Canva and professional designers are both excellent options when it comes to creating custom graphics for your brand. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it‘s important to consider both options before making a decision on which is best for your project.
What is Canva?
Canva is an online design platform that provides a range of pre-made templates and tools for users to customise their own graphics. It’s an excellent choice for small businesses and individuals that don’t have the budget to hire a professional designer. Canva also has a library of royalty-free images and illustrations, so users can access high-quality visuals without having to source them themselves. The main downside to Canva is that it lacks the creativity and personal touch of a professional designer, who can create graphics that really stand out and capture an audience’s attention.
Professional Designers
Professional designers are highly skilled in creating visuals that are tailored to a company’s brand and target audience. They bring a unique perspective and creative flair to their work, so the graphics they produce are often more eye-catching and memorable than those produced with Canva. However, hiring a professional designer can be expensive, so it‘s important to carefully weigh up the costs before making the decision.
How do I know which is the best option for me?
Start by writing a list for your visual or design needs and rate them order of importance. For example an image on a social media post may not be as important as a company brochure. The importance will obviously vary depending on the industry you are in. Then read at the pros and cons for using Canva and a professional designer below and decide which is the best option for you and the projects in your list.
Pros and cons for using Canva over a professional designer
Pros:
– Canva has a vast selection of templates, illustrations and photos that can be used to create professional designs.
– Canva is user–friendly and easy to use even for those with limited design experience.
– Canva is an affordable option for small businesses and individuals who are on a budget.
– Canva offers a free version that can be used to create basic designs.
Cons:
– Canva templates can be too generic and lack the professional touch that a custom design can provide.
– Canva’s designs may look too much like other designs, reducing the uniqueness of your brand.
– Canva is limited in its design capabilities and may not have the features you need for more complex designs.
– Canva can be time consuming as it requires you to create your own designs from scratch or customise existing templates.
Pros and cons for using a professional designer over Canva
Pros:
– Professional designers have the technical skills and experience to create professional designs that stand out from the competition.
– They have a better understanding of colour theory and typography, allowing them to create designs that are visually appealing.
– They can think outside the box when it comes to design, creating something unique and fresh.
– They have access to more advanced software and tools that allow them to create complex designs.
– Professional designers are able to provide advice on how to make the design work best for your brand or product.
Cons:
– Professional designers are often more expensive than using a platform like Canva.
– Working with a designer can be a more time-consuming process, as they need to understand your brand and product before they can create something unique.
– Professional designers may not have the same level of flexibility that Canva offers, in terms of being able to quickly update designs and make changes.
– Professional designers may not be able to offer the same level of support and customer service as Canva.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best option for creating custom graphics will depend on a company’s budget and design needs. If cost is an issue, Canva is a great choice. However, if you have the budget to hire a professional designer, this is likely to produce better results in the long run.
