 You will receive a Canva link in an email once you subscribe to my awesome newsletter. See my home page. The link will take you directly to the Canva desktop app or mobile app depending on what device you open the link on. This quick video tutorial uses the desktop version. How to customise the templatesHow to download themOnce you have downloaded the files you can use them to create interactive and fun CTA's to your Instagram stories!
*not to be resold or distributed. Copyright of Light and Shine Designs
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 When I first started using Canva (ALL those years ago) I enjoyed my experience, however I found the same templates were always appearing on my Instagram and Facebook feeds, there was no creativity and they all looked the same, you could tell they were Canva templates and hardly any changes had been made. As a graphic designer, this made my creative brain scream, lol. So my mission was to learn to use Canva as a graphic design tool, not a replacement for a graphic designer and to be as creative as possible. After honing in on my Canva skills and learning to think above and beyond the provided templates and graphics I am sharing these skills with you so you can best use this tool for your business. Don't get caught in the same 5 template trap. I have seen these reminder posts floating around social media and think they are so cute, so I created a Canva one for you to have and customise to your brand aesthetic. I hope you find these blogs inspiring and to think outside the Canva box and get the most out of this tool. Side note, I love to create social media content that shines and stands out from the rest, so you can always get in touch and I am happy to get you started with custom templates just for you! Instructions: |
| Use this fun typing animation post to communicate with your followers. You can do multiple words or a sentence. The possibilities are endless. PLEASE NOTE: You will need Canva Pro for this tutorial. |  |
Step by Step:
> Open Canva on your desktop.
> I used a pre existing template, however you can try and recreate the search bar yourself or find one under "elements".
> Open the template (link to template I used click here).
> Choose a background image. Be creative! Can be a colour, pattern or image. DESIGN TIP: make sure it relates to the word you are using or to your brand.
> Type in the first letter of your word in the search bar and also type this | symbol on your keyboard.
> Copy the search bar (right click and copy).
> Create a new page.
> Paste the search bar (right click and paste).
> Type in the next letter of the word in front of the | symbol.
> Repeat the above 3 steps until all the letters of your word are finished. (only adding one letter each time).
> Go to download in the top right hand corner and choose animation (this is where you need a pro account) and select simple and fast make sure Movie is selected.
> Click download.
YOUR DONE!
> I used a pre existing template, however you can try and recreate the search bar yourself or find one under "elements".
> Open the template (link to template I used click here).
> Choose a background image. Be creative! Can be a colour, pattern or image. DESIGN TIP: make sure it relates to the word you are using or to your brand.
> Type in the first letter of your word in the search bar and also type this | symbol on your keyboard.
> Copy the search bar (right click and copy).
> Create a new page.
> Paste the search bar (right click and paste).
> Type in the next letter of the word in front of the | symbol.
> Repeat the above 3 steps until all the letters of your word are finished. (only adding one letter each time).
> Go to download in the top right hand corner and choose animation (this is where you need a pro account) and select simple and fast make sure Movie is selected.
> Click download.
YOUR DONE!
Video Tutorial:
Prefer to watch a video? Then you can watch this quick and easy tutorial I recorded.
If you use this Canva technique, please tag me so I can see your creation.
@carlalouise_designer
Keep Shining,
Carla xx
@carlalouise_designer
Keep Shining,
Carla xx
New website to launch? Or maybe a new resource, course, ebook etc? Want to be able to showcase how it would look if someone was actually scrolling through it? We already know Instagram and Facebook LOVE videos and they get more engagement than photos.
Learn how to do this and make your next launch go off with a BANG!:
Learn how to do this and make your next launch go off with a BANG!:
| In this blog I will take you through just a few simple steps to create your own animated iPhone using the FREE Canva app. This tutorial uses an iPhone, but you can do it with other devices and Android. |  |
Firstly,
You will need to record your video. Open your webiste, resource (i.e. PDF) or instagram account on your phone. Next you will need to record your screen.
 |  |
Secondly,
You will need to use Canva to create your graphic. I recommend doing this on the desktop version as it's easier to control the video. **Make sure you send your screen recording to your computer or laptop where you will be using desktop Canva.
