Graphics – no website is complete without them and many social media platforms are all about the graphics.
For your website you might need a header graphic, a logo graphic for a minimum. You might need business cards or flyers for a local business. If you are on social media, you will need a graphics for Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest to name just a few.
So, how to you create your graphics?
Do you outsource your graphics?
I am not a graphics designer and was not particularly skilled at using the free software I had (wasted MANY hours) so I decided to outsource.
Now I know people who know people you have their favourite graphics ‘guru’ and use them constantly with great results.
I tried that a few times but I seem to have difficulty explaining what I want as what I received was not what I had in mind. The cost can add up quickly as well.
Do you create your own graphics?
After much trial and error, I mostly do my own as I have more time than money. I create mostly Facebook, YouTube covers, Pinterest and Instagram posts, infographics (don’t really have this last one down yet – working on it though), watermarks for videos etc.
Are they spectacular? Well….
…maybe not too bad.
I have tried various programs to do graphics (GIMP, Photoshop) but I found them all a pain in the butt as I really did not want to have to learn all the technical stuff for what I wanted.
I found Youzign a few years ago and have been using it ever since. It is a paid program but I got in at the start with lifetime membership – very lucky!
I have been asked about free graphics programs available online so I started looking.
I have used the PIXLR online editor but found it was just as confusing as GIMP and the other biggies.
Recently, I have tried Canva, an online program that allows you a free membership that is actually useful. The free version has a few restrictions but they need not stop you from using it.
I played around with it and found it easy to use. I built a few report covers and a banner with it. You can start with one of the built-in templates or build something from scratch.
There are lots of built-in elements you can add to your graphic and you can upload your own as well.
Some of the designs and elements are free, some you have to pay $1 or so to use and others are available for a pro (paid) membership.
While I found it easy to use, there were a few things I could not figure out or find the answer. However, it is a great option for those wanting to do their own graphics without the budget for outsourcing or fancy software.
Just recently I have found one online photo editor that allowed me to make changes to PSD file easily!!! It is called PhotoPea. While it has the “complicated stuff” like Photoshop or GIMP, I found that it loaded the image ready to edit with all the layers available in the sidebar. That made changing the text extremely easy. For me, it is easier than Pixlr that I had been using and will be my go to program for PSD editing. YEAH!
NOTE: Since using Canva I have acquired Kevin Faheys Checklists for using Canva. As usual, they are great and – drumroll please …… this set comes with videos showing you how to use Canva. I learned some neat tricks watching them.
I will add a post with a review of the checklists shortly.
