Why Designers Sometimes Secretly Hate Canva

Disclaimer: While Canva is a great app with impressive tools, it’s one of those things that makes a designer’s job just a bit more... complicated.

How can you tell me you use mock ups to create your entire brand ideand you run your ‘small business’ off that app, and you don’t need to hire a designer

Or better yet, you’re a self taught freelancer whose main app is Canva [Oh please get off of it!]

Alright, let’s get real about Canva. It’s that shiny, all-in-one tool that promises to turn anyone into a design wizard with just a few clicks. It’s like the fast food of design—quick and easy, but sometimes leaves a bit of a bad taste.

Look, I get it. Canva’s efficient. It’s perfect for creating a cute flyer or a quick social media post. But when someone tells me they’re using Canva to build their entire BRAND IDENTITY or that their “small business” is powered by templates, I can’t help but CRINNNNNGGGEE. It’s like they’re saying, “Who needs years of design expertise when you’ve got Canva?”

Sure, Canva has some amazing features. It’s a versatile tool that’s great for certain tasks. But for those of us who live and breathe visual hierarchy, color theory, anD STORYTELLING, it sometimes feels like Canva is making our work seem... well, less important. The flood of cookie-cutter posters, invites, logos, and business cards created with Canva makes design look deceptively easy. It’s as if everyone thinks they’re a “designer” just because they can drag and drop.

And here’s the kicker: this flood of “quick and easy” design can really undermine what we do. It’s not just about making things look good; it’s about creating something that actually means something and makes a difference. When folks start to think that a few clicks and a template can replace real, thoughtful design, it’s honestly pretty discouraging.

I’m not saying Canva is the enemy. It’s a useful tool for many things. But when it starts to overshadow the depth and nuance of real design, it feels like a slap in the face to years of training and hard work. So, while Canva continues to churn out those “easy” templates, I’ll be here fighting the good fight for thoughtful, impactful design. Because, at the end of the day, it’s not just about making things look nice; it’s about making a difference with every carefully crafted design.