Next,
> Open a new blank Instagram template in Canva.
> Choose a background
> Go to elements
> In the search bar type iPhone
> Choose the iPhone frame with the cloud/grass/sky image inside
> Place it on your background
> Go to Uploads > videos
> Upload your video from where you have saved it on your device
> Drag the video into the phone image
> The video will now be visible in the phone
> Style the image how you like (the video below gives you some ideas using FREE Canva elements
> To Download your video
> Choose Download
> Make sure the settings are on Video (MP4)
> Download
* If you have linked your Canva accounts on your phone app, you can save the design and then reopen it on your phone and save it directly to your camera roll. Handy if you will be posting straight to Instagram from your phone.
> Choose a background
> Go to elements
> In the search bar type iPhone
> Choose the iPhone frame with the cloud/grass/sky image inside
> Place it on your background
> Go to Uploads > videos
> Upload your video from where you have saved it on your device
> Drag the video into the phone image
> The video will now be visible in the phone
> Style the image how you like (the video below gives you some ideas using FREE Canva elements
> To Download your video
> Choose Download
> Make sure the settings are on Video (MP4)
> Download
* If you have linked your Canva accounts on your phone app, you can save the design and then reopen it on your phone and save it directly to your camera roll. Handy if you will be posting straight to Instagram from your phone.
Video Tutorial
I take you through my above steps during this video tutorial, however I also show you a few tricks on adding some flair to your post using free Canva elements.
If you enjoyed this Canva HOW TO, let me know in the comments below OR if you would like to request a tutorial let me know!
If you use this design trick for your next launch, tag me @carlalouise_designer so I can send it some LOVE!
Keep Shining
Carla xx
If you use this design trick for your next launch, tag me @carlalouise_designer so I can send it some LOVE!
Keep Shining
Carla xx
Having to close your business due to coronavirus government restrictions is going to affect so many small businesses. Shutting your doors (TEMPORARILY) after the years of blood, sweat and tears is bound to take a mental and of course, financial toll.
Please remember this is just TEMPORARY, there will be an end to this and you have the opportuntity to COMEBACK stronger than ever.
You can make two choices; hide and disappear or be present and keep fighting. If you choose to fight, I believe you can take this opportunity to build an even bigger client base and online presence and when your doors DO reopen (and they will), you will be ready and waiting.
I know this time is tough, I am right there with you, so I have put together a bunch of Monday to Sunday content ideas so you don't have to stress and use brain power on what to post. It will be different to your normal posts, but that's OK, this is a time to shine, take a side step and adpat to this everchanging situation.
Please remember this is just TEMPORARY, there will be an end to this and you have the opportuntity to COMEBACK stronger than ever.
You can make two choices; hide and disappear or be present and keep fighting. If you choose to fight, I believe you can take this opportunity to build an even bigger client base and online presence and when your doors DO reopen (and they will), you will be ready and waiting.
I know this time is tough, I am right there with you, so I have put together a bunch of Monday to Sunday content ideas so you don't have to stress and use brain power on what to post. It will be different to your normal posts, but that's OK, this is a time to shine, take a side step and adpat to this everchanging situation.
MONDAY POST IDEAS:
- Motivational Monday; post a motivational post.
- Move it Monday; share a post or video of you moving. Doing a silly dance or doing some exercice. You can set an example during this time and show your followers you can still keep moving even if we are staying home.
- Meme Monday; Create a meme or share a funny one that made you giggle. We all need a good laugh to get us through.
- Motivational Monday; post a motivational post.
- Move it Monday; share a post or video of you moving. Doing a silly dance or doing some exercice. You can set an example during this time and show your followers you can still keep moving even if we are staying home.
- Meme Monday; Create a meme or share a funny one that made you giggle. We all need a good laugh to get us through.
TUESDAY POST IDEAS:
- Tip Tuesday; share a tip, share why you are the expert in your field or a tip on using your products (particularly if you are still product selling online during this time)
- Too Good Not to Share Tuesday; share a positive or fun post from another social account.
