Tom Carey
Creative Director
In their own words
I think the best work isn't 'perfect': it's different, it's awkward, and it makes you think differently.
We're no longer just a design platform with AI features. We're an AI platform where design, creativity and imagination live at the centre.
In a world full of AI, the things that really stand out are the ones that are deeply human and full of character and soul.
It needed to feel connected to Canva, because otherwise what’s the point? But it couldn’t just feel like a version of Canva. To get creatives on board, it had to feel independent and stand for something.
We wanted to have something that felt more approachable and wonky.
Articles & interviews
- Canva's Tom Carey on why imperfection might be your greatest creative weapon
Creative Boom interviews Tom Carey, creative director at Canva, about the role of imperfection and human instinct in the age of AI-driven design. Carey argues that as AI raises the baseline of technical polish, creative professionals must differentiate through individuality, emotion, and imperfection. The conversation also touches on Canva’s acquisitions of Affinity and Cavalry, its global creative team, and the evolving relationship between technology and human creativity.
- Affinity Rebrands with Bold Identity, Now Free to Use
Affinity, the professional creative software brand recently acquired by Canva, has unveiled a full rebrand and product relaunch. Led by Canva’s European creative director Tom Carey and executed with Design by Twist, the new identity balances connection to Canva with a distinct, creative personality. Featuring a bespoke serif logomark, custom typeface by Ohno, and a tactile color palette, the rebrand emphasizes approachability and artistic expression.