Design6 min read
How to Start a Canva Design Business as a Student
Start earning with Canva design skills. Learn to create social media graphics, presentations, and marketing materials. Step-by-step guide.
By OnlineSideHustle Team•Published 6 January 2026•Updated 10 January 2026
How to Start a Canva Design Business as a Student
Canva has democratized design. You don't need Photoshop skills to create professional graphics and earn money.
Why Canva?
- Free to use: Powerful free tier
- Easy to learn: Intuitive interface
- Professional results: Templates look great
- Client-friendly: Easy to share and collaborate
What You Can Create
Social Media Graphics
- Instagram posts and stories
- Facebook covers
- LinkedIn banners
- Pinterest pins
- Typical rate: ₹100-300 each
Business Materials
- Business cards
- Letterheads
- Presentations
- Proposals
- Typical rate: ₹200-500 each
Marketing Materials
- Flyers
- Posters
- Email headers
- Ad creatives
- Typical rate: ₹200-500 each
Digital Products
- Instagram templates
- Planner pages
- Ebook covers
- Typical rate: Passive income!
Learning Canva (1 Week)
Day 1-2: Basics
- Interface navigation
- Working with templates
- Text and font basics
- Color palettes
Day 3-4: Intermediate
- Brand kits
- Photo editing
- Elements and graphics
- Layouts and grids
Day 5-7: Advanced
- Animation
- Video editing
- Custom dimensions
- Advanced features
Building Your Portfolio
- Create samples in different categories
- Use consistent branding
- Show before/after if redesigning
- Include mockups
- Make a Canva portfolio (meta!)
Finding Clients
Social Media
- Post your work on Instagram
- Join design groups on Facebook
- Share on LinkedIn
Platforms
- Fiverr (great for beginners)
- Upwork
- OnlineSideHustle.in
Direct Outreach
- Small businesses
- Coaches and consultants
- Content creators
Pricing Your Services
Individual Pieces
- Social media graphic: ₹100-200
- Presentation (10 slides): ₹500-1,000
- Flyer design: ₹200-400
Packages (Better Value)
- 10 social posts: ₹800-1,500
- Full brand kit: ₹2,000-5,000
- Monthly retainer: ₹3,000-8,000
Scaling Your Business
- Create templates: Reuse designs
- Hire help: Train others
- Sell digital products: Passive income
- Specialize: Niche down
Common Mistakes
- Overcomplicating designs
- Not using brand colors
- Poor text hierarchy
- Ignoring white space
Join OnlineSideHustle
Get Canva design projects and start earning today!
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Canvagraphic designdesign businessstudentsside hustle