How to do freelance graphic design

The gig economy is growing. 40 percent of American workers are likely to be independent contractors by 2020.

Well, that doesn’t mean you’re beyond Uncle Sam’s reach when you begin doing freelance graphic design. As a freelancer, you need to file your tax returns just like a regular employee.

In this post, we’re going to guide you on what to do. Read on to learn more.

Independent Contractor Tax Laws

If you’re just starting out in freelance graphic design, it helps to understand independent contractor tax laws.

Essentially, you’re considered self-employed. In this case, you’re required to file tax returns every year and pay estimated tax quarterly. You have to pay self-employment tax (SE tax) and income tax.

SE tax is a Medicare and Social Security tax for the self-employed. The tax is usually 15.3 percent of your income.

However, before paying the SE tax, you need to determine your net loss or net profit. Just subtract your expenses from your income to result. If your expenses are more than your income (net loss), you don’t need to pay it.

If your net profit is $400 or more, you have to file income tax return. For more information, it helps to understand Form 1040 .

Gather All the Relevant Details

If you work for multiple clients or companies, take the time to gather and report all sources of your freelance income. They will always issue you a 1099-MISC form is your earnings for a particular year are $600 or more.

However, PayPal also issues 1099 form to eligible users. If you receive your payments through PayPal, you may want to consult your client regarding the form.

If you get numerous 1099 forms from your clients, be sure to file them together. Having paystubs also help to ensure accurate calculations. If you don’t receive one from your clients, you can create free pay stubs easily online.

Deductions

As a contractor in freelance graphic design, you can deduct expenses for:

• office bills
• lodging
• tuition for related education
• business related food
• software, equipment and material costs

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires the expenses to be necessary and ordinary to be eligible for deductions. For your home office, you can write off everything from equipment, utilities, and rent. Your home office is only the portion of your home you use for work.

Travel costs incurred as a result of your job are also deductible. Meals and entertainment with web design clients can be deducted at a 50-percent rate.

Freelance Graphic Design Contractor Tax Help

When you work as a freelance contractor, your client will require you to complete W-2 form alongside work contracts and NDA agreements. They are supposed to calculate your yearly earnings for you and issue the 1099-MISC form in January of the following year.

Make sure you consult your clients to help understand how you should handle your taxes. In most cases, since you’re an independent contractor, their contract agreements will stipulate that you’re responsible for managing your taxes.

Do you have any question about filing for tax returns as a freelancer? Be sure to share them with us in the comments or contact us .

Freelance graphic designers are valuable (or they should be!) because they are is often create the most immediate visual representation your company online and design the first look and feel that new customers will engage with online.

This means that companies need to hire freelance graphic designers who can do multiple jobs – and do them well.

Freelance graphic designers will help raise brand awareness, deliver compelling and cohesive design to their client’s brands, and help to make sales — all while keeping their client’s brand organised and vibrant in a fast-moving environment.

So how much should freelance graphic designers be charging? What should their freelance rates be?

Day rates for freelance graphic designers

We took a look at the top freelance job sites, including Upwork, Indeed and PeoplePerHour, and found these to be the average prices that social media freelancers were hiring themselves out for:

• Junior Graphic Designer (0-3 years experience): $13 – $45 per hour (£10 – £35) / $90 – $320 per day (£70 – £250)
• MidweightGraphic Designer (3-5 years experience): $45 – $90 per hour (£35 – £70) / $320 – $650 per day (£250 – £500)
• SeniorGraphic Designer (5-10+ years experience):$90 -$130 per hour (£70 – £100) / $650 – $950 per day (£500 – £750)
• Top Tier Graphic Designer: $950 / £750+ per day

Less experienced graphic design freelancers can charge around $13 – $45 per hour (£10 – £35) or $90 – $320 per day (£70 – £250).

For more experienced graphic designers, they can make $45 – $90 per hour (£35 – £70) or$320 – $650 per day (£250 – £500).

Senior, well experienced graphic freelancers can make$45 – $90 per hour (£35 – £70) or $650 – $950 per day (£500 – £750) – and even more with the right skills and experience.

And if you’re one of the best graphic designers in the world? You can be charging over $950 / £750 per day.

Of course, a lot of the above depends on where you live, what particular kind of graphic design skills or needed, how much competition you face and what kind of brands you’re working with.

So don’t just take these rates at face value! Adjust them according to your individual circumstances.

It can be helpful to see what other freelance graphic designers are charging

What do other freelance graphic designers charge?

If you’re still trying to work out your day rate as a graphic design freelancer, it can be helpful to see what other freelance graphic designers are charging.

For example, one freelancer explains how they work out what to charge:

Out of school I was told to charge $50/hour. sometimes i charge less than that, it really depends on the project, and who it’s for. i’ve designed stuff for pizza before (for buds). Depends on the project whether I personally charge hourly or per project, sometimes with hourly it’s tricky because (some) clients don’t know necessarily how long things take, so a total cost is a bit more digestible for them.”

One other graphic design freelancer in the same forum discussion explains how they differentiate themselves in order to charge a higher rate:

There are thousands of freelancers offering photoshop, graphic design, writing, etc. Many of them charge so little that you cannot effectively compete using price as a differentiator.

