Creative Canvas
An idea exploration and planning tool for creative projects
Do you have a creative project you want to bring to life?
Meet the Creative Canvas.
What is the Creative Canvas?
The Creative Canvas is an idea exploration and planning tool for creative projects.Like an artist’s canvas, it is a place to turn your creative inspiration into reality and share it with a wider audience.
Why Do Creative Projects Need a Different Tool?
1. Creative projects are not always entrepreneurial products or services.
2. Individuals in creative disciplines often develop projects with success measured in ways that differ from a company.
3. Business terminology can be confusing and intimidating to those in non-business fields.
Developed by Terri Lonier, PhD
A pioneer in the solopreneur movement, Terri Lonier brings decades of experience helping creative professionals thrive. She has worked with the Business Model Canvas since its inception, adapting and evolving it to serve creative practitioners.Terri’s background in the arts, her experience as an entrepreneur and investor, and her training with business model innovators Alex Osterwalder and Ash Maurya inspired her to reimagine this powerful tool specifically for artists, designers, and creative professionals.Since its development in 2017, the Creative Canvas has been refined through work with hundreds of practitioners—from independent artists and designers to MBA students and creative executives. The current version (v3.5) represents a powerful evolution, streamlined and optimized for the unique needs of creative project planning.
Preparing to Use the Creative Canvas
First download the PDF and print out one or more copies. The file can be printed at any size, although 11x17 inches (tabloid) is a popular option. It allows lots of room to explore your ideas yet can be folded to tuck inside a notebook or file folder.Gather a collection of colored pens, pencils, markers, or Post-It Notes. While you can write directly on the Canvas, many like to use small Post-It Notes because they can be changed easily. Feel free to use words, drawings, charts, diagrams or whatever else inspires you.Find some room to spread out in a quiet area. Bring along any notes or other materials you need to chart out your creative project.
1. Download the PDF.
2. Gather your materials.
3. Find a quiet space.
A complete step-by-step guide can be found on the back side of the canvas.
The Creative Canvas was developed by Dr. Terri Lonier and is a creative resource of the Solo Business School. It is adapted from the original Business Model Canvas and is licensed under a Creative Commons license. Version 3.5, 2017–2025.
Creative Canvas graphic design:
Silver Egg Studios
Your Creative Canvas journey starts here!
The Creative Canvas is free, and everything you need to use it is right in the PDF document. The front of the sheet is the Canvas, and the back has a full tutorial. While you can print it out on standard 8.5×11 paper, it works best at 11×17 inches. (Since it’s a PDF, you can also print it larger if you wish.)I hope the Creative Canvas helps you build a strong creative practice!— Terri Lonier
Click on the button and the PDF will automatically download.
What’s next?
I’d enjoy knowing how you’re using the Canvas.Here are some ways to stay in touch.