Why I Design in Adobe Illustrator vs. Canva

The great debate—Adobe Illustrator vs. Canva. Each platform has its strengths, and designers often find themselves on one side of the divide. Most professional designers wouldn’t be caught using Canva, much like they wouldn’t be caught using Comic Sans. Meanwhile, Canva users swear by its ease of use, accessibility, and affordability. So, what makes these two tools so different, and why do I choose one over the other?

As a trained Graphic Designer with years of experience using both platforms, I recognize the value in each. However, my go-to design tool will always be Adobe Illustrator. The freedom it offers is unparalleled—I can digitally “put pen to artboard,” and that, to me, is pure magic. Ask me to sketch a tree with a pencil, and you’d think my 3-year-old drew it. But give me the Pen Tool in Illustrator, and I can create an intricate, lifelike tree with precision and detail!

That said, I don’t believe in the stigma that “real” designers can’t use Canva. In reality, it’s all about working smarter, not harder. With Canva’s abundance of one-click tools and ready-made templates, it’s a fantastic resource—especially for quick projects or social media content. However, when it comes to complete creative freedom and personalization, Illustrator remains my top choice.

Breaking Down the Pros and Cons

Adobe Illustrator

✅ Pros

• Unlimited creative freedom—design anything from scratch

• Use any font from my personal collection

• Advanced tools for precision and customization

• Pen Tool & vector capabilities for scalable, detailed designs

❌ Cons

• Subscription-based & expensive

• Steeper learning curve—requires design knowledge

• More complex interface—not as user-friendly for beginners

Canva

✅ Pros

• Free version available (with optional paid plans)

• Beginner-friendly—no design experience needed

• Library of templates for quick, professional-looking designs

• Easy collaboration & file sharing

• Simple animation tools for social media graphics

❌ Cons

• Limited customization—can’t truly create from scratch

• Restricted font and asset selection

• Templates are widely used, making designs feel less unique

Why I Choose Adobe Illustrator

Both tools have their place, but I choose Adobe Illustrator because it allows me to bring my exact creative vision to life. My designs aren’t restricted to what Canva offers—I can use my own inspiration, access my extensive font collection, follow brand guidelines, or create something entirely custom. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what excites me most about design!

If you visit my Etsy shop, you’ll notice that most Ask Kelly designs are made-to-order. I take pride in ensuring every customization is crafted with a designer’s eye. For example, if you need to add extra text to an invitation, I know how to format it correctly so that it remains balanced, legible, and aesthetically pleasing—something that a static Canva template might not allow. That’s the beauty of Ask Kelly—every design is thoughtfully created with attention to detail.

That said, I still appreciate Canva! When I need a quick dose of inspiration, a simple design for a social media post, or a fast turnaround, Canva is a great tool to have in my back pocket.

Final Thoughts

While many people have strong opinions about only using one platform, I believe there’s value in both. Illustrator is my go-to for professional, highly customized designs, while Canva is a great option for quick and easy projects. At the end of the day, it’s all about choosing the right tool for the job—and for me, that’s usually Illustrator.

Are you an Illustrator fan or a Canva enthusiast?