Blog
I'm Not Creative Enough for Canva
Staring at a blank Canva screen thinking "I'm not creative enough for this"? Stop right there. Starting a business takes creativity - you've already proven you have it. The truth is, those people who look like they're doing it all? They have help (they're just not always saying it). Right now, you don't need a designer - you need to experiment, make mistakes, and find your feet. Because creativity and polished design are two different things. And guess what? You're more creative than you think.
To Use AI or Not to Use AI? That is the Question
As a designer, here's what I really think about AI in design - and why it's okay to use it when you're starting out (but not forever). Let's talk about finding the balance between tools and investment.
5 Canva Mistakes That Hurt Your Brand (And How to Fix Them)
Running a business means DIYing your graphics - at least until you can afford to outsource. But common Canva mistakes can make your brand look unprofessional. From overcrowded carousels to poor alignment, these five errors are holding you back. The good news? They're all easy to fix. Learn the simple design tricks that make your graphics look professionally made, even if you're a complete beginner.
How to Know If You Need Custom Branding or If Templates Will Work
Here's what most designers won't tell you: you don't need a custom brand and logo on day one of your business. Controversial? Maybe. But when you're juggling admin, marketing, sales, and customer service, a rigid brand isn't what you need - flexibility is. Learn how to use templates and DIY tools like Canva to build visual consistency (without the overwhelm), plus the unmistakable signs that signal you're ready to level up to a full custom brand. Spoiler: it's not about budget - it's about knowing who you're talking to and what you want to say.
"Professional but Fun"
Stop fighting yourself with mismatched fonts. One versatile font family like Poppins - used strategically across Bold, SemiBold, and Regular weights - plus a balanced color palette creates that elusive "professional but approachable" vibe. Learn the exact proportions and implementation checklist for brands that need to be both credible and friendly.
Accessible Design Isn't Just 'Nice to Have’
Think accessible design is complicated? This step-by-step guide shows you how to make your website and social media accessible in 6 months - no tech degree needed.
What's Actually Inside Brand Guidelines
You hear designers banging on about branding guidelines constantly - they're so important, they help with consistency, they make designing easier. But HOW? This complete guide breaks down exactly what goes into branding guidelines, from mission and values to logos, colours, and fonts. Whether you're DIYing your brand or working with a designer, you'll learn what to include and why each element matters. Plus, grab my free Canva template to get started today!
Beware the Design Gremlins: 5 Common Branding Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Ever wonder why your brand design feels... off? Meet the design gremlins - those sneaky little creatures causing colour chaos, font frenzy, and alignment disasters in your Canva creations. From rainbow Instagram posts to unreadable script fonts, these 5 common branding mistakes might be sabotaging your professional image. But don't worry - I've got specific action steps to banish each gremlin and create consistent, polished visuals that actually work for your business. Ready to stop wrestling with design at 2am?
Your Brand Should Work For You, Not Against You
Running a business shouldn't mean wrestling with your brand at 2AM. If you're exhausted from DIY design projects that never feel quite right, constantly second-guessing your visual choices, or avoiding social media because nothing feels "on brand" anymore - you're not alone. Your brand should be working for you, saving you time and helping you show up with confidence. Instead, it's become a burden that's holding you back from focusing on what really matters: growing your business and serving your clients. The truth is, when your brand doesn't fit, everything feels harder - from creating content to launching new offers. But it doesn't have to stay this way.
The Moon on a Stick (and Why You Deserve It)
Ever been told you're asking for "the moon on a stick" when describing your dream brand? That your vision is too bold, too weird, or just too... you? Here's the truth: unless you're literally asking for the actual moon, you deserve a brand that's unmistakably yours. The problem with "realistic" branding isn't that it's practical - it's that it keeps you small. Safe, generic brands get lost in the noise, attract the wrong clients, and make showing up for your business feel exhausting. Your uniqueness isn't something to water down or squeeze into a beige Canva template. It's your competitive advantage. When you stop settling for "good enough" and invest in strategic brand design that feels perfectly you, magic happens. Your dream clients can finally find you.
DIY-ing Your Website?
When you first start thinking about your website, you might be thinking: “This is easy - I’ll just quickly put something together, and it’ll be fine!”
But three weeks later, you’re confused, stuck, and seriously considering throwing your laptop out the window.
Let’s avoid that. Here are some tips to get you going smoothly.
It’s Not Just a Logo…
Ever feel like rebranding your business is giving you a minor identity crisis?
Same.
And honestly? That’s because branding is emotional. It’s not just a logo. It’s your business, your values, your first impression, your confidence and it’s all wrapped up in colour palettes and typefaces.
No pressure, right?
Getting the Ketchup Flowing: How I Get Ideas Out of My Head and Into the World
Sometimes, I can see the idea perfectly in my mind - how it should look, feel, work - but no matter what I try, it just won’t come out right. It’s like it’s stuck, lodged. Just sitting there like thick ketchup in one of those old-school glass bottles.
You Are the Worst Client Ever
You might think I’ve had a nightmare client recently.
Someone indecisive. Overly picky. Constantly changing their mind.
But no. This time… it was me.
Branding for Neurodivergent Business Owners: Making It Work for YOU
Branding can feel like a massive, overwhelming task - especially if you're neurodivergent.
There’s a lot of noise out there about what you 'should' do, but guess what? Your brand doesn’t have to follow the usual rules. It just needs to feel like YOU and attract the people who’ll get you.
How to Find Your Inner Logo: A Guide to a Brand That Feels Like YOU
Your logo is important, but it’s not your entire brand. Think of it as your personal stamp a symbol that represents your personality, your essence, and what makes your business uniquely yours.
Branding for Weirdos: Embracing What Makes You Different!
Let’s be honest - most branding advice out there is a bit... beige. "Follow industry trends," they say. "Stick to professional colors," they insist. "Make sure your brand appeals to as many people as possible," they warn.
The Myth of the ‘Perfect’ Brand: Why Done Is Better Than Perfect!
If you're just starting out in business and feeling overwhelmed by branding, you're not alone. The internet is full of polished, professional brands that seem lightyears ahead of where you are. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need the ‘perfect’ brand before you can put yourself out there.
Colour Psychology is cool, but let’s not overthink it!
Ever wondered why every fast-food place you drive past always makes you hungry? Or why accountants and banks love blue?