If you’ve been meaning to start a design business but are intimidated by design giants like Adobe or Photoshop, Canva has a solution.
Personally, Canva has helped me immensely grow my savings and build a better life for my family, even in the confines of my home.
From late-night design sessions to landing my first big client, the journey has been nothing short of exhilarating.
So, fire up your laptop, and let’s explore the ways you can transform your Canva prowess into a thriving business.
1. Create and Sell Canva Templates
Imagine waking up to notifications of passive income rolling in while you sleep. That’s what I love about selling Canva templates.
To begin this side hustle, you need to identify popular niches like social media posts, newsletters, presentations, or ebook covers.
Then, unleash your creativity to design templates that solve common pain points for your target audience.
Once you’ve crafted your masterpieces, it’s time to set up shop.
Platforms like Etsy, Creative Market, or even your own WordPress website can be great places to showcase and sell your templates.
With some Etsy sellers reporting earnings of $30k+ per year from digital products alone, the potential is truly exciting.
To stand out in a crowded marketplace, focus on creating unique, high-quality designs that solve specific problems.
For instance, a set of Instagram story templates designed specifically for fitness coaches could be a hit.
2. Design and Sell Printables
I must admit I was skeptical about the demand for printables before. But the market proved me wrong.
From planners and worksheets to wall art and stickers, the demand for printables is booming.
I remember creating my first set of budget planner printables. It took me a weekend to design, but once listed on Etsy, it became a consistent seller.
Within a few months, I was earning a steady $500 per month from just that one product.
For you to get on the same track, think about what people in your niche need. Are you into fitness? Create workout trackers.
Use Canva’s user-friendly interface to bring your ideas to life, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and formats.
One tip that worked wonders for me is to create bundles. I offered a set of matching printables which increased my average order value.
3. Become a Canva Contributor
When you join the Canva Contributor program, you can upload your original illustrations, photos, and even videos to Canva’s marketplace.
Every time someone uses your content in their design, you earn a royalty. With Canva boasting over 100 million users, there are a lot of potential eyes on your work.
Contributors report earning anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, depending on the popularity of their content.
To increase your chances of success, focus on creating versatile designs like icons, patterns, or illustrations that can be easily incorporated into different types of designs.
Also, keep an eye on trending topics and styles to ensure your contributions stay relevant and in demand.
Note, though, that Canva has high standards for their contributors, so make sure your submissions are polished and professional.
4. Start a Print-on-demand Business
With the print-on-demand (POD) business model, you can create designs for t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more, then let a POD service handle the production and shipping when a sale is made.
To do this, sign up with a POD platform like Printify or Printful.
These services integrate seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify or Etsy, making it easy to set up your online store.
Then, use Canva to create eye-catching designs that resonate with your target audience.
The key to success in the POD world is finding your niche. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, focus on a specific group of people.
For example, you could create designs for dog lovers, yoga enthusiasts, or travel addicts.
By catering to a specific audience, you’ll be able to create designs that truly speak to them, increasing your chances of making sales.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results.
Many successful POD entrepreneurs report that it took them 3-6 months of consistent effort before they started seeing significant sales.
Right now, some top sellers on platforms like Merch by Amazon report earning over $10,000 per month!
5. Design Logos for Small Businesses
Every business needs a strong visual identity, and that starts with a great logo. This is where your Canva skills can really shine.
Since Canva has an intuitive interface and a vast library of elements, you can create professional-looking logos even if you’re not a trained graphic designer.
To start this gig, set up a profile on freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. Showcase your best logo designs in your portfolio to attract potential clients.
As you’re starting out, you might want to offer lower rates to build up your client base and reviews.
Many new logo designers on these platforms start by charging $20-$50 per logo. But don’t sell yourself short for long.
Experienced logo designers can charge anywhere from $100 to $500 or more per logo.
Pro Tip: To land more clients, offer package deals. For example, you could offer a basic package that includes a logo and business card design and a premium package that adds social media profile images and a letterhead.
6. Start an Online Canva Course
Turning your Canva know-how into a lucrative online course is also possible!
