How to Make Money with Canva: 30 Proven Strategies for Creators

Turn Your Canva Skills Into a Thriving Business

If you’ve ever opened Canva and thought, “This is fun… but can I actually make money with it?” — the answer is a big yes.

Canva isn’t just a design tool for hobbyists; it’s become a powerful platform for side hustlers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. From selling templates on Etsy to creating thumbnails for YouTubers, there are countless ways to turn your Canva skills into real income streams.

In this guide, we’ll explore six proven methods to make money with Canva, ranging from quick-start gigs to scalable businesses. Each section gives you an overview of the opportunity, plus a link to a step-by-step deep dive so you can take action right away.

Whether you’re looking for a flexible side hustle or a path to full-time freedom, Canva offers opportunities that don’t require advanced design training — just creativity, consistency, and a willingness to learn.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I genuinely use and love.

Why Canva Is Your Ticket to a Creative Side Hustle

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by complicated design software, Canva is your new best friend. Here’s why it’s the perfect platform to make money with Canva:

• User-Friendly Interface: Canva’s drag-and-drop editor is so simple, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. No design degree required—just a spark of creativity.
• Affordable Canva Pro Benefits: For just $119.99/year, Canva Pro unlocks premium templates, branding kits, and tools like Magic Resize that save you hours.
• Huge Market Demand: Businesses, bloggers, and entrepreneurs are desperate for affordable designs like social media graphics, eBooks, and Canva digital products.

When I started, I was juggling a full-time job and barely had time to learn new skills. Canva’s simplicity let me create professional designs fast, and soon I was selling Canva templates for Etsy to pay for my coffee addiction. Trust me, if I can do it, so can you!

50 Proven Ways to Make Money with Canva

Below, I’ve broken down 50 strategies to make money with Canva into three categories: passive income, active income, and hybrid models. Whether you want to earn a quick buck or build a long-term business, there’s something here for you.

Passive Income Ideas: Work Once, Earn Again and Again

Passive income is my favorite way to make money with Canva because it keeps paying you long after the work is done. Here are my top picks:

1. Sell Canva Templates for Etsy: → link to Sell Canva Templates on Etsy
2. Design Digital Planners: Use Canva to create planners for fitness, budgeting, or academics. Sell them on platforms like Gumroad.
3. Create eBook Covers: Design stunning eBook covers or workbook templates for authors and course creators.
4. Offer Subscription-Based Bundles: Sell monthly design bundles for bloggers or small businesses.
5. Join the Canva Contributor Marketplace: Upload your designs to Canva’s Contributor Hub and earn royalties when others use them.
6. Sell Printable Wall Art: Create motivational quotes or minimalist art for home decor shops.
7. Design Lead Magnets: Make checklists, cheat sheets, or templates to grow your email list via ConvertKit.
8. Create Canva Print-on-Demand Products: → link to Canva Print-on-Demand Guide
9. Sell Editable Invitations: Wedding or party invites are hot sellers on Etsy.
10. Develop Social Media Content Kits: Create Instagram Stories or Pinterest templates for niche markets like real estate or fitness.

Pro Tip: Focus on a specific niche (e.g., “Instagram templates for yoga teachers”) to stand out. Check out Pinterest Business for trending niches.

Active Income Streams: Quick Cash for Your Canva Skills

If you need money now, these active income ideas are perfect for making money with Canva through services:

11. Offer Freelance Canva Design Services:→ link to Freelance Graphic Design with Canva
12. Design Custom Branding Kits: Create logos, color palettes, and fonts for small businesses.
13. Make Social Media Content: → link to Sell Canva Social Media Templates
14. Build PowerPoint Presentations: Create sleek slides for professionals or educators.
15. Design Event Materials: Make flyers, banners, or tickets for local events.
16. Create Marketing Materials: Design brochures or business cards for startups.
17. Offer Blog Graphics: Create Pinterest pins or blog post headers for bloggers.
18. Design Email Templates: Build branded email headers for MailerLite.
19. Make Wedding Stationery: Offer custom save-the-dates or thank-you cards.
20. Create Infographics: Design data-driven visuals for businesses or educators.

Pro Tip: Use Tailwind to schedule Pinterest pins showcasing your services. It’s a game-changer for visibility!

Hybrid Models: The Best of Both Worlds

These strategies combine upfront effort with long-term gains, perfect for scaling your income:

21. Launch a Canva Print-on-Demand Store: Design unique products and sell via Printful. I made $1,200 last month selling custom mugs!
22. Teach Canva Courses: Create courses on Teachable or Skillshare. Focus on niches like “Canva for bloggers.”
23. Offer 1-on-1 Canva Coaching: Provide personalized training via Zoom.
24. Sell Templates with Upgrades: Offer basic templates and charge for customizations.
25. Start a YouTube Channel: Share Canva tutorials and monetize with Canva’s affiliate program (25% commission).
26. Create a Membership Site: Offer exclusive templates or tutorials for a monthly fee.
27. Design Niche-Specific Templates: Make templates for industries like real estate or wellness.
28. Sell Canva Mockups: Create product mockups for e-commerce sellers.
29. Offer Blog Post Graphics Packages: Bundle headers, pins, and social graphics for bloggers.
30. Build a Canva Design Blog: Share tutorials and monetize with ads or affiliate links.

