If Everyone Is a Designer, What Sets You Apart?

There has been—and will continue to be—a shift in the design tools that dominate the industry. Some tools have cemented their place, others are emerging, and a few are actively competing to take the top spot. Personally, I believe the tools we have today are the ones that will stand the test of time. But why?

Over the past week, I observed my own workflow, tracking which tools I naturally gravitate toward when working on projects—whether for my full-time job, side gigs, or personal use. While I already had a general idea of my habits, consciously analyzing them was eye-opening. I believe in working with intention rather than operating on autopilot, and this small exercise reinforced why certain tools have become essential in my daily routine.

The Three Tools That Define My Daily Workflow

When I broke down my workflow, three tools consistently stood out: Canva, ChatGPT, and Figma.

Surprised? Some of you may have expected these, while others might be taken aback. But the reality is that these are the platforms I rely on daily to create visuals, layouts, and marketing materials efficiently. And I’m not alone—these tools are shaping the way designers work in 2025 and beyond.

Why These Three?

There are a few key reasons why these tools have become my go-to:

1. Web-Based AccessibilityAll three platforms are cloud-based, meaning I can access them from anywhere, anytime. This eliminates the hassle of downloading and updating software—they handle that for me. While they do offer app versions, I prefer using them directly in my browser, with each one bookmarked in Chrome for instant access.

2. Ease of Use & Intuitive UI/UXThe simpler the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX), the better. The first time I used Figma, I found it incredibly intuitive—and that hasn't changed. The same goes for ChatGPT, which instantly won me over with its seamless functionality. As for Canva, it practically does the heavy lifting for you—you just refine the final product and you’re done.

3. The Democratization of DesignThese tools have made design accessible to everyone, and I find that inspiring. Some designers see this as a threat, but I challenge that perspective. Instead of resisting change, we should evolve beyond just being "designers" and develop additional skills.

   
   

If Everyone Is a Designer, What Sets You Apart?

With tools like Canva lowering the barrier to entry, everyone is now a designer. This raises an important question for professionals in the field:

What makes you better than Canva? Why should I hire you over it?

This is something every designer must reckon with. I’ve had to pivot my career as a designer, understanding that many traditional design roles are fading. And to be honest, that future isn’t far off—it’s happening now.

For me, this shift is exciting—it pushes me to evolve and become the next version of myself. But I understand that for many, it can feel intimidating. My advice? Embrace the challenge. Growth is optional, but in this industry, it’s necessary.

The Future Beyond Figma: Webflow & All-in-One Tools

One tool that may eventually phase out of my workflow—despite my love for it—is Figma.

Figma revolutionized web-based design collaboration. The ability to simply share a link and co-edit a file in real time was groundbreaking. Now, years later, it’s no longer an innovation—it’s an expectation. And yet, some companies (Adobe, I’m looking at you) are still struggling to catch up.

Adobe Express, for instance, arrived years too late to compete with Canva. And while Adobe was once the industry pioneer, it’s proof that if you don’t innovate fast enough, users will move on—just as I did with Figma.

That’s why I see Webflow becoming the next dominant tool. Webflow goes beyond just design—it enables designers to build without coding, create component libraries, and publish live—all in one platform. If Figma could integrate these capabilities, I might stay longer, but I foresee myself (and other design leaders) transitioning to more comprehensive, all-in-one tools.

ChatGPT: A Power Tool, Not a Replacement

Now, let’s talk about ChatGPT.

No, AI isn’t replacing designers—it’s a tool in our tool belt. I use ChatGPT to refine my ideas, structure insights like this one, generate scripts, and automate mundane tasks that shouldn’t take hours.

Yet, there’s a strange mindset in the workplace that “good work” must take a long time. Why? If I can accomplish in 30 minutes what used to take three hours—thanks to AI—shouldn’t I use that efficiency to focus on deeper, more strategic work?

That’s what these tools enable: more time for critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and innovation. The excuse of “I don’t have the tools” is no longer valid—because they exist, and they are changing the game.

Final Thoughts: The Future Belongs to Adaptable Designers

On any given day, I rotate between Canva, ChatGPT, and Figma, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Many of my peers feel the same way—our workflows are consolidating around fewer, smarter tools.

These platforms aren’t just dominating the industry—they’re reshaping who gets to participate in design. That’s why I challenge you to think differently about your role:

What makes you stand out in a world where everyone has access to design tools?

We live in a borderless workforce and a borderless design world—and that means you are not inherently special just because you’re a designer. That’s not meant to be discouraging—it’s meant to be a wake-up call.

So, what will you do now that design is accessible to all? Think about it.