Can’t I Just Use AI or Canva Instead of a Designer?

It’s a fair question — and one I get more often these days.

With tools like Canva, Wix, and AI becoming more accessible, it’s easy to think you can DIY your brand or website in just a few clicks. And honestly? Sometimes that does work — especially if you’re just starting out and need something quick.

But if you’re looking for something a bit more personal, more polished, and properly set up to reflect you and your business — that’s where a designer can really add value.

It’s not about the tool — it’s how you use it

I use Canva and Wix myself — they’re brilliant platforms when used well. But like any tool, the results depend on the thought and skill behind it.

A lot of people use the same templates, which can leave you with something that looks nice but feels a bit generic. That might be fine for a placeholder, but not always ideal if you want your business to stand out.

What I do is start with a blank canvas (literally), and design everything from scratch — layout, colours, fonts, visuals — tailored to you and your goals.

What I bring to the table (besides design skills)

Design isn’t just about making things look pretty. It’s also about:

• Helping you figure out how you want your business to come across

• Creating a look and feel that reflects your personality and values

• Building a mobile-friendly website that works smoothly for visitors

• Taking care of the techy bits so you don’t have to stress

And I’m here to support you throughout — with advice, edits, guidance, and a bit of cheerleading when you need it.

A word on pricing

Yes, DIY tools and AI are cheap (or free). I try to keep my prices affordable too — especially for sole traders and small local businesses.

But I also have to value my time and experience. I live in Jersey (which isn’t exactly known for being cheap!) and I run this design service alongside my main job as a nurse — so every project I take on gets my full attention.

When you pay for design work, you’re not just buying a logo or a website. You’re getting my time, my care, and my support, from start to finish.

Final thought?

If a template works for you, brilliant — it’s great that those options exist. But if you’d prefer something bespoke, professionally built, and made with a bit of heart, I’d love to help.