Canva isn’t just a graphic design tool; it’s a gateway to making money online, even if you’re not a designer. With a few creative techniques, you can leverage Canva’s versatility to generate income streams. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to turn your Canva skills into cash.
1. Create and Sell Seamless Patterns
One of the easiest ways to start making money with Canva is by designing and selling seamless patterns. Seamless patterns are in high demand, especially for digital backgrounds, fabrics, wallpapers, and even wrapping paper.
How to Get Started:
- Step 1: Design a seamless tile pattern in Canva. You can use shapes, elements, or even import unique graphics.
- Step 2: Export the design as a PNG.
- Step 3: Convert the PNG into an SVG format in Canva, ensuring it’s scalable for various uses.
- Step 4: List your designs on Etsy or Creative Market, where people often buy patterns for crafting, digital design, or physical products like fabric printing.
Pro Tip:
Creating multiple pattern variations, such as themes like “boho florals” or “geometric tiles,” can attract a wider audience. Also, consider listing on Fiverr, offering custom pattern design services for clients who want specific themes.
2. Offer Photo Editing Services Using Canva’s Magic Edit and Eraser
If you enjoy photo editing, Canva’s Magic Edit and Magic Eraser tools allow you to perform quick edits that many people are willing to pay for. Photo editing requests often include removing backgrounds, adding elements, or even retouching.
How to Get Started:
- Step 1: Use Canva’s Magic Edit tool to make simple photo enhancements, such as removing or adding elements. For instance, you can edit a background, adjust lighting, or even change colors.
- Step 2: Start offering your services on Upwork and Fiverr, where you can charge for quick edits or retouches. Clients regularly need professional headshots cleaned up, family photos edited, or backgrounds removed.
Example Services:
- Background removal for product photos.
- Retouching or enhancing colors and lighting.
- Adding/removing elements from images.
This niche is great for consistent revenue, as many clients often need small edits and are willing to pay for quick turnarounds.
3. Design Custom Layouts for Events and Businesses
Canva offers numerous templates, which makes creating custom designs for events and businesses incredibly straightforward. Think birthday invitations, wedding stationery, graduation announcements, and even professional resumes. This service can be offered as a one-time gig or on a subscription basis for clients who need ongoing design work.
How to Get Started:
- Step 1: Explore Canva’s template library. It includes designs for almost every event or business need—just search for “invitations,” “resumes,” or “social media graphics.”
- Step 2: Customize templates with client details. Canva’s intuitive interface allows you to personalize colors, fonts, and layouts to fit each client’s preferences.
- Step 3: Market your services. Start by reaching out to personal connections or creating listings on Fiverr and Upwork. Once you gain some traction, you can start marketing through social media or via a personal website.
Target Audience:
- Small business owners needing branded materials.
- Individuals planning events who want custom invitations or announcements.
- Professionals looking to revamp their resumes or portfolios.
Key Tips for Success in the Canva Side Hustle
- Master the Basics of Design
Canva’s Design School offers free courses on essential concepts like color theory, typography, composition, and hierarchy. A solid understanding of these principles will make your designs look professional, helping you stand out and charge higher rates. - Diversify Your Listings
By offering different types of design services or digital products, you increase the chances of attracting a larger audience. Seamless patterns, photo edits, and custom invitations each have unique appeal and target different market segments. - Start Small and Build a Portfolio
If you’re just starting, offer your services at a lower rate to friends or on social media. Once you’ve built up a solid portfolio, you can begin charging more and expanding your reach through online marketplaces. - Leverage Automation Tools
Canva integrates with various productivity tools, which can help streamline your workflow. For instance, use Google Sheets or Airtable to track client requests and deadlines, or Zapier to automate invoicing and payments.
