Canva: Because Clip Art Isn’t a Brand Strategy!
Let me start by saying this: I have nothing but respect for designers. The brilliant work they do, their creativity and their skills are unparalleled. Designers are the Michelangelos and Da Vincis of the modern age. But let’s be honest—not every project requires a Sistine Chapel-level investment, and not everyone has the budget to hire a pro.
Enter Canva.
For a modest annual subscription and a willingness to self-teach (or invest in a bit of training—see below), Canva empowers literally anyone to elevate their designs from “Microsoft Word flyer circa 2004” to “Hey, that looks pretty decent!”
Does Canva produce the same results as a professional designer? No. But does it allow organizations with limited resources to stop embarrassing themselves? Yes. And for that, it deserves a round of applause.
Why Canva Is a Game-Changer
It Democratizes Design: Canva levels the playing field. No longer do you need an expensive design degree or fancy software to create something that doesn’t make people cringe. Whether you’re a small business owner, a nonprofit volunteer or just the “creative one” on the team, Canva gives you the tools to shine.
It’s Ridiculously Easy to Use: Drag, drop, done. Even your most tech-averse colleague (yes, Karen from accounting, I’m looking at you) can whip up something presentable.
It’s Based on Templates (But Make It Pretty): Templates are the backbone of Canva, and thank goodness for that. Can’t design your way out of a paper bag? No problem. Canva’s templates make it nearly impossible to create something terrible (unless you try really hard).
It Has Endless Possibilities: From social media graphics to presentations, business cards, infographics and more—Canva is like a Swiss Army knife for your brand. Need to create a pull-up banner, your annual holiday card or a social post that screams “engagement”? Canva’s got your back.
It Comes With All the Stock Goodies: Say goodbye to your overpriced stock photo subscriptions. Canva comes loaded with a massive library of photos, videos, icons and even music to give your designs that extra oomph.
What’s the Catch?
Cool your jets, Oprah! Let’s keep it real: Canva isn’t a replacement for professional designers. A skilled designer brings a level of expertise, creativity and brand consistency that Canva simply can’t match.
But here’s the thing—not every project needs that level of finesse. Canva is perfect for the quick, low-stakes, “just get it done” kind of projects that might not justify the cost of a designer.
Verdict: Landing (New to the blog? My tomatometer is explained here.)
Canva is a solid touchdown—the kind that gets people clapping on a Ryanair flight in Eastern Europe. Is it the Emirates first-class suite? Not even close. But does it get you from London to Krakow safely and affordably for your bestie’s stag do or hen party? Absolutely. It’s reliable, effective and exactly what you need to get the job done—a tool every comms team and organization should have in their toolkit.
The more you learn Canva, the better you can leverage it. So go forth, design boldly and make something you’re not embarrassed to share at the next staff meeting.
—Brock
Intrigued? In need of a design boost?
Think Canva might be the solution your organization has been looking for? Let’s make it happen. I can help you set up and program your brand into Canva, ensuring your fonts, colours and logos are ready to go. I also offer training to get your team up to speed—whether they’re Canva beginners or looking to take their skills to the next level. Together, we’ll ensure your materials look polished, professional and on-brand—all without breaking the bank.
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