How I Create Simple Minimalistic Illustrations in Canva Pro

Visuals make your posts more engaging.

When I started posting on LinkedIn, I noticed people kept saying: posts with images perform much better. And honestly, they were right. Visuals don’t just catch the eye; they:

• Add personality to your personal brand

• Help your content stand out and interrupt endless scrolling

• Can be informative, entertaining, or a creative outlet for your message

But consider this: not every post has to be image-heavy. I like to mix it up. Sometimes I share text-only posts, sometimes images. When I do use visuals, I often create my own minimalistic illustrations in Canva Pro.

It’s simpler than you might think, and if anything, you may learn a new function in Canva that you have never explored.

Let me walk you through the 5-step process.

Step 1: Start with the Right Canvas Size

For LinkedIn posts, I usually go with 1200 x 1500 pixels. This format is optimized for mobile, which is how most people scroll through LinkedIn.

After that, I like to add gridlines for consistency of my image positioning (and yes, I do break my own gridlines rules every now and then, creatives 🙄)

To add gridlines in Canva, first enable rulers and guides by going to File > View settings > Show rulers and guides. Then, click and drag from the visible rulers on the top or left edge of your design to create individual guides.

Step 2: Find the Hidden Gem in Canva

Most people use Canva every day but miss this feature: Magic Media.

• Go to the Elements tab on the left side of Canva.

• Scroll down and select AI Image Generator → Generate Your Own.

This opens up Canva’s AI tool, where you can generate images, graphics, or even videos. For minimalistic illustrations, I always pick Graphics.

Step 3: Pick the Right Style

In the graphics options, you’ll see different styles like doodle, sticker, or vintage.

My go-to: Line Art.

It’s clean, minimal, and works really well for professional but creative-looking LinkedIn posts.

Step 4: Write Your Prompt (Without Copyright Issues)

This is where the magic happens.

You type in a description of the illustration you want to generate.

Here’s a tip:

If you want to create something inspired by a well-known concept (like the Harry Potter sorting hat), you can’t use copyrighted terms directly. Instead, describe it in your own words.

For example, instead of writing “Harry Potter sorting hat,” I asked ChatGPT to describe its physical features:

By using that description (and trimming it down), Canva generated unique illustrations that avoided copyright issues.

When your description is ready, click Generate Graphics.

Step 5: Choose and Refine Your Illustration

Once you hit generate, Canva gives you four image options.

From there, you can:

• Pick one you like.

• Use the three dots menu to create more variations in the same style.

• Or tweak your prompt and try again.

When you’ve found your favorite, click on it to use it in your design.

EXTRA: Customize the Colors

By default, these line art illustrations often come in plain black.

That’s fine, but you may want to change the color to align with your brand.

Here’s how:

1. Click on your image.

2. Go to Edit Photo → Duotone effect.

3. Pick a preset color or create your own custom brand color.

This way, the line art illustration (or any image) matches your personal branding.

Finally: Export and Add Your Finishing Touch

Now just add your branding (your name, logo, or website) and export the image.

You’re ready to post it on LinkedIn.

Simple, unique, and professional-looking.

Quick Checklist: Creating Minimalistic Illustrations in Canva

✅ Open a new Canva file (1200 x 1500 px for LinkedIn)

✅ Go to Elements → AI Image Generator → Generate Your Own

✅ Select Graphics and choose the Line Art style

✅ Write your prompt (avoid copyrighted names, describe the object instead)

✅ Generate → review the 4 options → pick or refine until satisfied

✅ Click on your favourite generated image to use it in your design.

✅ Edit with Duotone to match your brand colors

✅ Add your name/logo/website for branding

✅ Export and upload to LinkedIn