Overview
You don’t need to be a designer to create effective visual content—but you do need to understand some fundamentals. This course teaches non-designers who create visual content as part of their jobs to use Canva confidently, applying basic design principles that make their work look professional.
You’ll learn design fundamentals accessible to non-designers, use templates safely and effectively, apply basic layout, alignment, and hierarchy principles, avoid common design mistakes, create presentations, flyers, and simple graphics, stay on brand using provided templates, and export and share content confidently. Whether you’re creating occasional presentations or regular marketing materials, you’ll produce work you’re proud to share.
Format: 1 Day | VILT or Onsite
Who Should Attend
- Non-designers who create visual content
- Administrative staff handling marketing materials
- Subject matter experts creating their own content
- Anyone without design training who needs to make things look good
What You’ll Learn
- Apply design fundamentals for non-designers
- Use templates safely and effectively
- Apply layout, alignment, and hierarchy principles
- Avoid common design mistakes
- Create presentations, flyers, and simple graphics
- Stay on brand using provided templates
- Export and share content confidently
Course Outline
Module 1: Design Fundamentals for Non-Designers
- What makes design “work”
- Visual communication basics
- Understanding your audience
- Setting realistic expectations
Module 2: Working with Templates
- Finding appropriate templates
- Safe template customization
- What to change and what to leave alone
- When templates work and when they don’t
Module 3: Layout and Alignment
- Basic layout principles
- Alignment and spacing
- Visual balance
- Using grids and guides
Module 4: Visual Hierarchy
- Guiding the viewer’s eye
- Size, color, and position
- Emphasizing what matters
- Creating clear focal points
Module 5: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too much text
- Poor font choices
- Cluttered layouts
- Inconsistent styling
Module 6: Creating and Sharing
- Presentations that communicate
- Flyers and simple graphics
- Staying on brand
- Exporting and sharing confidently
Prerequisites & Technical Requirements
- No formal design background required
- Canva account (free or Pro)
Customization Options
This course can focus on the specific content types you create most often—presentations, flyers, social posts, or internal documents. We can work with your organization’s templates and brand guidelines to build practical skills you’ll use immediately.