Artificial intelligence (AI) has become the ultimate game-changer, sneaking into nearly every corner of our lives—from saving lives in healthcare to making binge-worthy shows even better. One area where AI really gets to shine is in the the world of art and design. Now, I know allowing artists to use artificial intelligence is controversial, but I’ve already shared my opinions on artists using AI. This article ascertains that AI is not going away anytime soon and it’s up to artists to either adapt or be left behind.
That being said, this article will talk about one of my favorite creative platforms: Canva! The beloved design platform has taken AI’s magic and turned it into tools that make creativity feel like second nature, especially when you’ve hit the “creative wall.” Canva AI is an incredible tool for inspiration, creativity, and what I consider a positive step in artists working with AI.
This article will discuss where to find Canva AI, how to use it, what it can be used for, and the broader implications of AI on society. It is also important to note that every image in this article was created using some kind of artificial intelligence technology.
Table of Contents
Where to Find Canva AI
Canva AI is embedded directly into the Canva platform, which can be accessed through any web browser or via the Canva mobile app. Whether you’re using Canva’s free version or its premium subscription, Canva Pro, the AI tools are available to explore. Simply navigate to www.canva.com and sign in or create an account. Once inside, you’ll find many of Canva’s AI features integrated seamlessly into the design interface.
For users seeking more in-depth step-by-step guidance, Canva’s help center offers tutorials and FAQs to help you get started.
How to Use Canva AI
Canva AI is designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind, ensuring that users of all experience levels can dive right in. Here’s a quick guide on how to get started with five Canva AI tools.
- Magic Resize: With this tool, you can instantly resize your designs to fit different platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. Simply create your design, click “Resize” in the top menu, and select your desired dimensions.
- AI-Powered Text Suggestions: Canva AI assists with crafting headlines, captions, and even full paragraphs for your projects. Just click on the “Text” tool, and Canva will offer smart suggestions to save time and spark creativity.
- Background Remover: For those looking to refine photos, the AI-powered background remover eliminates unwanted elements with a single click. This feature is particularly useful for product photography, portraits, or creating clean design elements.
- Video Editing with AI: Canva’s video tools utilize AI to streamline editing processes. Features such as auto-alignment, smart transitions, and even script-to-video creation make video production approachable for everyone.
- Text-to-Image AI: One of Canva AI’s standout features is its ability to generate unique images from text prompts. To use this tool, open a blank design canvas, click on “Apps” in the left-hand menu, and select “Text to Image.” Type a description of the image you want, such as “a serene beach at sunset,” and Canva will generate options for you to use in your design.
The Canva ai Image Generator
As an artist with an expansive imagination, I enjoy and use the Text-to-Image (or Image Generator) Canva AI tool the most. It’s created with DALL·E from OpenAI and converts your text into digitally created images which you can download as JPG, PNG, PDF, or GIF.
To find the Canva AI Image Generator, open up a new project and look under the “Elements” tab. There, you should see something like this image below:
Next, click the box that says “Generate your own” and let your imagination run free! From purple dinosaurs to a rainbow waterfall with flying sharks, your imagination (and Canva’s AI Product Terms and Acceptable Use Policy) are the only limits to your creativity.
Plus, if only one image is close to what you’re looking for, but not exactly, you can click on the three dots at the top of the image and “generate more like this.” This function offers 4 more images similar in style or content to the chosen image, and can help narrow your search for something that aligns closer to your intended creation.
What You Can Use Canva AI For
Canva AI opens up a world of possibilities for users across industries and interests. The tools are extremely versatile and can be used in many really cool ways.
Social Media Content: From Instagram posts to TikTok videos, Canva AI helps create eye-catching content that aligns with your brand.
Marketing Materials: Design professional brochures, flyers, and email templates that stand out from the crowd.
Educational Resources: Teachers and students can use Canva AI to craft presentations, worksheets, and infographics that make learning engaging.
Event Invitations: Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or corporate event, Canva AI simplifies the process of creating beautiful invitations.
Branding: Small businesses and entrepreneurs can design logos, business cards, and merchandise with ease.
Custom Projects: From vision boards to art projects, you can turn your Canva AI creations into reality that reflect your own style. This Amazon store produces custom canvas prints of any image you want, even an AI one.
Artist and blogger, Tristina Dietz Elmes, created the following reference image using Canva AI, then drew it using her own artistry and mediums. I think this is a great way to use Canva AI to create art and expand your drawing and painting skills.
The Effects of AI on the World
So far you’re thinking, “Wow! This is such a cool and unique tool, why would anyone NOT want to use it?!” And to an extent, I agree with you. AI technology removes artistic barriers, improves productivity, and makes some really wacky looking images.
But, like almost everything nowadays, it has negative impacts worth noting. Using AI to create or imitate art imposes ethical concerns, can lessen opportunities for artists, and actually uses a lot of energy to produce. Personally, I think the pros outweigh the cons, but I try my best to use AI intentionally and with clear and concise purpose.
The good: Democratization of Creativity
Traditionally, professional design tools require specialized skills and training. Canva AI removes these barriers, enabling anyone with an idea to bring it to life. This democratization empowers individuals and small businesses to compete in spaces previously dominated by larger organizations with bigger budgets.