- Testimonal Tuesday; post old testimonals, remind your clients/customers why used your services or purchased your products. Toot your own horn a little.
- Tip Tuesday; share a tip, share why you are the expert in your field or a tip on using your products (particularly if you are still product selling online during this time)
- Too Good Not to Share Tuesday; share a positive or fun post from another social account.
- Testimonal Tuesday; post old testimonals, remind your clients/customers why used your services or purchased your products. Toot your own horn a little.
WEDNESDAY POST IDEAS:
- Words of Wisdom Wednesday; post an inspiration quote
- Welcome Wednesday; welcome any new followers or give them a shout out if they are a business.
- Who are you? ; post a little bit about yourself, your experiences, your knowledge and skills.
- Words of Wisdom Wednesday; post an inspiration quote
- Welcome Wednesday; welcome any new followers or give them a shout out if they are a business.
- Who are you? ; post a little bit about yourself, your experiences, your knowledge and skills.
THURSDAY POST IDEAS:
- Throwback Thursday; throwback to an old post, reminisce, write a new thought on the post
- Thoughtful Thursday; Record a video or Story on your current thoughts. You can be honest and open about how you are feeling and share it. People need to know they are not alone.
- Travel; share a previous destination you visited or a someone you would like to visit once this is all over. Ask others to share their travel inspo too.
- Throwback Thursday; throwback to an old post, reminisce, write a new thought on the post
- Thoughtful Thursday; Record a video or Story on your current thoughts. You can be honest and open about how you are feeling and share it. People need to know they are not alone.
- Travel; share a previous destination you visited or a someone you would like to visit once this is all over. Ask others to share their travel inspo too.
FRIDAY POST IDEAS:
- Feel Good Friday; share a feel-good story. It could be from your own experience or a story you have seen or heard. Keep it relevant to our current situation.
- Fri-YAY Favourite: share how you are celebrating FRI-YAY. It could be a favourite homemade Cocktail, favourite Netflix show, favourite outfit etc.
- Flashback to a memory/timeline event; flashback to when you opened your business or celebrated a business milestone or achievement.
- Feel Good Friday; share a feel-good story. It could be from your own experience or a story you have seen or heard. Keep it relevant to our current situation.
- Fri-YAY Favourite: share how you are celebrating FRI-YAY. It could be a favourite homemade Cocktail, favourite Netflix show, favourite outfit etc.
- Flashback to a memory/timeline event; flashback to when you opened your business or celebrated a business milestone or achievement.
SATURDAY POST IDEAS:
- Spring Clean Saturday; being stuck at home is the perfect opportunity to do a little spring cleaning, organising (hello Marie Kondo?) share your newly organised cupboard, draw or office space.
- Stay at Home; share activates, workouts or hobbies you have been doing while being at home. Do a little video, share a photo or IGTV.
- Spring Clean Saturday; being stuck at home is the perfect opportunity to do a little spring cleaning, organising (hello Marie Kondo?) share your newly organised cupboard, draw or office space.
- Stay at Home; share activates, workouts or hobbies you have been doing while being at home. Do a little video, share a photo or IGTV.
SUNDAY POST IDEAS:
- Self Care Sunday; share your self-care tips. A bubble bath, face mask, Pilates workout, podcast you are listening to de-stress
- Selfie Sunday; share a selfie and a fun, interesting or quirky fact about yourself.
- Self Care Sunday; share your self-care tips. A bubble bath, face mask, Pilates workout, podcast you are listening to de-stress
- Selfie Sunday; share a selfie and a fun, interesting or quirky fact about yourself.
I hope you find these content ideas useful. They should last a few weeks, with each day having 2-3 suggestions and then you can start again! Leave your own ideas in the comments below.
See you on the flip side of this!
It's Your Time to Shine,
Carla xx
See you on the flip side of this!
It's Your Time to Shine,
Carla xx
Let's talk colour! My Favourite!
