
Design Surfaces Podcast
'Design Surfaces' - where creativity meets conversation! Hosted by Andrew Green, Canva's Head of Design, this podcast explores the diverse and impactful work of the different surface areas at Canva. Each episode features an intimate conversation with a designer, unveiling their unique journeys, inspirations and the fascinating stories behind their craft.
Latest episodes

May 17, 2024 • 42min
E12: Cat van der Werff, Executive Creative Director
Andrew Green sits down with Canva’s Executive Creative Director, Cat van der Werff in this episode of ‘Design Surfaces’. Tune in as they discuss the evolution of the Canva brand, the beauty of stepping away to gain fresh perspectives and Canva’s philosophy of ‘handing over your lego’. They also touch on the art of balancing chaos with cadence, championing gender diversity and the power of listening.
Find your dream job at https://www.lifeatcanva.com/en/jobs/
Follow Andrew Green on LinkedInFollow Canva on Instagram @CanvaLife, LinkedIn & TikTok

May 10, 2024 • 34min
E11: Candy Mattiske, Content Creative Design Lead
Andrew Green is back! Join him as he chats to Content Creative Lead, Candy Mattiske about Canva’s transformative role in representation and diversity in design, always coming back to fundamental design philosophies and the essence of user-centric creativity. They offer unique career advice for young creatives breaking into the industry and discuss how generative AI can be used to help, not hinder, design flows.
Find your dream job at https://www.lifeatcanva.com/en/jobs/
Follow Andrew Green on LinkedInFollow Canva on Instagram @CanvaLife, LinkedIn & TikTok

May 3, 2024 • 38min
E10: Lucy Datyner, Content Strategy & Experience Design Lead
In this episode of Design Surfaces, Sally Woellner chats to Canva’s Content Strategy & Experience Design Lead, Lucy Datyner. They explore themes central to creativity, motivation, and leadership within the design community. By highlighting the importance of community collaboration, unpacking the secrets of motivating design teams and embracing diverse perspectives, this is a must-listen for anyone looking to ignite their passion for design!
Find your dream job at https://www.lifeatcanva.com/en/jobs/
Follow Canva on Instagram @CanvaLife, LinkedIn & TikTok

Apr 26, 2024 • 33min
E9: Claire Say, Product Designer for Print Platform
Join takeover host Sally Woellner and Claire Say, a product designer from Canva’s Print Platform team as they discuss the incredible opportunities of Canva’s Graduate Program, embracing feedback and failure for growth and the unique challenges faced by the Print surface area. A crucial listen for aspiring designers, creatives and university students alike!
Find your dream job at https://www.lifeatcanva.com/en/jobs/
Follow Canva on Instagram @CanvaLife, LinkedIn & TikTok

Apr 19, 2024 • 39min
E8: Val Watkins, Content Designer
Val Watkins, a self-proclaimed 'Word Nerd' & Content Designer, discusses the art of naming, the synergy between visual design and language, and the magic of words in shaping user experiences at Canva. Topics include the power of naming in design, adapting to changing systems in design platforms, navigating language in AI product development, and the role of visual design in naming projects.

Apr 12, 2024 • 34min
E7: Stuart Cruickshank, Product Design Lead
Stuart Cruickshank, Product Design Lead at Canva, discusses Canva Creator Community, AI in design with cultural sensitivity, and global design aesthetics. They explore Canva's mission, ethical data handling, $200M Creator Fund, and collaborative design process. The conversation touches on empathy in AI design, user engagement, and the evolving roles within the design industry.

Apr 4, 2024 • 30min
E6: Simon Chalk, Principal Product Designer
Simon Chalk, Principal Product Designer, discusses his journey at Canva amidst the pandemic, emphasizing the stages of design work, mentorship impact, and learning from mistakes. The conversation delves into the importance of growth, teamwork, and a supportive culture in design.

Mar 29, 2024 • 34min
E5: Sally Woellner, Design Lead (Content & Discovery)
Sally Woellner, Design Lead at Canva, discusses collaboration in innovation, the impact of generative AI in design, and the interplay between designers and engineers. She shares insights on curiosity, empathy, and personal growth in the evolving design landscape. The podcast reveals a new chapter for 'Design Surfaces'.

Mar 21, 2024 • 27min
E4: Amelia Marshall, Content Design Lead
Amelia Marshall, Canva's Content Design Lead, shares her journey from journalism to design, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the power of feedback. They discuss the impact of content design on business success, team dynamics, hiring for potential, and fostering a culture of experimentation.

7 snips
Mar 14, 2024 • 29min
E3: Rob Kawalsky, Head of Product
Discussion with Canva's Head of Product, Rob Kawalsky, on career journey, design feedback, and entrepreneurship. Exploration of peacetime vs. wartime design approaches. Importance of intuition in design leadership. Balancing niche features with broader audience impact. Collaboration dynamics between product managers and designers.