Day 1: Introduction to Canva & Graphic Design Basics
- What is graphic design?
- Overview of Canva – signing up, exploring the interface
- Types of design (social media, posters, presentations, etc.)
- Basic design principles: color, font, layout, and alignment
- Hands-on: Create your Canva account and explore templates
Day 2: Working with Text & Fonts
- Understanding typography: font pairing, hierarchy, spacing
- Customizing text in Canva
- Using Canva’s text effects (curve, shadow, etc.)
- Hands-on: Create a quote poster using fonts and styles
Day 3: Colors, Palettes & Branding
- Color theory basics: complementary, triadic, analogous
- Creating custom color palettes
- Using Canva’s Brand Kit (for Pro users) or manual palette
- Hands-on: Design a brand color scheme and apply it to a template
Day 4: Layouts & Composition
- Grid system, balance, and visual hierarchy
- Working with white space
- Canva’s layout and alignment tools
- Hands-on: Create a clean, balanced flyer design
Day 5: Shapes, Icons & Elements
- Using icons, lines, frames, and shapes in design
- Creative ways to use basic elements
- Sourcing free icons and illustrations
- Hands-on: Design a creative infographic using icons and elements
Day 6: Working with Images & Backgrounds
- Uploading and editing images in Canva
- Background remover (Pro feature), filters, transparency
- Using Canva’s stock photos effectively
- Hands-on: Design a social media post using images and overlays
Day 7: Animations & Video Posts
- Introduction to motion graphics
- Adding transitions and animated elements
- Creating short video content with Canva
- Hands-on: Create a 10-second animated Instagram story
Day 8: Design for Social Media
- Understanding platform sizes (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc.)
- Tips for engagement-friendly designs
- Scheduling posts using Canva’s Content Planner (Pro)
- Hands-on: Design a week’s worth of social media posts
Day 9: Personal Projects & Feedback
- Students choose a personal design project (poster, resume, invite, etc.)
- Instructor gives feedback and design tips
- Hands-on: Begin working on personal projects
Day 10: Showcase & Certification
- Final project presentation
- Group feedback and Q&A session
- Canva design tips & next steps (like Canva Design School)
- Award participation certificates (optional)