When everyone’s a designer, does design still matter?

Once upon a time, in the 'Mad Men' era of advertising, designers and creatives were the rockstars of the corporate world—lounging in mid-century offices, sipping scotch at 2pm and getting paid bucketloads to sketch out ideas on napkins. Okay, maybe that’s a little romanticised... or not but one thing is certain—design was an exclusive craft. If you wanted something visually striking, persuasive, and memorable, you called in the professionals.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. Design isn’t just for agencies or in-house creative teams anymore—it’s at everyone’s fingertips. Platforms like Canva, Adobe Express, and VistaCreate have made it easier than ever for anyone to create graphics, presentations, and social posts in minutes and google to research and guide you. But with this shift comes a bigger question... does easy access to design mean everyone should be designing?

The democratisation of Design

There’s no denying that DIY design tools have changed the game. They’ve made it possible for small business owners, marketers, and even corporate teams to produce artwork without the need for an expensive creative agency. Need a social post? A pitch deck? A last-minute event invite? Drag, drop, and done.

This accessibility is empowering, and in many cases, it makes complete sense. Not every business has the budget for a full-time designer, and for quick, one-off tasks, Canva and similar platforms offer a practical solution. Even designers themselves use these tools to speed up workflows, create templates, and enhance collaboration.

The other side of the coin

But here’s the thing—design isn’t just about making things look good. It’s about solving problems, creating coheasive brand identities, and communicating messages effectively and consistantly. There’s a reason why certain layouts work better than others, why typography choices influence perception, and why branding consistency matters.

Trends spread faster than ever. Whether it’s TikTok dances, viral video formats, or even the way people talk to the camera, we see the same patterns repeating. Design is no different. With the rise of DIY tools and stock libraries, it’s easier than ever to create something—but harder than ever to create something truly unique. A template can get you close, but it won’t necessarily differentiate your brand from every other business using the same stock layouts and images.

And while “just do it yourself” sounds cost-effective, it often isn’t—because the time spent designing is time taken away from your actual job.

The True Cost of DIY Design

Many people assume that using Canva or similar tools saves money, but here’s a basic breakdown of what it really costs:

• Time is Money: The hours spent designing could be better used focusing on your primary role and growing your business. What seems like a quick fix often turns into multiple revisions, second-guessing, and extra time lost.
  

• Brand Dilution: A mix of different templates, fonts, and colors can lead to inconsistent branding, making your business look less professional over time.
  

• The Fix-It Cost: At some point, many businesses end up hiring a designer to clean up their DIY branding. And by then, it’s often a bigger job than if they had invested in a designer from the start.
  

So, Where’s the Balance?

The truth is, the role of a designer has changed. It’s no longer just about making things pretty—it’s about strategy, storytelling, and creating meaningful brand experiences. The best designers today aren’t afraid of Canva; they understand how to use it as a tool while bringing the creative expertise that software alone can’t replicate.

For businesses, the key is knowing when DIY design is enough and when it’s time to invest in a designer. For designers, it’s about evolving with the times and proving the value that goes beyond templates.

In the end, it’s not about whether DIY design tools are good or bad—it’s about knowing when to use them and when to call in the pros. So, what do you think?