This week we were asked to pick an organization and use Canva, an online design platform, to create 4 social media elements for the company of our choice. I wanted to choose something this week different from the others, so I took on designing for the jewelry company Kendra Scott. Now Canva, thankfully, was not a new tool for me. I have used Canva in the past to assist on graphic design-like projects before I took this class and had any relationship with Photoshop and InDesign. It proved useful, easy to use, and I was exciting to meet a familiar friend this week.
I was exciting to jump into designing, but did quickly realize how hard it is to create something meaningful, get your message across, but not over cramp the post. While creating social media may seem easy, and while at times it is, I had a hard time deciding what should be incorporated and what should not. However, I had fun playing with different designs and working with the tool.
Ultimately, I like my designs but do feel as though they could use some sprucing up. I like the concepts, but I’m sure there is a more effective way to present my materials. I felt as though this assignment was a great introduction to potential future projects (in school or the workforce!) and definitely got me thinking creatively. I like my work, but I am also excited to work with more content in the future to nail down my social media skills. I think I reacted the way I did to my work because I was expecting it to be easier than it was, leaving me a little unpleased. But ultimately, I like what I created and think it would be viable to a company like Kendra Scott!
I think Canva is extremely useful. It has elements such as shapes, photos, and backgrounds that allow you to creates pieces of art easily and in a matter of minutes. I think it’s the perfect starting ground for a designer and has elements that surpass anything I could do on a program at the level I am at now. However, there are limitations such as fonts, a need to purchase items, and not always being able to have things exactly the way you want them. I cannot simply “photoshop” something out of a picture or make extreme edits. However, I do believe Canva is a useful tool and can create glamorous posts, invitations, and other products with ease and with limited time. I think a PR practitioner could incorporate this tool into everyday work.
