This is a controversial topic, because Canva is such a well-known platform that has a lot of capabilities (and they’re ever-growing). Additionally, there are people who are making a living designing things exclusively on Canva. However, it’s important to discuss, because there are folks out there who will tout themselves on the same level as someone who has more experience, capabilities, and tools - which can be unfair and can affect the perception of senior-level professional designers.
Let's Define What Canva is... and isn't
The reality is that Canva is a tool. It’s a tool that anyone can use, including professional graphic designers. It is a platform that was designed to be helpful for small businesses - allowing them access to similar capabilities to create things for their business that they may not have the budget, expertise, or resources to create otherwise. However, there are also a lot of infamous rules and regulations that go with using Canva like copyright restrictions, limitations in customization options, and the ability to download assets in varying file formats. As a business owner, it’s important to know what your needs are, what options are available to your business, and when to do something yourself (potentially using Canva) versus hiring a professional.
There are Some Limitations
For example, someone who creates a logo in Canva a) would not have the ability to copyright that logo and b) would not be able to download a vector version that would allow them to use that logo in an infinitely scalable way. If they wanted to use their Canva-created logo on a billboard, they would likely have a lot of trouble with it. The files don’t download large enough to be clear, and they’re not vector graphics that can be scaled to the appropriate size without losing quality.
In my opinion as a graphic designer who has been working in the marketing, design, and print industry for nearly 15 years, Canva is 100% a tool that has its purpose and its place. It's really good at certain things - I use it for tasks like creating something that my client can later edit, or creating social media templates with assets that are easily accessible. In those ways I actually appreciate and enjoy Canva’s abilities because I don't have to create everything from scratch, and it’s something web-based that creates less hassle for the client. But when it comes to things that I want to either be able to copyright, be able to customize infinitely, or be able to have the ultimate versatility, Canva is not a good option.
So the question of, “if I use Canva (exclusively) am I a designer?” is tricky.
If you, as a professional, are marketing yourself appropriately to make it clear that your work is done in Canva, and are leaning into the idea of being a Canva artist, then I think calling yourself a Canva designer is fine. But marketing yourself as a graphic designer (which implies someone who has skills, experience, and capabilities with access to a full suite of professional tools) would be unfair to the client who may feel duped when limitations arise.
The Realities
The reality is that clients and prospects are getting smarter. When they’re looking for professional help with the assets and tools they need in their business, they're running into designers who are not able to provide them with the level of options and opportunity that they're looking for. They’ve started clarifying whether designers are using Canva exclusively, or if they’re using professional tools like the Adobe Suite or Figma.
So How Can You Level Up a Design Biz?
My recommendation to designers who want to be able to scale their businesses is to take a little time every day learning how to use industry-standard tools, so that Canva becomes a tool in your kit too, and not the whole kit. While it is an investment to gain access to tools like Adobe’s Creative Suite, it’s ultimately an investment in your future.
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