If you are not a designer : Canva will be your best friend
I remembered the first time working as an intern while still being a student, and managing the company's Instagram account. The first meeting I was organizing the social media schedule and posting the content. During that time, the only designing tool that I knew was Illustrator and photoshop for my many of my friends were easy. But, In my case, that tool was super complicated because after those Lynda courses and Youtube tutorials. I got a little trauma after anxiety attacks and sleep deprivation My former Boss shared with us that there is an online designing tool that you can design a visually appealing poster in a simpler way it is called "Canva." At first, I was very skeptical because having graphic designing skills is not my strength, especially that there are countless of companies still can't afford a professional graphic designer.
Even though, through my classes, I learned having some basic design skills can help your work stand out more. I remembered in one class; the biggest assignment is to make an artist pitch. Not only the research was a crucial part to know the target audience and market. Also, I had to design the logo, put an EPK altogether, and edit a Sizzle video in which all those areas was a challenge for me. Especially, it was an individual assignment in which was putting my whole self to the test. I decided to create the EPK in Canva because I failed badly try to do it in Illustrator and with the help of a friend to make the logo. I end it up doing a decent job; it was not my best creation but enough to learn to put together many elements in one sheet.
Time is passing by... the assignments are asking to get hands on in the artistic side in the industry. In one class, they told me to design an album cover art and back with free images from Flickr. It was the first time in a while that put a lot effort doing homework, including that I asked my best friend for his feedback to make it better. I love that "Canva" gives you support and at the same control to make your design flow in one place.
Maybe, for many graphic designers could be disrespectful from their job and art. Even, if you use "Canva" for some time it will be monotonous, and design needs a kick that the site can't bring. In my current internship, I use "Canva" more than ever because of time optimization, and My Illustrator/ Photoshop skills are still a work in progress. I promised myself that at least make one thing before the year ends. Overall, the site is ideal for people who do not have the passion or patience to use real design software, but they want to create something for social media purposes.
ps: I am not a graphic designer and I value their art/skills/work.
Here is some of my work :
