Canva is a powerful graphic design tool that allows users to easily create professional-looking designs without the need for extensive design experience. As a graphic designer, I have come to appreciate the many tricks and features that Canva has to offer! It can be used to create professional-looking designs quickly and easily, even for those with limited design experience. I have discovered a few of my favorite ways to use Canva to create personalized designs for social media, and I am excited to share these tips and tricks with you!
Utilize the Shadow Effect for Your Text
The ‘Shadow Effect’ in Canva is an effective way to add depth and dimension to your designs. It can be used to make text or graphics stand out against a background, or to create the illusion of depth on a flat surface. The effect can also be used to create a sense of movement or direction in a design. Additionally, the shadow effect can be adjusted to create different levels of intensity, which can help to draw attention to a specific element or add emphasis to a particular message. Overall, the shadow effect in Canva is a versatile tool that can be used to enhance the visual appeal of a design and make it more impactful.
Limit Your Fonts to Two to Keep the Graphic Cohesive
Using only 2 fonts in a design is considered a best practice because it helps to create a cohesive and harmonious look. Having too many fonts in a design can make it appear cluttered and chaotic, which can be visually overwhelming for the viewer. By limiting the number of fonts used, you can create a more polished and professional look. Using 2 fonts also creates contrast, making the design more interesting to look at. One font can be used for the headlines and the other for the body text, making it easy to separate the information and making it easy to read.
💡 Graphic Designer tip: If you are not sure if they go together, try to match the width of the fonts so they can feel similar.
Take Advantage of the Canvas Space
Don’t be afraid to fill the space within the graphic you are creating. Filling in the space is an important aspect of graphic design that can help to balance the design, create visual interest, direct the eye, enhance the message, and make the design look professional. By filling the space with meaningful and relevant graphics, you can reinforce the message you are trying to convey. This can help to make your message more memorable and impactful. An empty or poorly designed space can make your design look amateurish. Filling the space effectively, on the other hand, can make your design look polished and professional.
Play Around with the Logo Placement
A logo placed in the corner can appear smaller and less impactful compared to a logo that is prominently displayed in the center of the design. While placing a logo in the corner may seem like a convenient solution, depending on the design it can actually harm the overall effect. Instead, consider alternative locations for your logo that will balance the design, increase visibility, differentiate your brand, and enhance the impact of the design.
💡 Graphic Designer Tip: Give yourself some more options with your logo by making sure you have different color varieties. I recommend a solid white and black version, plus add in solid colors to represent each of your brand colors. This way, you can use the logo on top of ANY background and still be able to keep your brand front and center. If you want to take it one step further, I also recommend having three versions of your logo to fit into various different situations. Have a compact version, long version and then a short-hand version that is usually some sort of icon.
Utilize the Entire Canva Library
The Canva library is an invaluable resource for someone looking to create any form of graphic. They offer a wide selection of fully customizable templates and design elements that can save time, a large library of high quality videos and photography, and expansive music and audio collection! By using the Canva library, you can streamline your design process and create more effective and impactful designs. It can also help bring consistency to your branding and make it easier for your audience to recognize and remember your brand.
Canva is a powerful tool for ANYONE who is looking to design their own graphics with ease. By following these five tips, you can take your designs to the next level and create visually appealing and professional graphics. Remember to always be creative and have fun while designing with Canva!
If you don’t already have a subscription to Canva you can try it for FREE, but we recommend upgrading so that you can take advantage of all that the tool has to offer.
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