Canva, the popular online graphic design platform, had an early working title of 'Canvas Chef'. This name reflects one of the initial ideas for the product. Before the development of the Canva platform itself, the foundational business that paved the way was known as Fusion Books.
From Fusion Books to a Global Design Platform
The journey to Canva began with a school yearbook design business called Fusion Books. Co-founder Melanie Perkins started this venture, which served as a crucial precursor to the broader vision of Canva. Fusion Books aimed to simplify the yearbook design process, making it accessible even to those without prior design experience. This early business laid the groundwork for the core idea of democratizing design, which is central to Canva's mission today. The experience gained from Fusion Books, particularly in streamlining complex design tasks, directly influenced the development of the user-friendly Canva platform.
The Early Naming Journey: Introducing 'Canvas Chef'
As the concept evolved from a niche yearbook design service to a comprehensive online graphic design tool, the project explored various names. 'Canvas Chef' emerged as one of these early names associated with the nascent platform. This name likely highlighted the idea of "cooking up" designs on a digital "canvas," emphasizing creativity and ease of use. Ultimately, the simpler and more memorable 'Canva' was chosen, proving to be a highly effective name for a brand focused on creativity and accessibility.
The naming process for a startup can be complex, often involving several iterations and ideas before the final, market-ready name is selected. The evolution from Fusion Books, through early internal names like 'Canvas Chef', to the globally recognized 'Canva' illustrates this journey.
Summary of Names and Context
To clarify the distinct roles of these names in Canva's history:
Name | Context |
---|---|
Fusion Books | The preceding school yearbook design business that served as the foundation and inspiration for Canva. |
Canvas Chef | An early working title or name considered for the graphic design platform during its development phase. |
Canva | The current and widely recognized name for the online graphic design tool. |