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You’ve got the colour palette. The fonts. The dreamy Canva templates.
But if you’re ticking all the design boxes and your posts still feel like they’re falling flat…
Your graphics need to feel like something.
Not just look good … but feel good for your audience.
Because when someone lands on your post, they make a split-second decision: Does this feel like it was made for me? Or do they scroll right past?
In this blog, I talk about why designing with emotion (not just aesthetics) is the one thing you didn’t know your brand needed.
Why Emotion Matters in Design
When you design based on what looks cute or on-trend, you might attract some attention. But attention without connection doesn’t convert.
Every graphic you post is a little brand ambassador. And if it’s not telling people how they should feel when they work with you… then it’s just noise.
Emotion is what builds trust. It’s what makes someone pause, double-tap, save your post, and say, “Oof, she GETS me.”
You don’t need to shout louder.
You need to speak to the emotions of your dream client.
How to Design With Emotion (Without Starting From Scratch)
First, define your brand’s emotional vibe. I always recommend picking 3 to 5 words that describe how you want your audience to feel when they see your brand.
Are you playful, empowering, and motivating? Calm, nurturing, and grounded? Luxe, high-end, and elevated?
Get clear on those, and suddenly your design choices start making sense.
From there:
- Colours: Choose tones that evoke your vibe. (A soft blush says something very different than a fluoro red.)
- Fonts: A clean sans-serif might feel modern and reliable. A handwritten script? More personal and warm.
- Layouts & Elements: Big bold text? Energetic. Minimal white space? Calm. Doodles, icons, patterns? Playful.
Every choice is saying something. So make sure it’s saying what you mean to say.
But What If I Want to Appeal to Everyone?
You don’t.
My hot take? Your graphics should repel people.
Because when you design with intention, you attract the right people… and gently filter out the ones who aren’t a fit.
That’s not bad marketing. That’s smart branding.
When someone lands on your post and instantly feels, “Ooh, this is for me,” you’re not just building recognition … you’re building trust. And trust turns into clicks, clients and community.
Feeling First. Strategy Always.
So next time you open up Canva, pause for a sec.
Ask yourself:
What do I want someone to feel when they see this graphic?
Then let that feeling drive the design.
If you’re ready to create a brand that actually feels like you (and attracts people who feel it too), my course DIY Design My Biz is here to walk you through it step by step.
Ready to design graphics that connect and convert?
Learn more about DIY Design my Biz 👉 https://diydesignmybiz.com/limited
WORK WITH JACQUI:
// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb
// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub
// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio
