Why Your Canva Logo Might Be Holding You Back

(And what to do instead)

If you’re running a business in a country town, chances are you’ve worn a lot of hats—owner, marketer, product-packer, social media manager… and maybe even designer. And if you’ve whipped up a logo in Canva to get things rolling? Honestly, I get it. Canva is accessible, affordable, and easy to use. For a lot of regional businesses, it feels like the perfect solution at the start.

But if you're still using that DIY logo or thinking of creating one in Canva, here’s what you need to know before you go any further.

The Problem With Canva Logos

Designing a logo in Canva might seem like a smart, cost-effective move—but it can come with some big limitations you won’t see straight away.

Here’s why:

Your logo isn’t unique

Canva templates are used by thousands of other people. That means your logo isn’t one-of-a-kind—it’s just a slightly modified version of something countless other businesses might also be using. Not ideal when you’re trying to stand out.

You can’t trademark a Canva-designed logo

According to Canva’s own terms of use, you can’t trademark a logo made from their pre-designed elements. So if you’re planning to grow, register your business, or protect your brand identity legally… that Canva logo won’t cut it.

It won’t be in the right formats

Most Canva logos aren’t created in high-res, scalable file formats (like SVG or EPS). So when you need to print your logo on a sign, T-shirt, or packaging? You’re left with a pixelated mess.

But Branding Is More Than Just a Logo

Even if your Canva logo looks okay, branding is about so much more than that. When you work with a designer on your brand identity, you’re not just getting a fancy logo. You’re getting a strategy.

Here’s what you’ll get when we create a brand identity together at Prairie Studio:

A Logo Suite That Works Anywhere

• Primary logo, submark, and secondary versions

• Designed for print and digital

• Scalable and file-ready (no pixelated surprises)

Colour Palette That Connects

I use colour psychology and industry insight to create a palette that reflects your brand values, appeals to your audience, and works across every touchpoint.

Fonts That Feel Like You

Font pairing is a big part of brand recognition. I’ll choose typefaces that match your tone, friendly, refined, bold, or relaxed and make sure they’re easy to use in Canva, your website, and print.

A Brand Strategy You Can Build On

This is the bit Canva can’t give you. Before we even get to the visuals, I help you define your brand foundations: voice, values, goals, and audience. It’s the stuff that makes your brand stick.

Why It Matters for Regional Businesses

You’re not just competing with the shop down the road anymore, you’re competing with brands all over Australia. And if you want to expand your business beyond your postcode, your brand needs to look and feel the part.

A DIY Canva logo might have been fine when you were starting out, but if you’re serious about growth? It’s time for something stronger.

So, What Should You Do Instead?

If you’re ready to:

• Elevate your brand

• Stop second-guessing your visuals

• Have a logo and identity you’re proud to show off…

Then it’s time to invest in a proper brand identity.

Not sure if your Canva logo is still working?

That’s okay, I offer brand audits and logo reviews too. We can work out where your branding is working, what’s not, and whether a refresh or full rebrand is the right step.

Because your brand should grow with your business. Not hold it back