Sipping on a strong cup of Rooibos tea, I can’t help but feel the buzz of excitement. There’s something in the air, a creative energy that’s hard to ignore. It could be the fresh winter breeze or the new features on Canva that have me giddy like a kid with a new box of crayons. Either way, I’m here to spill the tea on why Canva is the unsung hero of the design world and why every designer, freelancer, and creative should give it a second glance.
Let’s clear the air: Canva has often been dismissed as too small or not up to par with Adobe. But here’s a nugget of wisdom for you – never underestimate the small guy. The greatest giants often start small, and Canva is no exception.
With over 185 million monthly users across 190 countries and over 20 billion designs created, Canva is proving to be a powerhouse of creativity.
Why Canva Matters
Now, why should you care about these features? Canva isn’t just a design tool—it’s a game-changer. Imagine the power it gives you when you combine it with other apps and Adobe programs, creating a seamless, efficient, effective workflow. For designers, clients, and everyone, Canva makes designing even the smallest assets a joy. Share your creations with clients and give them the power to manage their assets without fuss. It’s all about empowerment, creativity, and efficiency.
Canva’s global community and the company’s period of hypergrowth in recent years are not just numbers—they’re testaments to its impact. With a team of over 4,000 people driving innovation worldwide, Canva is a force to be reckoned with, and you can be a part of it.
Not a Replacement, but a Revolution
Let’s be clear—Canva is not here to replace professional design tools or the skilled hands of experienced designers. Instead, it’s a revolutionary tool for better collaboration between clients and designers. It frees designers to spend more time on creativity while giving clients the power to make minor edits and changes as needed. This synergy creates a more dynamic, efficient, and enjoyable design process for everyone involved.
How I, as a designer with over 20 years of expereince, use CANVA:
As a designer with over 20 years of experience, I’ve integrated Canva into my workflow in several ways. For instance, when creating social media posts for clients, I design the elements in Illustrator, import them into Canva using the ‘Upload’ feature, and make final adjustments. I then share the Canva link with clients, allowing them to edit the text while ensuring the design remains on-brand. This approach streamlines the process and keeps everyone happy.
Sometimes, I start a design from scratch in Canva but incorporate assets created in Illustrator. By copying and pasting these assets into Canva, I ensure the design is cohesive and high-quality.
For corporate clients with recurring needs—such as invitations, certificates, recruitment materials, or condolence messages—Canva is a lifesaver. I can quickly create these smaller designs and share the link with clients, who can make minor edits without opening complex design files. This efficiency saves me time and allows me to focus on larger, more strategic projects.
Let me give you some perspective: Back when Pupkewitz Motors was one of my biggest clients, I did many car adverts. I had to remove backgrounds daily because the car images were taken in various locations, and the background was not a priority—the car was. Back then, I spent hours cutting out backgrounds between Photoshop and Illustrator and ensuring the shadows were correct. Now, with Canva, a press of a button removes the background! I know Photoshop also has this plugin, but it is not as beautifully accurate as Canva.
Or do you sometimes have to do designs in Word or Powerpoint? The interactivity of CANVA is gorgeous, and there’s no more having to design in Microsoft! With Canva, they have a platform where creativity thrives, and I can ensure your work remains intact.
The real game-changer? Canva’s ability to let clients handle small changes themselves. This gives me more breathing room to focus on creativity and strategic work. Plus, it ensures that the brand remains consistent, with no more generic template designs for special occasions.
Ready to Dive In?
So, whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting your creative journey, I invite you to embark on a new adventure with Canva. Dive into its new features, explore the possibilities, and watch your workflow transform into something even more spectacular. The journey is yours to discover, full of potential and inspiration.
Ready to unleash your creative potential?
