply stay current with new features. We'll point you towards the best resources and help you plan your continued learning.

Lessons

Canva's Built-in Learning Resources

Canva offers several ways to keep learning right within the platform. These resources are updated regularly and cover everything from basic tutorials to advanced design techniques.

Step 1: Access Canva's Design School from your homepage by clicking the "Learn" tab in the main navigation.

Step 2: Browse the tutorials by category – you'll find topics like colour theory, typography, and brand design.

Step 3: Watch the video tutorials at your own pace and bookmark useful ones for later reference.

Step 4: Try the suggested exercises after each tutorial to practice what you've learned.

Canva's Help Centre is also worth exploring. Use the search function to find answers to specific questions or browse the categories for general guidance.

Staying Updated with New Features

Canva regularly adds new features, templates, and tools. Here's how to stay informed without getting overwhelmed.

Step 1: Check the "What's New" section in your Canva dashboard – it appears as a notification bell or announcement banner.

Step 2: Follow Canva's official blog for detailed explanations of new features and how to use them.

Step 3: Subscribe to Canva's newsletter if you want updates delivered to your inbox.

Step 4: Join Canva's community forums where users discuss new features and share tips.

This is the bit most people miss – new features often solve problems you didn't know you had, so it's worth checking in monthly.

Building Your Design Skills Further

Once you're comfortable with Canva's basics, you can start exploring more advanced design concepts that will improve any tool you use.

Design Fundamentals: Learn about composition, balance, and visual hierarchy. These principles apply whether you're using Canva or any other design tool.

Colour Theory: Understanding how colours work together will help you make better design choices and create more professional-looking work.

Typography: Explore font pairing, readability, and how text can convey mood and meaning beyond just words.

Brand Design: If you're creating content for a business or personal brand, learn about consistency, brand voice, and visual identity.

Many of these topics are covered in Canva's Design School, but you can also find excellent resources through online courses, design blogs, and YouTube channels.

Connecting with Other Canva Users

The Canva community is active and helpful. Here's how to tap into it.

Step 1: Join Canva's official Facebook group or LinkedIn community where users share tips, templates, and inspiration.

Step 2: Participate in design challenges – these are regular events where users create designs around a specific theme or brief.

Step 3: Share your own work and ask for feedback when you're stuck or want to improve.

Step 4: Follow other users whose work you admire and see how they approach different design challenges.

Roll your sleeves up and get involved – the community is generally welcoming to beginners who are eager to learn.

Practice

Create a learning plan for the next month. Choose one area you want to improve – perhaps colour use, typography, or social media design. Find three resources (tutorials, articles, or videos) that address this topic and schedule time to work through them. Then create a practice project that applies what you've learned.

FAQs

Can I access Canva's advanced features without upgrading my account?
Many advanced tutorials and design principles can be learned and applied even with a free account. However, some specific features like background remover or premium templates require a paid subscription.

How often should I check for new Canva features?
Monthly check-ins are usually sufficient. Canva doesn't change dramatically overnight, so you won't miss anything critical by checking less frequently.

Are there any free alternatives to Canva's paid resources?
Yes, many design principles can be learned through free online resources, YouTube tutorials, and design blogs. The key is understanding the fundamentals, which you can then apply in any tool.

Jargon Buster

Design School: Canva's built-in educational platform offering tutorials, courses, and design resources

Visual Hierarchy: The arrangement of design elements to show their order of importance

Brand Identity: The visual elements that represent a brand, including colours, fonts, and imagery style

Composition: How elements are arranged within a design to create balance and visual interest

Wrap-up

You now have a solid foundation in Canva and know where to look for continued learning. The key is to keep practicing and gradually tackle more challenging projects. Don't try to learn everything at once – pick one area to focus on and build your skills methodically. Remember that good design is about solving problems and communicating clearly, not just making things look pretty.

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