Create Memorable Graphic Designs without Photoshop
Do you remember the last time you spent hours perusing a web page that had terrible images and a confusing design format?
Yeah, me neither. As humans, we are naturally drawn to clean and catchy designs that pique our interest. This is why your project needs graphic designs that are not only attractive, but intuitive for your target audience. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the idea of even downloading photoshop or concerned about the cost of hiring someone to design your content, this article will teach you how to create flawless graphic designs without all the hassle.
If not photoshop, what do you use?
The program that is easiest to use for beginners is called Canva. Canva can be downloaded to your computer or your phone for convenient on-the-go design work.
Canva provides a massive library of graphic elements to choose from to create appealing visuals for any occasion. Each of these elements can then be personalized to create those one-of-a-kind pretty images that leave you with a sense of jealousy when you’re stalking your favorite influencer on Instagram.
What can you design with Canva?
The possibilities for content creation with Canva are endless. You can use Canva for:
- Logos for your business or website
- Graphics for social media posts
- Personalized PDFs
- Removing backgrounds on images
- Creating eBooks
- Fine tuning your resume
- Developing advertorials
- Headers for blogs or websites
- Creating images for your Legiit Profile Services
What is the cost?
This is always the first question that I have when downloading any program. Are you ready for some good news? Canva is free! Now there is a catch.
Some of the graphics and text designs require you to pay a fee. If you want full access to all of Canva’s graphic library, then you will need to upgrade to Canva Pro.
Canva Pro costs $9.95 if billed as a yearly package or $12.95 if you choose a month-to-month billing plan. However, it is totally possible to create designs that serve your needs without downloading Canva Pro. As a self-proclaimed cheapskate, I have been able to get by without the Pro version for all my business needs.
How do I start?
When you first open the program, you are going to see a list of designs to choose from. Simply select the type of design you want to create (i.e. logo, Instagram story, etc.).
From there, you will be presented with a wide variety of designs to choose from in that category or you can start from a blank page. By tapping on each item in the design you have selected, you can change the words, font, and colors. Canva will also let you upload your own personalized photos in place of the pre-selected photo. Once you have finished your masterpiece, you can either download it directly to a social media platform, email it, or print it for all the world to see on your refrigerator.
Create logos
One of the best ways to brand yourself or your company is to have a signature logo.
All you have to do is choose from one of the many logo design templates and then customize the text, colors, and designs to match the needs of your brand. I have literally created logos for my own business and other business within 5 minutes or less using Canva. If you find that you enjoy creating logos or other designs on Canva, you could even turn this into a side hustle on Legiit to make some great cash in your free time!
Remove backgrounds
One feature that I find myself coming back to time and time again is the remove the background tool. All you have to do is upload your picture and then select “Edit Image” from the top toolbar. Next, you’ll click on “BG Remover” on the left panel on the screen. All that’s left to do is click “Erase” and just like that, you have a clean background to work with.Develop an eBook
Having a free eBook to download on your website or available to download after signing up for your newsletter can be an excellent marketing tool.
Creating an eBook could also generate some easy passive income for you. Now if you’re like me, when you think about writing a book you are immediately overtaken by a case of imposter syndrome.
But with Canva, making an eBook is genuinely simple. I created an eBook on how to apply for graduate school within an hour. The final product was so polished that my colleague didn’t believe that my not so tech-savvy self could create such a thing.
Make unique Instagram stories
Have you ever scrolled through someone’s Instagram story and thought, “I wonder how they made that”? I’m willing to bet that 9 out of 10 times it was designed on Canva. You can create personalized Instagram stories to subtly draw in users to either follow your page or buy into a product or service you offer. And while removing backgrounds is the tool I use the most, this one definitely comes in at a close second.
You May Also Like: Use Instagram To Grow Your Freelancing Business
Still overwhelmed?
If you still find yourself wanting to crawl into a hole after all this talk about Canva, let’s chat about the options you have.
You can always hire a graphic designer to do all the heavy lifting for you. But this may not be your most cost-effective option. You may want to outsource your graphic designs through Legiit to find quality work at a more affordable rate.
Go and create!
No matter what you decide, I am here to reassure you as a total graphic design noob that you can master this skill on Canva to create designs you are proud of.
Who knows, you may even find a new side hustle in graphic design that you never imagined was possible!
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