Graphic designer Navneet C. from the Art Insider explains this concept well in their statement on AI art:
“I think AI is a liberation of creativity for designers/artists. Creativity is no longer in service of economic activity but becomes a pure form of self-entertainment and self-expression. This represents two levels of purity: using AI to replace the utilitarian attributes of designers, allowing creativity to return to its essence, and using AI to rediscover the joy of experimentation and play in visual effects.”
The Good: Enhanced Productivity
AI tools save time by automating repetitive tasks. For instance, features like Magic Resize and AI-powered text generation allow users to focus on the creative aspects of their projects rather than tedious formatting. I personally have no quarrel with this argument; more efficient tools means more time to be creative. Period.
The Bad: stealing creativity
As AI tools become more advanced, they bring both exciting possibilities and important ethical considerations. While they enhance creativity and streamline workflows, they also introduce challenges such as copyright concerns and the potential for misuse.
One major issue is intellectual property rights. AI-generated content, including images and text, can sometimes be too similar to existing works, raising questions about originality and ownership. Without clear guidelines, artists and content creators may find their work unintentionally replicated or appropriated. Artists may also find themselves unknowingly competing with art produced using AI. In this article about AI art competitions, Jason Allen won first prize for his work titled Théâtre D’opéra Spatial under the category of digital art/digitally manipulated photography.
The Bad: Misinformation and Fake News
Misinformation is a growing concern, especially with the accuracy progression of AI images. AI can generate realistic yet misleading content, blurring the line between fact and fiction. This is especially problematic in media, marketing, and education, where accuracy is crucial.
It is important to know the signs that something may be created using AI technology.
- Inconsistent or Unnatural Details – AI-generated images and videos often have strange distortions, like extra fingers, warped backgrounds, or mismatched lighting. Similarly, AI-written text may sound overly polished, vague, or repetitive.
- Lack of Credible Sources – Misinformation posts often make bold claims without linking to reputable sources. If a post presents shocking or controversial information, double-check by searching for confirmation from trusted news outlets.
- Emotionally Manipulative Language – AI-generated misinformation is often designed to provoke strong emotions like fear, anger, or excitement. If a post seems exaggerated or sensationalized, it may be crafted to mislead or go viral.
- Reverse Image or Fact Checks Don’t Match – Use tools like Google Reverse Image Search or fact-checking websites (Snopes, FactCheck.org) to verify suspicious images and claims. If an image appears elsewhere with a different context, it may be AI-generated or misleading.
- Unusual Engagement Patterns – Misinformation posts often have tons of engagement from bots—look for accounts with no profile pictures, generic usernames, or comments that seem repetitive. If a post suddenly gains massive traction with little credible discussion, it’s worth questioning its authenticity.
I will admit to using AI for content creation purposes here at ArtsyDrawings.com. However, I try my best to produce and communicate the most accurate information. I’ve experienced times where AI will write out the wrong steps for painting or when it will explain an arbitrary concept using a questionable artist reference. It’s important to use technology like this, but not to trust it 100%.
To address these challenges, platforms like Canva must establish strong ethical frameworks. This includes implementing safeguards such as content verification tools, clear usage policies, and educational resources to promote responsible AI use. By doing so, they can ensure that innovation remains ethical and beneficial for all users.
Workforce Transformation
As AI becomes more integrated into creative industries, traditional roles may evolve. While some fear job displacement, others argue that AI tools can serve as collaborators, augmenting human creativity rather than replacing it. The democratization of creativity imposes certain threats to artists, especially those artwork can be replicated or imitated using AI resources. Graphic designers, digital artists, and branding directors may need to adjust their strategy to reflect these changes in technology and keep up with the curve.
As an artist myself who supports the livelihood of other artists, I feel conflicted by the underlying surplus of those who can produce art. When you can make a logo and brand for your company in a free app, why would you ever hire an artist? What benefits does an artist bring to the table? Can an artist be replaced with technology?
Environmental Impact
Lastly, AI technologies require significant computational power, which contributes to energy consumption. Companies like Canva are increasingly exploring sustainable practices to minimize their carbon footprint. It’s ironic we can create stunning landscapes using technology that destroys the real ones.
Remember, it’s not up to you alone to save the planet. Until those in power support more sustainable technology, we have to work with what we have to create, learn, and find solutions.
Conclusion
Canva AI represents a leap forward in making design accessible, efficient, and fun. Its tools empower individuals and businesses alike to create professional-grade content without requiring extensive training or resources. As AI continues to shape the way we work and create, it’s essential to balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring that these technologies benefit society as a whole. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a complete novice, Canva AI invites you to explore, experiment, and redefine what’s possible in the realm of creativity.
As previously discussed at the beginning of this article, and in my other article about AI art, this topic about artificial intelligence and art is controversial.
Should artists be allowed to use AI?
Can AI truly create art?
How will AI impact the role of artists?
What ethical concerns are there regarding AI-generated art?
How can artists utilize AI as a tool to enhance their creativity?
What are the potential legal issues surrounding copyright and ownership of AI-generated art?
Well, I’m here to tell you that I do not know the answer to any of these questions. As someone who practices and has a passion for art, artists, and the art community, I of course have sympathy for artists who have lost opportunities due to the rise of AI technology. However, change in inevitable in any industry. Just in the past few years we have seen technology eliminate old jobs and create new jobs. Artificial intelligence is absolutely daunting, but it’s here to stay.
The truth of the matter is that if you are “afraid” of AI, then you maybe haven’t leveraged it to its fullest potential.
