Canva is a great platform for those with no graphic design background and without access to PhotoShop. It has become increasingly popular over the last couple of years (for those very reasons), and as a result a lot of published content tends to look kind of similar these days.
Now, this is no one’s fault. I’ve been there, the flashy ‘templates’ already created, ready to be filled in and downloaded. But, that’s exactly how we get to where we are with super homogenized newsfeeds. Trust me no one wants that, especially not potential followers.
WHAT DO THE PROS THINK
The use of Canva has actually become a hot topic in the world of graphic design as of late. And for good reason. As already stated everything on social media has started to look very similar. It also allows people with no experience to create their entire line of business assets from logos to letterheads. These are things that should really be done by a graphic designer. Your logo is the first thing people see and you don’t get a second chance at first impressions.
The bottom line is that professional designers still use Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. to get the job done and Canva will never replace that or them. They come with skills and experience that just doesn’t formulate when a random person opens up a free online drag and drop design tool.
SOME MORE DRAWBACKS
- No internet access, no Canva access
- Print issues – Canva has the capability to download in various file formats, but someone without experience in exporting for print could be in a world of trouble just looking at the options
- Creates lazy designer relying on templates
ALL IN ALL
I know it probably sounds like I’m against Canva, but that’s not the case. I actually use it all the time — in conjunction with Photoshop. The idea is to find a happy middle between the platform and the software. I also want to add that I’m by no means a graphic designer by trade, though content creation is a large LARGE part of my job.
