Summer Professional Development Weekly Sessions
On June 7, 2025, Jamie Bell from Art Borups Corners and The Arts Incubator Winnipeg delivered an engaging and highly practical workshop titled “Design Like a Pro: Intro to Canva and Visual Storytelling.” The session was part of a professional development series designed to help artists and arts collectives build digital capacity and confidence in using new creative tools. Participants explored how Canva, an accessible design platform, could transform the way they presented their projects, exhibitions, and stories online.
Jamie Bell, a seasoned public relations and communications expert with a deep background in participatory arts and film/media, guided participants through the fundamentals of design thinking and visual communication. He emphasized that good design is not about being a graphic designer — it’s about clarity, storytelling, and connecting with an audience. Her approachable style and real-world examples helped demystify visual branding, making it relatable and empowering for artists who often feel intimidated by design software.
The workshop offered a hands-on introduction to Canva, showing participants how to create posters, social media graphics, event promotions, and digital portfolios. Jamie demonstrated practical tips for layout, colour use, font pairing, and visual hierarchy, all within Canva’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Attendees were able to follow along in real time, creating their own templates and experimenting with tools that could elevate the presentation of their work.
A central theme of the workshop was the importance of visual storytelling in the arts. Jamie discussed how artists can use consistent visual styles to reinforce their identity, attract audiences, and strengthen their community presence. Participants learned how visual materials — even simple ones — could reflect their creative voice and values while helping them stand out in a crowded digital space.
By the end of the session, participants expressed enthusiasm and newfound confidence in their ability to design professional, eye-catching materials. Many left with complete or near-complete designs for upcoming exhibitions or collective events. The workshop underscored how tools like Canva can serve as powerful enablers for artists, bridging creativity and communication while supporting long-term growth and visibility in the digital age.
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