Basics of Graphic Design with Advanced Canva

What is Graphic Design?

Graphic design is the art and science of creating visual content to communicate messages effectively. It integrates typography, imagery, colors, and layout to provoke emotions, deliver ideas, and engage audiences.

Graphic design is built upon core principles that ensure visual harmony and effective communication. The key principles include:

What is Color Theory?

Color theory explains how colors interact, influence emotions, and create meaning in visual design. Understanding the color wheel and its components helps designers choose harmonious palettes for their work.

Typography is the art of arranging type to make text legible, readable, and visually appealing. It plays a crucial role in design aesthetics and communication.

Canva is an online design tool with an easy-to-use interface, allowing users to create professional designs with drag-and-drop features.

Templates are pre-designed layouts that serve as a foundation for creating visually appealing designs with minimal effort. They help designers and non-designers save time while maintaining a professional look.

Customization is key to making templates unique and aligning them with a brand or specific communication goal. This lesson will cover how to personalize designs using images, text, and fonts.

Social media graphics play a crucial role in branding and audience engagement. Well-designed visuals attract attention, communicate messages effectively, and enhance the overall impact of posts.

Task: Design an Event Poster for a Local Community Event

To apply the concepts learned, participants will create a community event poster using Canva. The task involves:

Layers in graphic design refer to the stacking of different design elements on top of one another. Each element—such as text, images, shapes, or icons—is considered a separate layer. Canva automatically creates layers whenever you add a new element to your design.

This day focuses on real-world applications of Canva, portfolio development, and advanced customization. The final session includes peer review and feedback, allowing students to refine their work through constructive criticism.

A portfolio is a collection of a designer’s best work, showcasing skills and creativity. Canva makes it easy to build a professional and visually appealing portfolio.