Our 10 Tips for using the Canva App

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital influence, the ability to capture attention and convey a compelling message is paramount. For influencers, navigating this dynamic space by mastering graphic design is a game-changer. Enter Canva, a user-friendly yet powerful design tool that empowers even new influencers to feel like a graphic designer and turn their creative visions into stunning visual content leading to better engagement within their audiences and an essential tool kit for all influencers alike. 

In this blog we will cover the basics steps for getting started with Canva, and why every creator should consider it an indispensable ally.

Why Canva Matters

Canva levels the playing field, making sophisticated design accessible to all influencers and creators, regardless of their design background. It empowers influencers to compete on the strength of their creativity rather than their design skills without having to outsource your work to a company or freelancer. 

EXPRESS AUTHENTICITY

In the influencer world, authenticity is the guiding principle. Canva enables influencers to express their authentic selves visually. From customizing templates to infusing personal flair, influencers can communicate their unique stories with clarity and creativity. One of the biggest hurdles as an influencer/creator is being relatable to your audience. Adding personal touches and branding is a great way to express your brand to your audience. 

ENGAGEMENT MAGNET

Visual content is an engagement magnet. Canva equips influencers with the tools to create scroll-stopping visuals that captivate and hold the attention of their audience. The result? Increased engagement and a more profound connection with followers. From creating media kits, to reels to designing your personal logo, Canva creates an even playing field for influencers to become their own personal graphic designer. 

Basics for getting started with Canva 

 Canva welcomes creators with open arms, in fact it almost seems like this digital platform was created for influencers. Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned influencer, Canva provides an accessible platform for creating captivating visuals. Start by signing up and immersing yourself in a world of design possibilities.

1. CREATE AN ACCOUNT:

Visit Canva’s website and sign up for a free account. You can also use your Google or Facebook credentials for a seamless login experience. Canva offers a basic membership and they also offer a Pro Membership with access to more designs, fonts, templates and tools. 

2. NAVIGATE THE CANVA DASHBOARD:

Familiarize yourself with the dashboard, where you’ll find options to create designs for various purposes such as social media, presentations, posters, and more. 

3. CHOOSE A TEMPLATE:

Select a template that aligns with your content type and platform. Canva offers pre-designed templates for social media posts, stories, covers, and more. You can choose from premade templates and edit to make them your own. Or, choose a blank template and style away.

4. CUSTOMIZE TEXT AND IMAGES:

Click on text or image elements to customize them. Change fonts, colors, and sizes to match your brand. Upload your own images or choose from Canva’s extensive library. 

You can also find various options for elements, and styles to make your Canva design your own. 

5. DOWNLOAD AND SHARE:

Once satisfied with your design, download it in your preferred format (JPEG, PNG, PDF) or share it directly to your social media platforms.

Advanced Canva Techniques for Influencers & Creators

1. BRAND YOUR DESIGNS:

Upload your logo, choose consistent colors, and set default fonts to maintain a cohesive brand identity across all your designs. Think of this as your personal branding —use the same few colors each time and use a logo when it makes sense. 

If you have not created a personal logo yet, Canva has a tool for designing your own logo as well. To find this capability in Canva, use the search box and put in the word logo. 

2. MASTER ELEMENTS AND EFFECTS:

Experiment with elements such as lines, shapes, and icons. Apply effects like shadows, glows, and filters to add depth and creativity to your designs. Take a basic design to the next by adding small branded elements into different spots in your designs. 

3. WORK WITH LAYERS:

Understand the layering feature to organize and control the visibility of different elements within your design. This is especially useful for complex designs. 

When you put a new element or image into a design, it will automatically layer in the front. To move these to different layers, click the image or element. Then click the “position” button on the top right hand corner. Then you can choose which layer you want this image or element on. 

4. COLLABORATE WITH OTHERS:

Canva allows for collaborative design projects. Invite team members or collaborators to work on designs together, perfect for collaborations and group projects. You can add them to your team, or simply send them the link. 

5. DESIGN PRESENTATIONS AND INFOGRAPHICS:

Extend your content beyond social media. Use Canva to create engaging presentations, infographics, and other visual assets for your blog or website. Canva even has templates for web pages. 

In the ever-expanding universe of online influence, where attention is the currency and creativity is the language, Canva is the ultimate tool for influencers to wield. As you navigate the cosmic expanse of your digital journey, let Canva elevate your brand to the next level, illuminating the path to a more visually engaging and influential online presence. There are no bad designs and everyone starts somewhere.