Canva, Gatekeeping, and the Reality of Being a Professional Designer

There’s a lot of noise online about Canva, especially from traditional graphic designers. “Everyone thinks they’re a designer now,” they say. “People don’t know how to export files properly.” And yes, some of that frustration is real, but let’s get one thing straight:

I am a designer. Using Canva doesn’t make me less skilled. It’s just one of the tools in my toolbox, one that lets me deliver professional, polished work efficiently.

Design gatekeeping often comes from a place of fear: fear that tools like Canva are “diluting” the profession. But here’s the truth: Canva can help designers work smarter, not replace them. Professional design is more than dragging elements, it’s strategy, hierarchy, typography, color theory, and understanding how visuals influence human behavior. Your clients don’t just need pretty graphics; they need work that communicates, converts, and holds up across platforms. That’s what separates a professional from a casual Canva user.

Using Canva doesn’t erase the experience and judgment that inform your decisions. Knowing which colors work in print vs. digital, creating logos that scale, print cleanly, and retain identity, designing layouts with balance, hierarchy, and readability, and understanding how branding strategy translates to visuals, all of this is what makes a designer, not the tool you use. Tools don’t make the designer, skill, judgment, and intention do.

So how do you handle the gatekeeping noise? First, ignore the insults, not the advice. Some critiques about exporting files or color modes are valid; learn the mechanics, then move on. Second, document your processes, professional handoff files, clear naming conventions, and polished Read Me guides show clients you know what you’re doing. Third, trust your eye. You know when a design works, and why. That’s what clients pay for. Finally, own your toolset. Canva, Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, Affinity, the tool is secondary; the work is primary.

Professional design is skill, thought, and intention, not just software. Gatekeepers may scoff at Canva users, but a designer who can turn a concept into a functional, beautiful, and client-ready brand? That’s invaluable.

So yes, I use Canva. And yes, I’m a designer. Full stop.

The Story Behind Glowmark Studio

Glowmark Studio was born in that quiet space between finishing school and figuring out what comes next. I was putting in the work, finally earning my degree as an older student, and realizing that the traditional 9–5 life still wasn’t going to fit me. I’ve always known I wanted to work for myself, that part was clear, but the how was the hard part.

I’ve always been creative. Over the years, I’ve dabbled in every outlet that called to me: drawing, painting, photography and editing photos, anything that let me make something beautiful out of nothing. Once, an artist friend told me, “You should be a graphic designer.” That stuck with me over the years. Unfortunately, I didn’t see it as a “real” career path option. But while studying business, I started realizing that design and strategy could live side by side, and that the mix of both was exactly where I belonged. So I began studying design on my own.

That’s how Glowmark Studio began: from the desire to build something that blends creativity with purpose, something that helps small businesses shine without needing big budgets or big agencies.

The Meaning Behind the Name

The name Glowmark came together as a reflection of what I wanted this studio to stand for.

• Glow represents that calm confidence, the quiet light inside each of us that deserves to be seen.

• Mark is about leaving your impression with purpose. It’s what happens when your business starts to feel aligned and intentional, and people begin to recognize you in your brand.

Together, “Glowmark” is a reminder that your brand doesn’t have to be flashy or expensive to be powerful. It just needs to feel true to you, because when you glow with authenticity, you naturally leave your mark.

The Vision Behind the Studio

The celestial, starry-night aesthetic of Glowmark Studio ties into that idea too, the sense of awe and mystery that reminds us we’re part of something bigger, yet steady and consistent, like the stars. There’s something magical about creating from that space, where creativity feels both grounded and infinite.

I built Glowmark Studio from a place of understanding, I know what it’s like to have a dream but no resources, to try to do everything yourself, to want to show up professionally even when you’re just figuring it all out. My goal is to be the friend in your corner who helps you create something that feels polished, intentional, and achievable.

This studio is my heart, my sweat, and my tears, a way to blend art, purpose, and empathy into something that helps other small businesses find their footing. My hope is that Glowmark Studio continues to help new entrepreneurs gain clarity, confidence, and that spark of inspiration to step into their light, and leave their own mark.

Taken by my daughter, Misty, in a gorgeous field of sunflowers

Why Your Small Business Needs Professional Branding (Even on a Budget)

Honey & Thyme Logos and Facebook Banner

Starting a small business is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. There are a million things to think about: your products, your audience, your website… and then there’s branding.

You might think, “I’m small — do I really need a logo, a style guide, or consistent visuals?” The answer is yes — and here’s why:

1. First impressions matter
People form an opinion about your business in seconds. A polished, professional look instantly builds trust and shows that you care about quality.

2. Consistency builds recognition
When your colors, fonts, and logo are consistent across your website, social media, and marketing materials, people remember you. That recognition turns into loyalty.

3. Saves time and stress
A style guide and clear visuals mean you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time you make a post, design a flyer, or update your website.

4. Branding doesn’t have to break the bank
You don’t need a huge budget to look professional. With a thoughtful logo, a mini style guide, and cohesive visuals, you can stand out in your market without overspending.

At Glowmark Studio, I help small business owners like you create affordable, polished branding that reflects your vision and attracts the right clients. From custom logo sets to style guides and social media graphics, my goal is to make your brand look intentional and professional — without the stress.

💡 Tip: Even a small tweak — like matching fonts across your social media and website — can make a huge difference in how your brand is perceived.

Ready to give your business a professional, cohesive look? Check out my Branding Starter Sets or Custom Logo Packages to get started today.e you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.