Let's talk Tea: Canva vs graphic designer

People always want me to spill the tea on Canva. They think I will hate it! They fish for some rage-bait. They want me to go off!

I do think I have a pretty hunky-dory attitude, so getting my goat might be a fun challenge. Wanna see me get mad?

Ok. Here it is. A graphic designer talks about Canva.

Here is my big piping hot cuppa tea:

I actually like Canva.

BOOM. There it is!

It’s very helpful, and honestly, if you’re just starting and you have no budget? Go for it. Make it exist first, then worry about making it perfect later.

Canva is a powerful tool. In fact, it has the capabilities to create amazing things. But it's just a tool. It's only as good as where your graphic design knowledge can take you. Do you know what bleed is? Probably not. Do you know how close you can push text to the edge before it looks off once printed? How about the smallest font size recommended? It doesn't tell you what is going on in your document, or let you see any pitfalls in your bleed coverage.

Canva vs graphic designer

That’s where a graphic designer comes in. I’ve spent 16 years learning how toner reacts with different papers, how printers read files, and how safety margins can make or break a business card. That’s knowledge you won’t get from drag-and-drop templates built for social media, not print.

Templates are great, don't get me wrong! They're fast and cheap, but you realize they’re made for the masses. Canva gives you speed. A designer helps you with strategy.

Graphic design is a marriage of art and communication. How much do you know about communication through the elements and principles of design?

Are you choosing the shade of blue that says “professional” versus the one that says “friendly?” Yes. That's a real question.

So no, I don’t hate Canva. In fact, I love that it gives people the chance to try, to experiment, to figure things out in those early days of business when time is cheap and money is tight. It allows you to get out there and learn. You might realize things that don't work, get feedback, realize who your favorite customer is, niche down....

My role comes later, when you’re busy, and your time is money. When you’ve made mistakes and learned from them, when you’re ready to hand off the fiddly details so you can get back to your actual work. That’s when I step in to refine, customize, and make it professional.

Canva vs graphic designer? Apples to oranges.

At the end of the day, Canva is a tool, and I’m not in competition with it. Canva doesn’t know you, your audience, or the vision you’ve been building. It won't be able to push you toward colors and shapes that align with your messaging on a subconscious level. I will. And my goal is the same as yours: to make sure your passion reaches the people who need it most. That truly is it at the end of the day, and I think that is why I have no tea with Canva. My soul lights up when I hear people getting out there and succeeding, and if Canva is the first stepping stone to your happily ever after, I will cheer that on.

Just know that I will always be in the wings, ready to brainstorm, drop knowledge, or guide you on your journey to success. Because the language of art is where I totally nerd out. I know how to communicate your message effectively, and I would love to get my hands on making you something custom.

Mood Board