First, decide on your course focus. Will you teach Canva basics for beginners? Or perhaps advanced techniques for creating specific types of designs?
Consider what you’re most passionate about and where your skills shine brightest.
Next, plan your course content.
Break down your knowledge into digestible lessons and include practical exercises to keep your students engaged.
Don’t forget to create eye-catching course materials using Canva itself – it’s a great way to showcase what students can achieve!
When it comes to hosting your course, platforms like Teachable, Udemy, or Skillshare are excellent options. Each has pros and cons, so research to find the best fit for your needs.
Pricing is crucial. While you might be tempted to price low at first, remember that people often associate higher prices with higher value.
Many successful Canva course creators charge between $97 and $497 for their comprehensive courses.
7. Create Social Media Posts for Businesses
Many businesses are constantly on the hunt for eye-catching social media content. That said, you can be their go-to designer with your Canva skills.
To be a social media designer with the help of Canva, build a portfolio showcasing various styles of social media posts.
Include different types of content like quote graphics, product showcases, and event announcements.
This diversity will help you appeal to a wider range of clients.
Then, reach out to local businesses or look for opportunities on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
Many businesses are willing to pay between $300 to $2,000 per month for consistent, high-quality social media content.
Just like in designing logos, also offer package deals to find more clients. For instance, you could create a “Social Media Starter Pack” with 30 customized posts for $500.
Note, however, that you need to stay updated with social media trends and algorithm changes to provide the best value to your clients.
8. Design Websites or E-commerce Stores
Believe it or not, Canva isn’t just for creating social media graphics or presentations. It’s a powerful tool for building entire websites and e-commerce stores.
This opens up a whole new world of opportunities for you to monetize your Canva skills.
Start by familiarizing yourself with Canva’s website templates. These provide a great foundation for creating professional-looking sites quickly.
But don’t just stick to the templates – customize them to make each site unique to your client’s brand.
When pitching your services, focus on small businesses or entrepreneurs just starting out because they often need an affordable website solution.
You could charge anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for a basic website. Of course, this is based on the complexity of the website and your experience level.
9. Publish Canva Tutorials on YouTube
Creating YouTube tutorials about Canva can also be a fantastic way to share your knowledge and earn money.
With over 2.6 billion active users on YouTube, there’s a vast audience hungry for design tips and tricks.
To start your own YouTube channel focused on Canva, brainstorm tutorial ideas that would be easy for you to do.
Your first video could be as simple as “5 Canva Hacks Every Beginner Should Know” or “How to Create a Professional Logo in Canva in 10 Minutes.”
When creating your videos, use Canva itself to design eye-catching thumbnails and intros. This showcases your skills and gives viewers a taste of what they can achieve.
Remember to speak clearly and pace your tutorials so viewers can easily follow along.
As your channel grows, you can monetize through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Many successful Canva YouTubers earn between $1,000 and $5,000 per month once they’ve built up their channel.
Pro Tip: Consider creating a series of videos that build on each other, like a “Canva Mastery” course.
This can keep viewers coming back for more and potentially lead to opportunities to sell more comprehensive courses on other platforms.
10. Design E-book Covers
Ever judged a book by its cover? Well, so do most readers!
That’s why designing eye-catching e-book covers with Canva can be a profitable side hustle.
With the self-publishing industry growing day by day, there’s a constant demand for professional-looking covers.
To start a book cover design business through Canva, familiarize yourself with current ebook cover trends in different genres.
Romance novels might favor bold, sensual imagery, while thrillers often use dark, mysterious designs.
Canva’s templates can give you a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to customize and make each cover unique.
Also, when designing, remember that e-book covers need to look good as small thumbnails.
Keep text large and legible, and opt for bold, contrasting colors. Your design should convey the book’s genre and tone at a glance.
Moreover, to find clients, consider joining platforms like Fiverr or 99designs, as many new authors flock to these websites to find book cover designs.
11. Design Invitations and Announcements
Let’s talk about turning life’s celebrations into your paycheck!
Designing invitations and announcements with Canva can be a fun and profitable venture.
