About this class
Ever wish you could make a birthday card, a party invitation, or a flyer that actually looks the way you imagined it? In The Design Studio, you'll learn how to do exactly that, using a free tool called Canva that works on any phone, tablet, or computer.
Every class, you make something real. We start with simple basics: what makes something look good, how to pick colors that work together, how to choose a font. From there, you'll practice making your own projects: cards, event announcements, photo layouts, personal flyers, and more.
We also visit local design studios and creative spaces so you can see how professional designers work. And we have guest designers come in and share their stories. No art background needed, just a willingness to try things and have fun making stuff.
What you'll do
Topics we cover
- What makes a design look good: color, layout, and fonts explained simply
- Getting started with Canva: finding your way around the app
- Using templates: how to make them your own
- Adding and editing photos
- Choosing fonts that work well together
- Making things you'll actually use: cards, invitations, flyers, photo books
- Developing your own personal style
- How to print, share, or save what you've made
How we learn
Mix of activities, Community Excursions, and Guest Speakers.
Who it's for
Open to all adult learners. Designed for adults with I/DD, autistic adults, and neurodivergent learners. Self-Direction (IDGS) funding accepted, subject to approval by your fiscal intermediary. No design experience or art background needed — if you can use a smartphone or tablet, you can do this.
Who teaches it
Joseph Amodeo
Joseph is the founder of The Grove and brings years of classroom and professional teaching experience to the program. A former adjunct lecturer of political science, he has spent his career at the intersection of education, communication, and community.
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Sarah Tancer
Sarah Tancer is a Master of Social Work candidate at Hunter College, where she is pursuing the Clinical Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups track. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Early Childhood Education from Tulane University, along with a Liberal Arts Certificate in Gender-Based Violence Studies, and she completed a semester of study abroad in Developmental and Child Psychology through DIS.
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Pricing
$100 per session · 120 min per class. Bundle discounts apply when you register for multiple sessions: 10% off for 4 or more, 20% off for 8 or more, across any combination of classes at The Grove.
Registration is handled on our secure registration site.