Karla Pamanes | San Antonio Logo Design, Web Design, Branding, Design Mentorship
  • ABOUT US
  • SERVICES
  • CASE STUDIES
    • ROUX CASE STUDY
    • YUMDAY CASE STUDY
    • SPROUTED PLANNER CASE STUDY
    • MARBLE CITY BALLROOM CASE STUDY
  • COURSES + RESOURCES
    • THE BRAND DESIGN ACADEMY
  • MENTORSHIP
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT

I don’t hate Canva (even if I wanted to!)

4/29/2025

0 Comments

 
As a brand designer, I’ve heard all the opinions about Canva...

Some designers roll their eyes. Others refuse to touch it. But here’s my honest take: Canva isn’t the enemy. It’s a tool. And when used strategically, it can help you create a beautiful, effective brand—no design degree required.

In fact, I don’t hate Canva. I actually think it’s one of the best things to happen to entrepreneurs and small business owners trying to get their brand off the ground.
Let’s talk about why.

Canva is a tool, not a threat
It’s easy to assume that Canva “cheapens” design—but that’s just not true. Canva doesn’t replace a professional designer. What it does offer is creative independence, accessibility, and a solid starting point for building your brand.

And let’s be real--have you seen some of the latest Canva updates? They’re seriously impressive. With smart tools, AI-powered features, and pro-level templates, it’s more powerful than ever.


Why I don’t hate Canva
Here are a few reasons why I actually support Canva—especially for entrepreneurs in the early stages of their business.

1. It Gives You Creative ControlCanva allows you to experiment and build your brand on your own timeline. You don’t have to wait on a designer—you can refine your visuals as your business evolves.

2. It’s Easy and AccessibleYou don’t need to be a design pro to use Canva. Its user-friendly interface means you can create graphics, marketing materials, and brand elements that look polished and professional—even if you’ve never designed anything before.

3. It’s a Great Starting PointIf you're still figuring out your brand, Canva gives you a place to explore your style and vision. It helps you get going without the overwhelm or cost of hiring a designer too early.


So, can you build a real brand with Canva?
Absolutely! Especially if you are starting out and if you use it strategically.

That’s exactly what I teach in my course, The DIY Brand Glow-Up. It’s a self-guided, beginner-friendly brand design course that walks you through building a professional, aligned brand using Canva.

You don’t need to be a designer. You just need a little guidance—and that’s what the course delivers.


Inside The DIY Brand Glow-Up, you’ll learn:
✨ How to design a professional-looking logo
✨ How to build a color palette that pops
✨ How to choose scroll-stopping fonts
✨  How to pull it all together into a brand you’re proud of

You’ll also get access to detailed video trainings, done-for-you templates, and live support—so you’re never stuck doing it alone.


Ready to build your brand (the smart way)?
The DIY Brand Glow-Up is the perfect place to start if you want to build a brand that reflects your vision and grows your business.​
Picture
JOIN THE DIY BRAND GLOW-UP!
​🎉 Doors close soon — we start May 5th!
0 Comments

Your brand might be the reason you’re not growing (and how to fix it)

4/17/2025

0 Comments

 
Imagine you’re opening a cute new café in your town. You’ve found the perfect location, you've perfected the latte art, you’re baking pastries that melt in your mouth, and you’ve hired the friendliest baristas who are ready to brighten everyone’s morning. You’re good to go, right?
Picture
Well, what if I told you that all your signage is written in Comic Sans, your brand colors are all over the place (and a little hard to read), and your logo is made up of pixelated clip art icons?
Picture
People might peek inside, unsure if they should walk in. They might even judge your coffee and food based on the first impressions they get from your branding. 

It’s sad to think about, isn’t it? YOU know your café is incredible. You know your coffee is gonna change lives (okay, maybe just mornings). ☕️ But the problem isn’t your product — it’s the impression your brand is making about your product.
​

This is exactly what happens when businesses don’t invest in strong, strategic brand identity design. No matter how amazing you are at what you do, if your visual identity is all over the place, potential clients are going to hesitate. They might even choose to go with a competitor that looks like it has its act together, even if you offer the better product or service!


Picture

How strong brand design fuels business growth

When your brand identity is cohesive, polished, and aligned with your values, it has the power to influence how people perceive and engage with your business. Let’s break down four ways a well-designed brand can fuel your growth and set you apart:

It Builds Instant Trust - Just like a beautifully designed café makes people feel confident about ordering a $7 oat milk latte and a pastry, polished branding tells your audience, “Yes, you’re in the right place.” Customers trust brands that look put together, and we know that trust = sales.

It Attracts the Right People - Ever walk into a restaurant expecting something casual, only to realize it’s way fancier than you thought? Awkward. 😳 The same thing happens when your branding doesn’t match your business. A clear, cohesive brand identity helps your dream clients instantly recognize that you are the person they need.

It Lets You Charge More - Luxury brands never have to explain why they cost more. They just look expensive. When your branding is aligned with the high-value work you do, people expect to pay premium prices — without you having to justify it.

It Makes You Unforgettable - Think about your favorite local shop, the place with the vibe you love. It isn’t just about the products they have. It’s the feeling that the brand gives you. A scattered, inconsistent brand is forgettable. A well-designed brand sticks with people, making it easier for them to refer and return to you.

Ready to make your brand unforgettable?
I’m hosting a free workshop on April 28th at 1 pm called Trust at First Sight:
The #1 secret to instantly build trust and spark connection in your brand. I’ll be sharing some of the common branding mistakes that might be holding you back and how to fix them. 🤩 It’s the perfect place to start if you’re looking to elevate your brand this year!
​

Click here to reserve your spot for the workshop. I hope to see you there! 💗

karlapamanes.com/trust

0 Comments
    AUTHOR

    Karla Pámanes is an award-winning designer, branding expert, and mentor who helps businesses elevate their brands through strategic and impactful impactful visual design. Based in San Antonio, TX, she lives with her son, Lennon, and their two quirky cats, Teodoro and Paquito.

    ARCHIVES

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021

Sign up to receive occasional news & updates from Karla Pámanes!
Thank you for subscribing!
Let's be friends!
© Copyright 2025 Karla Pámanes, LLC ︱ You belong here ♡
PRIVACY POLICY ︱ TERMS OF USE
  • ABOUT US
  • SERVICES
  • CASE STUDIES
    • ROUX CASE STUDY
    • YUMDAY CASE STUDY
    • SPROUTED PLANNER CASE STUDY
    • MARBLE CITY BALLROOM CASE STUDY
  • COURSES + RESOURCES
    • THE BRAND DESIGN ACADEMY
  • MENTORSHIP
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT