Is Canva Good For Graphics Design? My Controversial Thoughts On Canva

Canva is a web-based graphic design platform that allows users to create a wide variety of visual content, such as social media graphics, posters, flyers, presentations, infographics, and more. It was founded in 2012 by Melanie Perkins, Cliff Obrecht, and Cameron Adams, and has gained immense popularity due to its user-friendly interface and extensive collection of customizable templates, graphics, and design elements.

Canva offers both free and paid subscription plans, with the paid plans providing access to additional features and a larger library of assets. Users can start with pre-designed templates and then customize them by adding text, images, illustrations, icons, and other design elements. The platform also provides tools for photo editing, cropping, resizing, and arranging elements within the design canvas.

One of the key reasons for Canva’s success is its democratization of design, making it accessible to people without extensive graphic design skills. It has become a go-to tool for individuals, small businesses, startups, marketers, educators, and even larger enterprises to create professional-looking visual content quickly and easily.

So there’s one question remaining, is Canva good for graphics design?

It somehow became a taboo in the design industry

While Canva is widely popular and well-received by many users for its user-friendly interface and extensive design capabilities, like any tool or platform, it is not universally loved. There are a few reasons why some individuals or professionals might have reservations or criticisms about Canva:

1. Limited Customization:

While Canva offers a wide range of templates and design elements, experienced designers might find that the customization options are not as comprehensive as those available in professional design software. Designers with specific visions or complex design requirements might feel restricted by the predefined layouts and elements that Canva provides. This limitation could affect their ability to bring their unique design ideas to life.

2. Lack of Originality:

Due to the popularity of Canva and the extensive use of its templates, some designs created on the platform might inadvertently look similar to each other. This can be a concern for individuals or businesses looking to establish a distinct and original visual identity. Relying heavily on templates without making significant modifications can lead to a lack of differentiation and a failure to stand out in a competitive landscape.

3. Watermarking and Licensing:

While Canva’s free version allows users to create designs, it often includes a watermark on the final output. To remove the watermark, users need to subscribe to a paid plan. Additionally, some users might not fully understand the licensing terms associated with certain design elements. This could lead to unintentional violations of copyright or licensing agreements, which could have legal implications.

4. Professional Perception:

While Canva can produce professional-looking designs, some businesses and professionals might be concerned about the perception of using a tool that is often associated with quick and easy design solutions. They might prefer to work with skilled graphic designers who can provide a more personalized and strategic approach to their design needs. This is especially important for projects that require a unique and carefully crafted visual identity.

5. Dependence on Templates:

Relying solely on Canva’s templates and design elements can sometimes lead to a lack of creativity and originality. Users might miss out on opportunities to experiment with new design concepts, color schemes, and layouts. Depending too heavily on templates could result in designs that feel formulaic and lack the authenticity that comes from custom design work.

6. Browser-Based Platform:

Canva operates as a web-based platform, which means users need an internet connection to access and use it. This limitation can be problematic for those who work in environments with unreliable internet access or who prefer offline tools. Users might find it inconvenient if they need to work on their designs while traveling or in locations with limited connectivity.

It’s important to note that opinions about Canva can vary widely depending on individual needs, preferences, and familiarity with design tools. While some people might have reservations, many others find Canva to be an invaluable tool for creating eye-catching visuals without the need for extensive design skills.

Is Canva good for graphics design? I think it is

Despite what everyone is saying online, I still think that Canva is still a great choice as a design platform. Although this post is not sponsored nor do I use Canva on a daily basis, I still think that the hate for Canva is overrated. Many designers said that is a bad platform for designing things. But I beg to differ. Here are some of my thoughts on Canva:

1. Canva is just another design tool:

It is not fair to hate Canva because just like Photoshop, Affinity Designer, and Figma, it is just another design tool. As every tool goes, someone needs to operate it. If you are afraid your job as a designer will be gone since Canva exists, think again. That’s why we learn “how to design” and not “how to use *insert design platform*”. Do you think it makes sense for a manager of a company to hop on Canva and start designing himself?

2. Everyone has different needs:

Not everyone needs to buy an Adobe subscription. If Canva meets your design requirements and allows you to create the visuals you need efficiently and effectively, then it certainly remains a great choice for you. Someone need something simple and fast which Canva can offer to its’ user. While you may want to create something extraordinary, that does not mean that everyone else has the same goal as you.

3. It is easy for beginners:

Let’s face it, everyone who learns design must be overwhelmed with every option that is available on Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator. So I think, Canva is an easy platform to get started on as a beginner designer. There is nothing wrong for a new designer to get started on Canva. What is important is the result and not what tools you are using to get there.

4. It is free for the most part:

Why buy an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription if you can get almost the same good design for free? While both tools offer design capabilities, they serve different purposes and cater to different audiences. If you are a business owner who is looking to save some money and is willing to learn simple design principles, I think Canva is a perfect solution for you.

5. Can save a lot of your resources:

Since Canva is a browser-based application, it does not have to be installed on your desktop. It can save a lot of your storage space. It also does not need a powerful computer to run because everything is processed in the cloud. Not to mention all your data and designs are saved in the cloud. This will make it easier for you to access it without having to remember where you save your file.

In summary, while Canva is excellent for quick, accessible design needs. Remember that different individuals and businesses have varying design needs, skills, and expectations. What matters most is how well a tool like Canva fits into your workflow and helps you achieve your creative or professional objectives. Your positive experience with Canva is a testament to its value as a design platform for you.

Want to hire a designer?

I know it’s going against the flow of this post, but I do think that hiring a designer comes with a lot of perks too(I am biased of course :). Feel free to contact me if you are in any need of a designer.