Are you staring at your art therapy website and feeling that it’s far too heavy in text? You are missing something, like visuals but you don’t have the tools to create any visuals for your website. If you’re a beginner looking to dive into graphic design for your art therapy brand, you’re in the right place. Today I’ll be sharing user-friendly graphic tools from easy and free to paid and a little more advance that will help you create stunning designs with ease.

A wordy website could look like one of those heavy philosophy textbooks you had to read in high school. It was nothing but terminology and HUGE academic words that left your tongue in knots.

Let’s step out of that, think of your website as a childern’s storybook where the images and text dance with each other. The graphic should support the feeling you want to convey or message you are sharing.

1. Canva

Let’s start with Canva, it’s an online design software perfect for beginners. Whether you need a banner for your website, social media graphics, or even Instagram Reels, Canva has a library of presets already for you choose from. Reasons to go for Canva is maybe you have a tight budget and are just starting your art therapy business and are looking for DIY solutions to get started visually to test the waters of your business idea.

Canva is known for:

Templates: They offers a wide range of templates for various needs. Just insert your designs, and you’re good to go.

Library of Graphics: Access to a vast library of graphics, photos, and illustrations that are copyright free. You can use them for free for commercial and noncommercial use.

User-Friendly: Easy to use, drag and drop functionality even if you’re new to graphic design.

Free Plan: Canva’s free version provides enough to get you started in creating a visual system for yourself and access resources needed to get started, though it has some limitations compared to the premium version.

Canva a good tool for quickly creating professional-looking designs without a steep learning curve. Check out canva here.

2. Freepik

Freepik is a space that holds free graphic resources from photos to icons, illustrations and videos. If you are limited to time and have tight budget this is also another options that gives you some unique choices in graphics and photos.

Here’s what makes Freepik special:

Variety of Files: Download files in different formats like PDF, JPEG, and more.

Graphic Packages: Access to numerous graphic packages, including illustrations and icons.

Royalty-Free Images: Use images without worrying about copyright issues.

Freepik is excellent for quickly finding and using high-quality graphics for your projects. Check out Freepik here.

3. Inkscape

For those looking for more flexibility and control, Inkscape is a free, open-source graphic design tool. Key features include:

Create Non-Pixelated Scalable Graphics: Create and edit graphics, which are scalable without losing quality or pixelation.

Advanced Tools: Offers more advanced tools compared to simpler graphic software.

Learning Curve: Be prepared for a bit of a learning curve, but the flexibility it offers is worth it.

Inkscape is ideal if you want to create detailed and customizable designs. Check Inkscape out here.

4. Procreate

If you prefer working on a tablet like an iPad, Procreate might be your best friend. Although it’s primarily for digital painting, Procreate is also powerful for graphic design. Features include:

Intuitive Platform: User-friendly and highly intuitive, especially for those who enjoy drawing by hand.

Professional Tools: Offers many tools and features similar to Adobe Photoshop.

Paid App: Note that Procreate is a paid app available on Apple devices.

Procreate is perfect for those who want to create hand-drawn digital art. Check out Procreate here.

5. Photopea

Photopea is a free, browser-based alternative to Photoshop. It’s excellent for photo editing and graphic design. Here’s why Photopea stands out:

Photoshop-Like Interface: Familiar interface for those who have used Photoshop.

No Installation Needed: Works directly in your browser.

Ads Supported: Free to use but comes with ads.

Photopea is a great option for quick edits and creating graphics without needing to install software. Check out Photopea here.

6. Creative Market

For those who prefer ready-made graphics, Creative Market is a fantastic resource. Here’s what you get:

Premium Graphics: Purchase high-quality illustrations, icons, and templates.

Convenient Packages: Buy entire packages that match, ensuring visual consistency.

Time-Saving: Perfect for those who want professional graphics without designing them from scratch.

Creative Market is ideal if you’re willing to invest a bit in high-quality, ready-to-use graphics. Check out the Creative Market here.

7. Colour Lovers

If you are looking for colour palettes for your art therapy brand, this website provides a library of colours combos to choose from.

Community-driven platform: Other designers and creatives share their colour palettes, patterns or tends. It’s a great space to find colour inspiration.

Designer crafted colours: Any colour palette you choose are always going to be harmonious colours for your brand.

8. Unsplash

If you are looking for non-stock but high-quality photos, this platform is a online community where creatives share professional photos they’ve taken and sharing them with community. Just read the Unsplash license agreement to be aware of the rules.

Huge library: You have access to a large library of photos that are better then i-stock and far more creative.

Royalty-free images: All images can be downloaded and used for free in commercial and non-commercial projects. No permission needed but attribution is appreciated.

Stunning visuals to your website and marketing materials: These images are taken by creative professionals so you will obtain visually interesting pictures that are unique. Check out Unsplash here.

9. Google Fonts

Lastly, don’t forget about Google Fonts for your font selection needs. Here’s why Google Fonts is essential:

Free to Use: Access a wide range of fonts for free.

Web-Safe: Ensures your fonts look great on any web platform.

Easy Integration: Simple to integrate into your designs.

Google Fonts is a must-have for ensuring your text is both beautiful and functional. Check out Google Fonts here.

Final Tips

When selecting graphics and tools, always keep your brand and ideal client in mind. Ensure that your visuals resonate with your Ideal client and maintain a consistent look and feel. Don’t rush through the design process—take the time to reflect on whether the graphics you choose truly represent your brand and people.

Experiment, have fun, and don’t be afraid to mix and match tools and resources to find what works best for you. Happy designing, and best of luck with your art therapy brand!