Canva has already built a large following of 100 million users.
And they are also building a creative community around their designers.
So, have you heard that as a Canva user, you can share your own designs and earn royalties through two programs – the Canva Element Creator and Canva Template Creator?
In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know to join these programs, create designs, and earn money with Canva.
What are the Canva Element and Template Creator Programs?
First, let’s understand what each program entails.
The Canva Element Creators program allows you to upload individual design elements like photos, graphics, and videos. Other Canva users can then use your elements in their own designs.
The Canva Template Creators program allows you to design and publish full templates. These include presentations, social media posts, flyers, t-shirts, websites, and more.
Both programs give you access to the Canva design editor. You can use all of Canva’s features to create visually stunning elements and templates.
Once your designs are published, you earn royalties each time someone uses one of your Pro elements or templates. It’s a great way to get paid for your creativity!
How to Become a Canva Element Creator
Joining the Canva Element Creators program is straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:
Sign up for a free Canva account if you don’t already have one.
Access the Elements Hub. This is where you can upload and manage your design elements.
Start creating! Use Canva’s editor to make elements like logos, graphics, videos, and photos.
Upload your elements. Add each finished design to the Elements Hub.
Get approved. Canva will review your elements before they go live in the library.
Once approved, your elements can be discovered and used by the Canva community. You’ll earn royalties each time someone uses one of your Pro elements in their design.
The great news? Any Canva user can sign up to become an Element Creator.
Due to the program’s popularity, Canva has temporarily paused new signups. But keep checking back for when spaces open again!
How to Become a Canva Template Creator
Joining the Template Creators program is a bit more selective. Here are the steps:
Submit an application. You’ll need to share a portfolio showing examples of your design work. Apply via the Canva Creators application form.
Get approved. The Template Creators program is still in beta. Canva will review your application and let you know if you’re accepted.
Start creating templates. Use the Templates Hub to design templates like presentations, social posts, brochures, posters, and more.
Publish your templates. Add each finished template to the Templates Hub to make them available to other users.
Earn royalties. You’ll get paid each time someone uses one of your premium templates.
The Template Creators program is more exclusive because it’s still in beta development.
But it’s worth applying if you have great design skills and want to earn royalties from templates.
How to Create Elements and Templates
Once you’re accepted as a Creator, it’s time to start designing!
Follow these tips to make elements and templates that appeal to the Canva community:
Use high-quality images and graphics. Great visuals grab attention and bring designs to life.
Try different styles and layouts. Mix things up with different color palettes, fonts, and compositions.
Design for popular needs. Birthday invitations, social media posts, and presentation slides are always in demand.
Be inspired by trends. Look at what’s popular on Canva for inspiration on elements and templates that could be a hit.
Show off your unique talents. Share your personal design style through the elements and templates you create.
Taking the time to create polished, visually stunning designs will help your creations stand out – and earn you more royalties!
Earning Money as a Canva Creator
The best part about the Canva Creator programs? You can earn royalties from your designs.
Here’s how it works:
Canva users must pay to use Pro elements and templates.
When someone uses one of your Pro designs, you earn a royalty payment.
Royalty payments are tracked and paid out on a monthly basis.
The more people that use your elements and templates, the more you can potentially earn! Some top Canva Creators even make 6 figures from their royalty earnings.
Royalties from elements and templates are paid into separate pools.
As a Template Creator, you’ll earn royalties from any elements you design as well as your templates.
Tips for Earning More Royalties
Want your designs to be popular so you can maximize your earnings? Here are some pro tips:
Fill niche needs. Design elements and templates for specific industries, hobbies, occasions, and more.
Trendjack – Jump on trending topics and events by quickly designing relevant templates.
Promote your designs. Share your Canva profile on social media so people can find your store.
A/B test. Try variations of designs to see which performs best.
Analytics. Use Canva’s analytics to see which of your elements and templates get used the most.
Stay motivated! Keep creating new designs so you always have fresh content that you can earn.
Earning substantial royalties takes commitment and perseverance. But with hard work and smart strategies, you can build a thriving design business on Canva.
Canva Element vs Template Creator – Which is Right for You?
Now you know how the Canva Element and Template Creator programs work. So which option should you choose?
Canva Element Creators is great if you want to:
Easily contribute individual design elements
Earn passive income from your elements
Get started without an application process
Canva Template Creators is ideal if you want to:
Create full templates like presentations and social media kits
Showcase the full range of your design skills
Build a portfolio of templates to attract clients
Many Canva Creators join both programs to maximize their earnings! You can contribute elements for passive income while also working on template design as a creative challenge.
Bottom Line
Ready to start sharing your amazing designs on Canva? Now you know everything you need to get up and running.
Joining Canva’s creator community gives you a way to earn royalties from your creativity and talent. Plus it helps other Canva users access awesome new elements and templates.
Here Are Some of My Favorite Tools For Print-on-demand
As a graphic designer and POD seller, I’ve had the opportunity to discover different helpful products and tools that can be time-saving and make the process of creating your designs a bit smoother.
DESIGNS:Kittl (best for t-shirt designs), Vexels (for professional designs), Placeit (for unique product mockups)
Disclosure: Some of the links above may contain affiliate partnerships, meaning, at no additional cost to you, NechEmpire may earn a commission if you click through to make a purchase.
I'm Miroslav, a passionate graphic designer, Etsy seller and AI enthusiast. At NechEmpire, I'm here to share my knowledge and skills. I want to turn your design passion into a successful online business.
