When your Canva design feels… meh 🤷‍♀️

Hey, Reader,

Have you ever been halfway through a Canva design and thought....

“Something’s missing… but what?”

(Like your graphic got dressed up for the party but forgot its earrings? Yeah, that vibe.😉)

I get it. You want your stuff to look polished and pro... but not like you copied the same template as everyone else.

And when you’re in a design slump? Your creative energy disappears fast.

Have no fear - your designer bestie is here!

Today I'm handing you 5 quick, totally-doable tricks to make your next graphic feel fresh, fun, and something you're actually proud to share.

Ready? Let's get into it!

1️⃣ Swap plain backgrounds for texture

Flat white or solid color? BOORING! (well, usually). Add a subtle texture that matches your brand vibe and watch your graphic get an instant boost of personality. Try linen, paper grain, wood, or even a watercolor wash. Keep it subtle so it enhances your message, not competes with it.

2️⃣ Add instant depth with drop shadows

A little shadow = instant 3D polish.

For text: Select your text → Effects → choose Lift. Works great for white or light text on a dark background.

For images: Select your image → Edit → choose a shadow style. My fave? Glow. It's perfect for mockups.✨

Or search "shadow" in the element library for all kinds of shadows you can place anywhere.

3️⃣ Round those corners

A few clicks and suddenly your shapes, frames, and images feel softer and more inviting. Perfect if you want your brand to give off modern, approachable energy.

Select your image, shape, frame, or element, then look for the little arch icon in the top editing panel.

4️⃣ Give your headlines some love

Worried your message won't get read? Give your headlines some love! Mix and match fonts (tall + chunky, script + sans), play with angles, or pop a shape behind a keyword. The goal? Make them POP to stop the scroll.💥

5️⃣ Try out some realistic elements

Adding realistic elements can help bring your brand to life and make your designs more relatable and full of life. Think coffee cups, notebooks, greenery - oh, there are SO many possibilities! They add warmth and context, and Canva has a TON if you filter for “cutouts only.”

🔥HOT TIP: run a search for @layerlab in the elements library and prepare to be inspired!

There you have it, Reader...

Designer-level graphics are possible with just a little inspo and creativity.

The next time you're feeling stuck in a design slump, try out one of these simple design tips to add some sparkle to your graphics.✨

And if you want more tips, feedback, and “does this work?” support, that’s exactly what we do inside The Brand Boss Design Club. It's your monthly dose of design guidance, Canva trainings, templates, and cheerleading while you DIY your brand.

I can't wait to see what you create!