Why Using Canva for your Logo Design is a Bad Idea
First, I’m not one of those designers that hates Canva. I think it’s a great tool for business owners, especially if they’re independently run and don’t have an in-house designer. And I use it myself all the time, mostly for social media graphics and Reels. It’s accessible, intuitive, and packed with helpful features that make day-to-day content creation easier.
But when it comes to logo and brand identity design, Canva simply isn’t the right tool. And if you’re building a business that’s meant to last, it’s important to understand why.
1. You risk looking like everyone else
Most Canva logos are built from pre-made icons, fonts, and layout templates—elements that anyone else can use too. That means the logo you just spent an hour crafting might look nearly identical to someone else’s. Or worse, be exactly the same with different text.
A great logo should be unmistakably yours. It should reflect your brand’s personality, purpose, and positioning—not just follow a popular design trend.
2. Without proper file types, you’re limited in how you can use your logo.
Canva doesn’t export true vector files (like .EPS or fully editable .AI files), which are essential for professional logo usage. Without a vector version, your logo may appear pixelated or blurry when scaled up for signage, print materials, or even high-resolution digital use.A professional designer will always provide a full logo suite—including vector files—so your brand looks sharp and consistent everywhere, from business cards to billboards.
3. You don’t own your logo
Here’s something many business owners don’t realize and it’s really scary: You don’t legally own a Canva-made logo in the way you might think.
Because Canva elements are licensed for use—not sold exclusively—you can’t trademark a logo that includes stock icons, fonts, or layout templates from their library. That means if you ever try to legally register your Canva logo (especially as your business grows), it’s likely to be rejected. And if someone else starts using a similar design, you won’t have the legal grounds to stop them. That’s a major risk if you’re serious about protecting your brand.
4. A logo without brand strategy is pointless
A logo isn’t just a pretty graphic—it’s the distilled expression of your brand’s story, values, and vision. It’s built with your business goals, audience, and competitive landscape in mind.
That level of depth and intentionality simply isn’t possible with drag-and-drop tools. You need a process, not a template. A professional designer is also a strategist who applies years of experience to your brand and creates a custom, strategic brand identity.
If you want a brand with longevity, invest in custom brand design
Investing in a custom logo and brand identity may feel like a leap, but it’s one of the most valuable decisions you can make for your business. When done right, your brand will not only look beautiful—it will work hard for you: attracting the right people, building trust, and growing with your business.
If you’re ready to trade templates for something truly tailored, I’d love to help. Fill out the Client Inquiry form and let’s get to work!