From weddings to baby showers, graduations to corporate events, there’s always someone looking for that perfect invite.
Canva’s vast library of templates gives you a head start, but the real magic happens when you customize these designs to match your clients’ visions.
Think beyond just changing colors and fonts.
Add personal touches like custom illustrations or monograms to make each design truly unique.
One way for you to get started in the game is to create a portfolio showcasing various styles and occasions. Include both digital and printable designs to cater to different client needs.
Don’t forget to highlight your ability to create matching sets – invitations, RSVP cards, thank you notes, and even event programs.
When it comes to pricing, consider offering tiered packages.
A basic digital invitation might start at $25-$50, while a full custom suite for a wedding could command $200-$500 or more.
12. Create Infographics
Infographics are the life rafts people cling to in a world drowning in information.
They make complex data digestible, boring statistics interesting, and dry facts shareable.
Creating infographics through Canva isn’t just about making things pretty (although that helps). It’s about telling a story with data.
Start by understanding the basics of data visualization. Which chart types work best for different kinds of information? How can color and hierarchy guide the viewer’s eye?
Remember, the goal is to make information not just beautiful but easy to understand at a glance.
To find clients, look beyond just businesses.
Think nonprofits needing to visualize their impact, educators wanting to make lessons more engaging, or researchers hoping to make their findings more accessible.
Websites like Upwork or Fiverr can be good starting points.
Pricing can vary widely based on the complexity of the infographic and your experience level. As a beginner, you might start at $150-$300 per infographic.
13. Create Pinterest Graphics
Pinterest is not just a place for dream weddings and DIY projects – it’s also a profitable site for savvy Canva users like us.
These days, businesses are constantly looking for ways to increase their Pinterest presence.
Good thing with Canva, you can create stunning pins that stop scrollers in their tracks.
Start by familiarizing yourself with Pinterest’s recommended dimensions (1000 x 1500 pixels is a good standard).
Then, use Canva’s templates to create pins. Bold typography, eye-catching images, and a clear value are key ingredients for a successful pin.
Create pin templates that your clients can easily customize. This not only saves you time but also adds value for your clients.
They get the benefit of professional designs with the flexibility to make quick changes.
As for finding clients, reach out to bloggers, small business owners, or even larger brands looking to up their Pinterest game.
Encourage your clients to pin regularly, and consider offering a Pinterest management service alongside your graphic design.
This could involve keyword research, board organization, and pinning schedules.
From my experience, once you build up a client base, you could be looking at earning $1,000-$3,000 per month just from Pinterest graphics.
14. Create a Paid Newsletter in Canva
With Canva, creating a paid newsletter has never been easier or more visually appealing.
First things first: what’s your niche? The most successful newsletters offer specific, valuable information to a dedicated audience.
Are you a fitness guru, a productivity expert, or a master of personal finance? Whatever your expertise, there’s likely an audience willing to pay for your insights.
Now, let’s talk about design. Canva offers a number of newsletter templates that you can customize to reflect your brand.
Choose a design that’s clean, easy to read, and visually appealing. Stick to the same color scheme and layout for each issue to build brand recognition.
You may also use Canva’s infographic tools to present data in an engaging way. Don’t forget to include eye-catching headers and pull quotes to break up the text.
In terms of pricing, start modestly. Many successful newsletter creators begin at $5-$10 per month.
As you grow your subscriber base and prove your value, you can gradually increase your price.
Some top newsletter writers earn six-figure incomes from their subscribers!
To begin this gig, leverage platforms like Substack or ConvertKit since they make it easy to set up a paid newsletter.
They handle the technical side, leaving you free to focus on creating great content.
15. Create Website Graphics
Creating website graphics is not just about making things look pretty – it’s about enhancing user experience since it can make or break a business.
Every website needs an eye-catching header, engaging buttons, and informative infographics.
With Canva, you can create all these and more.
The platform’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to design graphics that are both beautiful and functional.
Think about creating custom icons, blog post featured images, or even animated graphics using Canva animation features.
