Canva: Exploring my options!

I am designing an online publication using the free version Canva. It is a program I was introduced to recently by a Teacher-Librarian friend, Selena, who uses it often for her print and online library promotions and publications. She has the paid subscription version, which she funds out of her library subscription budget, and she has a nice colour laser printer for her print publications. She says is worth it due to the many customization features. Prior to this assignment, I hadn't ever used Canva. I am very familiar with Microsoft Publisher, and have used that for years to create publications for home and school, but I wanted an online option that offered more features and customization. Canva seemed the perfect thing to try!

Graphic by Rachelle, using Canva.

I began by playing around on my own, then followed this tutorial which I initially found a bit basic, but the advanced tips proved quite valuable! My main challenge was in deciding on a format, template, colour scheme and so-on for the final publication. I wanted to do this in consultation with some of the more artistically-minded members of my department, but first, I had to come up with some options.

So many templates!!!

The great thing about options, particularly when it comes to design, is that they allow a high degree of customization, the chance to be original, and opportunities for self-expression.

The not-so-great thing about options is that you have to eventually decide which one to pursue. I value my ability to see the potential in almost everything and everyone; my husband thinks it's one my best traits.😋 I pride myself in taking something less than ideal, and turning it into something that works - and looks great too. Case in point: any classroom I've ever called my own!

So what happens when I'm faced with Canva's cornucopia of beautiful templates in all the colours of the rainbow, all of which could potentially work for my project? Well, it turns out that I spend a lot of time narrowing them down, then a lot MORE time seeking (often contradictory) advice from others, then EVEN MORE time second-guessing, fiddling and waffling on my final decision.

Decisions, decisions.

The great thing about collaboration is that you get a variety of points of view on an issue, and a variety of suggestions on how to improve something. Collaboration opens dialogue, encourages expression and, ideally, helps one come to the best potential decision.

The not-so-great thing about collaboration is when everyone you consult has a strong opinion, but there's no clear consensus on one that everyone likes! For the final layout of my project, I (finally) narrowed it down to 3 templates, then consulted 2 colleagues in the Socials Department, our Department Head, a colleague who teaches art and graphic design and four grade 11 students in Yearbook. It took a lot more time to pin these stakeholders down, explain my vision and seek their input. This becomes inconvenient when  you need to get a project done by a certain deadline (ahem, December 2nd). I had originally tried to do this via email, but my request got lost in the torrent in the usual work correspondence and I had no replies. "OK." I said to myself, "in person it is!"

In the end, I went with the choice that was most popular with two of the students, one Socials colleague and the art and graphic design teacher, and I am happy with my decision!

At this point, I feel like I am 80% of the way towards completing my final vision project. There have definitely been more struggles and I have many more stories to share (especially after this week's Ministry announcement regarding the New Curriculum). Because I like surprises (and I hope you do too) I will save the best and most juciest parts for my final blog post!

Signing off until next week!