Having studied art, interior design and graphic design, I have learnt colour is such a vital element in how we view things. A colour palette can make or break a brand these days. We live in a visual world, where if it’s not eye catching or pleasing to eye, we tune out. Choosing a colour palette helps unify your brand and is asthsteically pleasing to the eye. It also keeps you on track and gives you are starting point when creating content. Instagram for instance is your own styling platform, an opportunity to be creative and allow your brand to really shine and stand out.
Today I am going to explore five different types of colour palettes you can look at to help decide what direction you would like to take your branding palette. Monochromatic, complimentary, triad, achromatic and Neutral hues/undertone palettes.
There are various free apps and websites that can help you choose a palette and I will mention these at the end of this blog post. So let's dive into a mini art lesson!
Having studied art, interior design and graphic design, I have learnt colour is such a vital element in how we view things. A colour palette can make or break a brand these days. We live in a visual world, where if it’s not eye catching or pleasing to eye, we tune out. Choosing a colour palette helps unify your brand and is asthsteically pleasing to the eye. It also keeps you on track and gives you are starting point when creating content. Instagram for instance is your own styling platform, an opportunity to be creative and allow your brand to really shine and stand out.
Today I am going to explore five different types of colour palettes you can look at to help decide what direction you would like to take your branding palette. Monochromatic, complimentary, triad, achromatic and Neutral hues/undertone palettes.
There are various free apps and websites that can help you choose a palette and I will mention these at the end of this blog post. So let's dive into a mini art lesson!
Monochromatic
A monochromatic colour scheme is different shades of the one colour. (Example below using blue)
Monochromatic is suitable for most businesses, however it can be difficult to commit to if you offer a variety of products in lots of different colours, so choose your colour wisely. If you offer an eco friendly range then using shades of green is a great idea mixed with photos of your products in either a white background or photographed with hints in green in product props. @green.and.simple uses a green monochromatic palette extremely well.
Complimentary
A complimentary colour palette refers to opposite colours on the colour wheel. If you look at a colour wheel you can work out what colours compliment each other. (Refer to picture below) Every wondered why christmas colours are red and green? That is because they are complimentary colours.
Image Sourced: https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/538672805422199336/?lp=true
Complimentary colour palettes are visually striking and can be fun to play with. Here is an example of a complimentary colour theme below. @through_our_days has used Hues and Green and Red.
Triad
A triad colour palette refers to three colours evenly spaced on the colour wheel. If you look at a colour wheel (Refer to picture below), you will see which three colour are evenly spaced. The three primary colours are a good example of this; yellow, blue and red. I have used a triad colour palette for my own branding.
Image Sourced: https://www.homedit.com/triadic-color-scheme/
A triad colour palette is often used in interiors and artwork and is a way to pack colour into your instagram and still stay on trend. Here is an example of my triad colour palette @carlalouise_designer
Neutral Hues and Undertones
A neutral colour palette uses neutral hues and undertones. These include blacks, greys, whites and brown hues or undertones. Maria Killam created this colour wheel which includes and explains undertones. Neutral palettes work really well for interior based businesses, eco or plant based products and beachy themes. For a modern and subtle look this is a great choice.
Image Sourced: https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/308989224420597746/?lp=true
Neutral hues and undertone colour palettes are soft and easy on the eye and are simple to work with as they appear in nature, furnishings and skin tones. @ecohomegoals does this really well with their instagram account.
How to implement your chosen colour palette
Implementing your chosen colour palette requires some planning and use of filters. Using Lightroom CC Presets or apps that include a range of filters like the Preview App is a great way to keep your tiny squares all matchy. Take photos with similar lighting or textures and tones that suit your chosen palette is also key. If you are in the processing of creating a colour palette here are a few useful sites to get your started.
colours.co
colorhunt.co
color-hex.com
Canva Color
I would love to know your chosen colour palette and how you came about choosing it. Share your instagram handle below and I would to check it out!
colours.co
colorhunt.co
color-hex.com
Canva Color
I would love to know your chosen colour palette and how you came about choosing it. Share your instagram handle below and I would to check it out!
Carla Innes
Blogs and resources to help small businesses branding shine! I provide tips on DIYing your Social Media using the Canva App. Make your social graphics shine! New Blog every Wednesday!
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