These little details can elevate a website from good to great, and clients are willing to pay for that extra touch.
To find clients, you can start by offering your services on freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. Another approach is to reach out directly to small businesses or startups in your area.
Many are in need of professional graphics but don’t have the budget for a full-time designer. This is where your Canva skills can fill a crucial gap.
Typically, designers charge between $50 and $200 for a set of basic website graphics. But you can set your rate depending on your experience.
16. Create Travel Itineraries
More and more people are looking for unique, personalized travel plans and you can easily create one with Canva.
To start off, choose a destination you know well or are passionate about researching.
Use Canva’s templates to create visually stunning day-by-day itineraries. Include beautiful images of attractions, maps with routes clearly marked, and even packing lists for different activities.
But don’t just stop at the basics. Create themed itineraries, too.
For example, a foodie tour of Tokyo, an adventure sports expedition in New Zealand, or a historical journey through Romez.
Use Canva’s icons and illustrations to bring these themes to life visually.
Then, create interactive PDFs with clickable links to recommended hotels, restaurants, and activities.
This adds immense value for your customers and sets you apart from the competition.
When it comes to selling your itineraries, platforms like Etsy or your own website are great options.
Usually, successful travel planners charge between $20 and $100 per itinerary, but this still depends on the complexity and duration of the trip.
17. Create YouTube Thumbnails
Creating YouTube thumbnails might seem like a small detail, but it’s a crucial one that can make or break a video’s success.
With over 500 hours of content uploaded to YouTube every minute, a compelling thumbnail is often the difference between a click and a scroll-by.
So, how can you turn this need into a money-making opportunity? It’s simpler than you might think.
The first step is to familiarize yourself with YouTube’s thumbnail requirements.
The ideal size is 1280×720 pixels, with a minimum width of 640 pixels. Canva has templates perfectly sized for this, giving you a head start.
As for the design, keep in mind that a great YouTube thumbnail needs to be eye-catching, relevant, and legible even in small sizes.
Use bold, contrasting colors to make your thumbnails pop. Include faces where possible – humans are naturally drawn to other human faces.
And don’t forget text! A short, punchy title can intrigue viewers and encourage clicks.
So, where do you find clients?
I suggest heading over to freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork since there are many up-and-coming YouTubers who are looking for thumbnail creators there.
When it comes to pricing, many thumbnail designers start at $10-$20 per thumbnail. As you work on more projects, you could charge $50 or more for a single thumbnail.
Some designers even offer package deals – say, 10 thumbnails for $200.
18. Generate Quiz Videos
Who doesn’t love a good quiz? With Canva, you can turn this universal appeal into a side hustle by creating engaging quiz videos.
These bite-sized, interactive pieces of content are perfect for platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, where they can quickly gain traction and views.
First, identify popular topics that you’re interested in.
For instance, you can create quizzes that test vocabulary or grammar or craft trivia questions about the latest movies or music.
You need to make your quizzes both entertaining and educational and you can use Canva’s video templates to do this.
Choose a dynamic background and add text animations to make your questions easily seen. Include a countdown timer, too, to create a sense of urgency – it keeps viewers engaged till the end!
To monetize your quiz videos, include relevant affiliate links in your bio. For instance, if you’re creating English language quizzes, you could link to language learning apps or books.
As your following grows, you might even attract sponsorship deals from educational platforms.
With dedication, some quiz creators have grown their TikTok following to over 100,000 in just a couple of months.
While earnings can vary, successful quiz video creators report making anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per month through affiliate marketing and sponsorships.
19. Generate Quote Videos
These short, impactful videos featuring inspiring or thought-provoking quotes are usually uploaded on TikTok and Instagram Reels, which help you monetize your accounts in no time.
And guess what? You can create them easily with Canva. Start by curating a collection of compelling quotes.
You can find these on sites like Goodreads or even generate your own using AI tools like ChatGPT.
Of course, you need to choose quotes that resonate with your target audience and align with your niche.
To bring these quotes to life with Canva, choose a video template that fits the mood of your quote.
