How to create artwork for your Scout Group

How to create artwork for your Scout Group

Running a Scout Group, Section or Event often requires the creation of good quality, visual artwork as training tools, posters, promotions and general communication.

Access to online design software has now become a lot easier and more user-friendly regardless of your ability.

We would recommend trying Canva which is free to use and very simple to navigate: https://www.canva.com
[Please note: There is one free version of Canva Pro for not-for-profit organisations which Scouts Queensland own as the legal entity. Unfortunately, individual Scout Groups cannot access this account].

The free version of Canva should have sufficient functionality for most Scout Group needs, if you require a more complex design, please contact: brandsupport@scoutsqld.com.au and we will try to assist.

What is Canva?
Canva is an easy design tool (website) you can use to create:
  1. Social media posts
  2. Posters and flyers
  3. Invitations
  4. Presentations
  5. Newsletters
  6. Videos
How to Get Started:
  1. Go to www.canva.com or open the Canva app
  2. Sign up (Please use your Microsoft 365 email address)
  3. Click ‘Create a design’
  4. Choose a design type – for most designs Canva will automatically provide the correct dimensions
  5. Select a template or alternatively start a blank page
Editing your Design:
Click on anything to change it.

Text
  1. Click text - type your own words
  2. Change font, size, colour in the top bar
Images
  1. Replace images by dragging new ones in
  2. Upload your own (Uploads tab)
Colours
  1. Click element → change colours in the toolbar
Elements
  1. Add icons, shapes, photos (Elements tab)
  2. Additional features include – text effects, animation, backgrounds, charts and graphics
Downloading your Design:
  1. Click ‘Share’ (top right)
  2. Select ‘Download’ then choose your preferred file type (PNG, JPG, PDF)
  3. Choose the required page(s) and click ‘Download’
Tips for Good Design:
  1. Use one consistent font for text.
  2. Try to limit your design to three or four colours.
  3. Limit the number of photos and ensure they are good / high quality images.
  4. Less is more – keep your message clear and simple. Do not try to include too much.
  5. Use Canva AI to assist with your design ideas.
Sharing Designs:
It is possible for multiple people with access to CANVA to collaborate on the same design. This is also a good way to share your designs with Scouts Queensland for enhancements or to use for publicity.
  1. Click on Share (top right)
  2. Change Access level to ‘anyone with the link’
  3. Copy link
Design with AI:
We are seeing increased use of AI to create designs which saves time however it is not a replacement for your own creativity!

Ensure you provide clear instructions specifying design type, audience and message.

Always review your design. Specifically ensure that elements are scaled correctly, if incorporating people into your design ensure that the characters are correctly represented (number of fingers, hands do not disappear into walls, abseil ropes are attached and they are not descending into a fire – these are all images we have seen).

AI design is good for collating your ideas into a design however we would recommend using design software to create your final design or forward your ideas to a graphic designer, shirt or badge manufacturer to create your final artwork.

AI does not always accurately replicate the Scouts Australia branding. We recommend you do not include this in your AI design and add this when using design software afterwards. If using an external designer, please ensure you have provided them with a link to the Scouts Australia brand book (Scouts Australia Brand Centre | Scouts Australia).

Approvals:
Please note, as members of Scouting we are brand ambassadors and as such we should use the brand correctly to promote Scouting. If you are using the Scouts Australia branding please ensure your design complies with the Scouts Australia brand guidelines and seek approval for clothing, badges, signage, marketing materials and merchandise from the Brand Strategy Team: brandsupport@scoutsqld.com.au.

Reference Documents

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