logo
episode-header-image
About this episode

Ever feel like Canva's DIY approach is turning everyone into a "designer" including your  customers? It's a slap in the face for pros who see their craft being butchered by templates and shortcuts.

This week on The Angry Designer podcast, we tackle the real problem with Canva: not the tool itself, but the false confidence it gives non-designers. We'll break down why using a DIY tool isn't even in the same league as having real design expertise and how this misconception is shaking up our industry.

In this no-BS episode, we're diving deep into:

  • The seductive appeal of Canva and why it’s a trap
  • The glaring differences between a tool and true design expertise
  • How to school clients on the real value of a professional design process

Loaded with raw insights and brutal truths, this episode is a must-listen for any graphic designer feeling the heat from DIY tools. We’ll arm you with the ammo to defend your craft, highlight your value, and keep clients coming back for the real deal.

Tune in to learn how to turn the Canva conundrum into your competitive edge, proving that real design expertise can't be templated.

- - - - - - - - - -

The Angry Designer Podcast featuring solo and guest episodes where graphic designers, from freelancers to in-house professionals, overcome imposter syndrome, burnout, and client management, offering insights on getting more clients, making money, mastering design principles, branding, marketing, business operations, building a stellar graphic design portfolio, creating impactful social media graphics, and navigating a successful graphic design career in UX and beyond.

Stay Angry our Friends
–––––––––––
Join Anger Management for Designers Newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/mr4bb4j3
Want to see more?
See uncut episodes on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/theangrydesigner
Read our blog posts on our website TheAngryDesigner.com
Join in the conversation on our Instagram Instagram.com/TheAngryDesignerPodcast

Up next
Oct 7
Fiverr Replacing Graphic Designers with AI and WHY Real Design Still Wins!
Fiverr just fired 30% of its staff and announced it’s becoming an “AI-first company.” On paper, it sounds innovative. In reality, it’s poetic justice. The platform that devalued design and turned creativity into a $5 commodity just found a faster, cheaper replacement of its own b ... Show More
36m 40s
Oct 2
James Barnard on Turning Graphic Design Tutorials Into Authority
Most Graphic Designers think the way to get noticed is by chasing likes, posting tutorials, or following design formulas. But James Barnard has lived both sides...the viral design influencer and the working designer. And he’s here to tell you the hard truth: clout doesn’t pay you ... Show More
48m 26s
Sep 30
Graphic Design Careers Are Under Attack. Here’s How to Survive
Graphic design is only projected to grow 3% over the next decade. AI is churning out logos in seconds. Bootcamps and Canva “designers” are flooding the industry. If you think that means graphic design is dead, you’re missing the bigger problem. The real threat isn’t AI or oversup ... Show More
39m 35s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
157 What Separates $3K Designers from $10K+ Designers
Most designers stay stuck at $3K projects because they’re pricing wrong, targeting the wrong clients, and positioning themselves as just another freelancer. The difference between a $3K designer and a $10K designer isn’t design skills. It’s how they run their business. In this ep ... Show More
22m 17s
Mar 2024
100 Strategies to Grow Your Design Business with Chris Do
It's a milestone worth celebrating! The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast is proud to announce its 100th episode! Over the past 100 episodes, we've had the privilege of hosting some of the sharpest minds in the creative industry. Our guests have shared their experiences ... Show More
1h 5m
Sep 30
The Courage to Create with Jeremy Slagle | EP 180
What does it really take to show up confidently as a designer?In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I’m talking with Jeremy Slagle, the founder of Slagle Design. With decades of experience, Jeremy shares what it means to have the courage to create, how he bu ... Show More
35m 6s
Sep 1
134- Part 4: Let's Talk Profit Strategies, Follow the Profits, Not all Projects are Sexy
Send us a textWelcome to the grand finale of our four-part Profitable Design Series with Laura Thornton!In this essential episode, Laura helps you shift from just designing beautiful spaces to designing a truly profitable business. Learn why reviewing your numbers regularly is mo ... Show More
13m 1s
Jan 2025
145 Psychological Tricks to Sell Design Services
Selling doesn’t have to feel pushy or uncomfortable. In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I’m breaking down the psychological tricks that make selling design services feel natural. From building trust to framing your services as solutions, these strategies ... Show More
27m 15s
Mar 2024
97 Building Your Design Agency Dream Team
In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, we talk about expanding your design business and building your dream team. From feeling swamped with administrative tasks to struggling to attract top-notch clients, we've all been there. If you've heard my other ... Show More
32m 37s
Sep 4
Amy Hayes Proves Referrals Beat Social Media Marketing
Send us a textShow Notes: How to Build Premium Services Without the Premium HeadachesWhat if everything you've been told about raising your rates is backwards?Amy Hayes, founder of The Global Creator, spent a decade building a design business that runs almost entirely on referral ... Show More
47m 16s
Feb 2025
125\\ No Design Experience? Creative Ways to Build Your Interior Design Portfolio and Get Hired
"How can I show what I can do if no one gives me a chance?" This is a question I often hear from young designers struggling to find paid internships or get clients to take a chance on them. It’s frustrating, discouraging, and can leave you feeling stuck. You know you have the pas ... Show More
13m 47s
Aug 5
103. Social Media Manager Starter Kit: Everything You Need to Get Started
If you're constantly feeling like you're winging it as a social media manager—scrambling to put together proposals, second-guessing your pricing, or starting from scratch with every single client—I need to tell you something important.You're not unprofessional. You just don't hav ... Show More
8m 14s
Feb 2025
127 | How to Handle Unexpected Problems in Interior Design Without Losing Money or Feeling Stressed
What happens when things don’t go as planned in your design projects?A contractor gets sick, a supplier raises prices, or a hidden problem adds unexpected costs—these surprises can cause major stress and financial loss.Uncertainty is inevitable, but with the right preparation, yo ... Show More
23m 40s