For inspirational quotes, you might opt for a serene nature background. For motivational business quotes, a sleek, professional template could work well.
Canva’s animation features allow you to make your text appear dynamically, keeping viewers engaged.
Don’t forget to include background music – Canva has a library of royalty-free tracks to choose from.
Once you’ve built a following, you can join the TikTok Creator Fund. Creators say they earn anywhere from $20 to $50 per day when their videos perform well.
Some top creators even report earnings of $200-$300 per day.
Once you’ve created a template you like, you can quickly produce multiple videos by simply swapping out the quotes.
20. Generate Pitch Deck Presentations
As more and more entrepreneurs chase their dreams, the demand for professional, eye-catching pitch decks is skyrocketing.
A pitch deck is a brief presentation that gives investors an overview of a business plan.
It needs to be concise, visually appealing, and, most importantly, persuasive. This is where your Canva expertise can be useful.
If you want to be an expert in this gig, familiarize yourself with the key elements of a successful pitch deck.
Typically, these include slides for the problem, solution, market size, competition, team, and financials.
Canva has a variety of pitch deck templates that you can use. But here’s where you can really add value: customization.
Use Canva’s extensive library of icons, charts, and graphics to bring dry data to life.
A well-designed infographic can make complex information easily digestible – a crucial factor when you’re trying to capture an investor’s attention.
Many designers charge between $300 and $500 for a basic pitch deck.
However, for more comprehensive packages that include revisions and additional materials like one-pagers or executive summaries, you could charge $1,000 or more.
To find clients, network in startup communities. Websites like AngelList or even LinkedIn can be great places to connect with founders in need of your services.
You can also offer your services on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
21. Sell Classroom Lessons
Did you know that your knowledge, combined with your Canva skills, could be your ticket to a profitable side hustle? It is possible with platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers.
Teachers Pay Teachers is a marketplace where educators can buy and sell original educational materials.
With Canva, you can create visually appealing worksheets, posters, lesson plans, and more that you can earn from.
My advice is to focus on creating materials in your area of expertise and use Canva’s educational templates as a starting point.
When it comes to pricing, start by researching similar products on the platform.
Most individual resources are priced between $3 and $8, while comprehensive bundles can go for $15 to $30 or more.
Remember, you’re not just selling a piece of paper – you’re selling your expertise and time-saving convenience to other educators.
Once you’ve created and uploaded your resources, they can continue to sell for years with minimal additional effort from you.
Many successful sellers on Teachers Pay Teachers share that they earn $1,000 to $5,000 per month, with some top sellers even reaching six-figure annual incomes.
22. Make Ads
Canva is a powerful tool to create stunning ads that convert. Whether it’s for social media, websites, or even print, it’s easy to use this platform.
But before you even open Canva, have a thorough discussion with the client about their goals, preferred styles, and any existing brand guidelines.
This groundwork will save you time and revisions down the line.
Now, as for the design. Canva’s ad templates are quite extensive, but don’t be afraid to customize them.
Use bold, eye-catching visuals that stop scrollers in their tracks since you often have just a split second to grab attention in the crowded digital space.
When it comes to text, less is more.
Craft a compelling headline that speaks directly to the audience’s needs or desires.
Use Canva’s typography tools to make your message pop, but always prioritize readability over fancy fonts.
Pricing for ad creation can vary widely based on complexity and your experience level. Many designers start at $50-$100 per ad set (usually 3-5 variations).
As you prove your ads’ effectiveness, you could charge $500 or more for a comprehensive ad campaign.
Final Thoughts
In Canva, success doesn’t happen overnight.
It took me months of trial and error, a few disappointing projects, and countless cups of coffee before I found my groove on this platform.
But with each design, each client, and each sale, I grew more confident in my abilities and the value I could offer.
That said, the best time to begin your Canva journey is right now. I highly recommend trying out the suggestions I’ve listed in this article so you can start your way to financial freedom.
Just pack a lot of patience and be ready to write your Canva success story in no time!
Got any tips to share? Or do you have any thoughts on the Canva earning tips I’ve listed here? Feel free to leave a comment below!
