Quick Design Guide for Clients: How to Tell if a Design Matches Your Vibe

Image Courtesy of Canva

Not every Canva template is the one. Here’s how to spot a mismatch, and what to say without sounding like a jerk.

Ok, I literally had to sit down and draft a quick post. I don't get why I’m seeing so many people paying for content creation that doesn’t even match their brand colors. Matching colors to a brand is one of the many basic principles of design. How are people forgetting this? How can we deliver a brand board and ignore the colors in it? How come no one is noticing or saying anything? Could it be that most clients don't know how to give feedback on branding or content design? Maybe the real issue isn’t just bad design, it’s that no one taught clients how to see it or speak up about it.

In lieu of my morning epiphany, and after seeing this happen way too many times today, I want to talk about something that most people think they’re not qualified to do: figuring out whether a design actually matches your brand… or whether it just looks pretty.

Because spoiler: not every pretty post is right for your business.
Let’s educate your eye real fast. 😉

Image courtesy of Canva

Why Do We Keep Approving Content That Feels Off?

Honestly? Because it’s awkward to give feedback on branding or content design when you’re not “a creative.” You might think:

“I don’t want to sound like a hater.”
“I don’t know how to explain what I don’t like.”
“It’s probably just me…”

But it’s not just you. Your instincts are valid. If something feels off, chances are it’s not aligned with your brand.

And the worst part? You’ll post it anyway because you paid for it. You’ll shrink a little inside while your grid starts looking like it belongs to someone else. Well, Mr./Mrs. Client, not on my watch.

Canva Templates Are a Starting Point Not The End Game

Let’s talk about the Canva elephant in the room. We all love Canva. We use it, we swear by it, and honestly, it’s changed the game for non-designers. But here’s the thing: Canva has layers. It’s not just about picking a template and slapping your copy on it. You’re supposed to customize it, change the colors, swap elements, edit the layout, make it

match

your

brand.

Instead? Too many content creators are just… picking a random template, copying pasting random text and hitting "download." No edits. No brand alignment. No intention.

If you're handing in content that doesn't even reflect the brand colors on the brand board you delivered yourself, are you even doing your job? Canva’s full potential is being wasted by people who are either rushing or just too lazy to use it properly.

Templates are a starting point. Your design should still feel like you. Or your client. Or someone other than Canva.

If your post looks like six other people’s posts this week, it’s not working for you. It’s just filler. Use Canva to build on your style, not erase it. That means customizing templates, setting your brand fonts and colors, and knowing when to start from scratch instead of clicking “apply all.”

A tool is only as good as the eye behind it. Let’s make sure your content isn’t giving “default with logo.”

Image courtesy of Canva

How To Check If A Design Actually Matches Your Brand

Here’s a five-step check to run before you hit approve:

1. Do these colors even belong to you?

Look at your logo, your website, your last six posts. Now look at the design.
Are the colors part of your identity or random trend-chasing choices? If the answer is “wait, why is this beige?” You already know.

2. Is this your font… or your cousin’s?

Fonts are like personalities. Yours might be bold, clean, and modern. This font might be soft, curly, and giving baby shower.

Mismatch = confusion.

3. Could you say that copy out loud?

Literally. Read it. Out loud. If it doesn’t sound like you, your audience is gonna feel it. Your brand voice matters just as much as visuals.

4. Would your dream customer stop to look?

Take yourself out of the equation. If someone landed on this post or ad, would it connect? Would they know what you're about in 3 seconds or less?

5. What does your gut say?

If your body tenses, if you feel “meh,” if you're already thinking of excuses to hide your website or socials from people… you don’t need permission to ask for a revision. You already know it’s not it.

Image Courtesy of Canva

What To Say When It Doesn’t Feel Right

Lucky you, I worked in call centers all over my 20’s. So let’s use my customer service rizz to sugarcoat these very useful feedback phrases. The key is to start with a positive statement and then drop your need or request. Here’s how to redirect your contractor or designer like a pro:

• “Love the layout! Can we try it with our brand colors instead?”

• “This copy is close, but I’d like it to sound a bit more like our tone, can I share a few examples?”

• “I like this font, I’m just not feeling it, can we try something that feels more minimal/luxury/bold?”

• “This looks nice! But it feels like a different brand to me. Is it possible for me to show you some references?”

The key is: don’t ghost. Don’t settle. Appreciate the effort but don’t forget to redirect. Giving feedback doesn’t make you difficult. It makes you involved , and that’s how great design actually happens!

Can You Get Better At Spotting What’s “On-Brand”?

Absolutely! This isn’t about being a designer. It’s about knowing yourself, and how your brand shows up visually. Therefore, here’s a mini cheat sheet to help you develop your eye:

• Have your designer or content creator build a quick brand kit (colors, fonts, voice notes, references)

  Include your brand colors, fonts, voice notes, and a few visual references.

• Save posts you love and ask yourself why

  Then share those examples with your team. It gives everyone a visual compass.

• Revisit your “why” and who your dream customer is

  You’ve probably evolved. So should your creative direction. Perhaps old designs no longer match your vision.

• Ask: “Does this feel like me, and will it resonate with customers?”

  If not — say so.

Still Unsure?

If you’re staring at your feed thinking, “It’s fine, I guess”, you deserve better than fine.

You deserve aligned.
You deserve recognizable.
You deserve to feel good hitting post.

Want content that actually feels like you?
Let’s work together. I’ll help you organize your brand style, spot what’s not working, and guide your contractors so your vibe stays intact.
Book a clarity session or ask for my content packages, your feed will thank you. ;)