Pro Tip: Link to related articles on your blog, like my post on How to Create Stunning Pinterest Pins with Canva for more tips.

Best Canva Digital Products to Sell

Not sure where to start? These Canva digital products are in high demand and easy to create:

• Social Media Templates: → link to Sell Canva Social Media Templates
• Pinterest Pin Templates: Optimized for Pinterest’s algorithm.
• Printable Planners: Fitness trackers, budget planners, or student schedules.
• eBook and Workbook Designs: Templates for self-published authors or coaches.
• Editable Business Templates: Invoices, media kits, or client proposals.
• Lesson Plans for Teachers: Worksheets or classroom decor.
• Party Invitations: Birthday, baby shower, or wedding invites.
• Resume Templates: Professional designs for job seekers.
• Branding Kits: Logos, color schemes, and fonts for startups.
• YouTube Thumbnails: → link to Canva YouTube Thumbnails

When I launched my first set of Pinterest pin templates, I used Ahrefs to research trending keywords. Sales skyrocketed after I optimized my Etsy listings!

Tools & Skills You Need to Make Money with Canva

To make money with Canva, you don’t need to be a tech genius, but a few tools and skills will set you up for success:

• Canva Pro Account: The $119.99/year plan gives you access to premium templates and Canva Pro benefits like Magic Studio and Brand Kit.
• Design Basics: Learn color theory, typography, and layout (check Canva’s Design School).
• Tech Setup: A reliable computer and fast internet are must-haves.
• E-commerce Knowledge: Understand platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or Amazon KDP.
• Marketing Skills: Use SEO, email marketing (kit), and Pinterest to promote your work.

When I started, I spent hours watching free YouTube tutorials to master Canva. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert yet—start small and learn as you go!

How Much Can You Earn with Canva?

Wondering about the earning potential? Here’s what real creators are making:

• Etsy Template Shops: $500–$5,000/month selling Canva templates for Etsy.
• Freelance Designers: Up to $50,000/year offering Canva design services.
• Print-on-Demand Sellers: $1,000+/month with Canva print-on-demand stores.
• Course Creators: $10,000+ per course launch on platforms like Teachable.

I started with a small Etsy shop selling resume templates. Within six months, I was earning $1,500/month—enough to cover my rent! Your income depends on your niche, marketing, and hustle.

Pinterest: Your Secret Weapon for Canva Success

Pinterest is a goldmine for promoting your Canva digital products and services. Here’s how to use it:

• Create Eye-Catching Pins: Use Canva to design pins that scream “click me!” Check out my guide on Designing Pinterest Pins That Convert.
• Optimize for SEO: Add keywords like make money with Canva or Canva templates for Etsy to your pin descriptions. Use Google Search Central for SEO tips.
• Schedule with Tailwind: Automate your pins with Tailwind to save time.
• Join Group Boards: Collaborate with other creators to boost your reach.

When I started pinning my Canva templates, my Etsy traffic tripled in a month. Pinterest is your best friend for driving sales!

Top Tips to Maximize Your Canva Income

Here are my go-to tips for making money with Canva:

• Solve a Problem: Create designs for specific needs, like “Instagram templates for fitness coaches.”
• Stay Trendy: Follow Pinterest Trends for hot niches like AI tools or seasonal products.
• Diversify Income Streams: Don’t rely on one platform—combine Etsy, freelancing, and courses.
• Build a Portfolio: Showcase your work on a simple website or social media.
• Start Small: You don’t need to be perfect. Launch your first product this week!

FAQs About Making Money with Canva

Your Canva Side Hustle Awaits!

Canva makes professional design simple — and that simplicity opens the door to dozens of monetization opportunities. Whether it’s freelancing, selling templates, building for print-on-demand, or designing for other creators, you can start small and grow as you go.

Remember: the best way to succeed is to pick one method, focus on it, and refine your process. Each of the guides linked in this post walks you through the details, so you’re never left guessing.

👉 Ready to start your journey? Dive into the full tutorials and pick the path that fits your skills and goals. Your Canva side hustle could be the first step toward building lasting financial freedom.

Start your Canva journey today with a free Canva account or upgrade to Canva Pro for premium features. Want more tips?

Disclaimer: Your success in making money with Canva depends on your effort, consistency, and market trends. Canva and Pinterest are powerful tools, but building a profitable side hustle requires patience and a solid strategy.

Recommended Reading

• How to Use Canva for Print-on-Demand in 2025 (Printify, Redbubble, Printful)
• How to Sell Canva Templates on Etsy (Beginner’s Guide for 2025)
• How to Sell Canva Social Media Templates in 2025
• How to Sell Canva Printables on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) in 2025
• How to Offer Freelance Graphic Design Services with Canva in 2025
• How to Make Money Selling Canva YouTube Thumbnails in 2025

Lee

Hi, I’m Lee, creator of The Side Hustler. Over the years I’ve built side hustles through blogging, freelancing, Pinterest marketing, and even launching Shopify stores from scratch. My goal is to share honest, beginner-friendly strategies so you can grow a profitable online business without the overwhelm.

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