The key to being successful at freelancing is to be skilled at customer service and marketing. Don’t wait for someone to hire you to do what you enjoy. Instead, create content (whether text, images, or both) that you would like to be paid to create for others. Then, put that content in a portfolio.

Let prospective customers see what you can do and judge for themselves whether it is good enough.

And what about what skills you need as a graphic designer? This freelancer explains:

Having photoshop and illustrator aren’t, or at least shouldn’t be, what it takes to be a graphic designer. Are you actually skilled in graphic design? Otherwise it can take quiet a while to be good enough to be selling your skills to a business with guarantee that they will achieve good design results.

Also don’t focus on what others are doing, except when there is something to learn from them. Otherwise looking at everyone that is better than you can just bring you down. If you can use your skills to sell a service at all then does it matter if other people are doing it to, maybe better than you are? Work to figure out the differences between you and someone else who is selling similar services. What do you bring to the table that some other person may not? Use that to your advantage and let it influence how you sell your service.

Should you charge for freelance graphic design by the hour?

Ideally, you shouldn’t charge for freelance graphic design by the hour.

Every project you take on should be value-based, where the clients pays in terms of value generated and ROI of the activity you do, not the time spent designing.

Graphic design freelancers provide a lot of added benefits for not being another full-time member of staff for their clients, which means you should be able to increase your rate to a decent day rate:

• Fast worker and implementation time as you are a graphic design expert
• Industry knowledge of what works and what doesn’t as you keep up to date on graphic design trends and best practice
• Image gathering and creation for graphic design content

Your job is to show clients that keeping costs low, rather than producing brilliant results, is not the right approach.

They should be glad to pay your requested day rate as a freelance graphic designer!

How can you increase your day rates as a graphic designer?

In order to sell your services as a graphic design freelancer, you need to ask your clients what their objectives are for their business and the marketing activity they run.

You should also ask what their current challenges are with graphic design and their business in general, and what their strategy is to meet their goals and overcome those struggles.

By setting a strategy, not just doing graphic design activity, you’ll be proving the value you bring to your client’s business.

What day rate do you charge as a freelance graphic designer?

What day rate do you charge as a freelance graphic designer?

We’d love to hear your experiences of being a freelance graphic designer and what day rate you charge. Please leave your comments below or join the discussion in our community:

Join the Community

To get started in freelance graphic design, find out what a graphic designer does, what a graphic designer needs to know and where a graphic designer can find work. Graphic designers are people who create effective communication methods through the combination of art, illustration, photography, typography and color elements. They may be talented in these areas themselves or they may hire the talent.

Freelance designers are expected to have their own computer and graphic design software.

What they must certainly have is an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles of design, color theory, proportion and composition. Computer skills are required and proficiency in the latest design software is a very big plus.

Get training in graphic design by taking college or university courses in graphic design. The main benefit of a formal education is that students receive a thorough grounding in design basics. Having a graphic design degree also looks good on a resume and to prospective clients. However, talented and dedicated self-taught people can thrive in the freelance graphic design field as well.

Graphic designers often work from home.

Freelance graphic designers can work across a broad swathe of industries. There is hardly a business that does not require some or the other form of graphic design. This may include business cards, brochures, logos, mastheads, mailers, envelopes, package designs, banners, advertisements and billboards. A graphic artist also designs invitations, wedding cards, greeting cards, page layouts, cover designs and much more.

To get a foot in the door, approach graphic design studios for freelance graphic design work. Check newspaper advertisements and online job boards. Let acquaintances, friends and family know about the work quest, and recruit them to help. Be prepared to do a few pro bono or low paid assignments. Getting work experience and building up contacts is more important at the early stage.

Check how other people are faring in the freelance graphic design field and learn from them. Read all available books on graphic design, business management and finance management. Research information on the Internet. Pick up new skills from online tutorials. Learn how to use both the latest branded and open source design software.

However, if freelance graphic design work is slow in coming in, don’t wait around for someone to approach or respond with a job offer. Start working on personal design projects and create many high quality samples. Build up an excellent portfolio and create a well-presented website. Spend some time in marketing the freelance graphic design business and getting the word out about the website. Clients will come if the work is good. Be ethical and professional in all dealings.

Freelance graphic designers might work with textbook publishers to design manuals.

Consider the arty glitzy world of graphic design. It is one of the fastest emerging career options and many people have made tidy sums of money through graphic design. Some of you freelance full-time and still manage to make enough money as your corporate counterparts.

The trend only looks to rise as the amount of work available and the pay scale offers a more lucrative option to office work.

Many people have begun taking up work as freelance graphic designers. It is a cosily lucrative lifestyle. It pays well and is an ideal option for people looking to earn extra money on the side, or people looking for a change from the daily grind of corporate existence.

Job Duties For Freelance Graphic Designer

Graphic designers need to be creative and analytical, i.e. the balance of these two mindsets is crucial.

Most designers work closely with marketing teams, product teams and content teams to understand the service or the product offered by an organisation, the importance of the product and its value to the organisation, and finally create a design that can imbibe these qualities of the organisation.

Some of your job duties as a graphic designer may include:

• Continually liaising with clients and managers to determine the objectives and requirements of the job
• Accurately interpreting the client’s business needs and develop suitable concepts
• Creating design briefs using data through research, and creating concepts
• Working with a wide range of media like Photography and CAD design
• Demonstrating illustrative skills with rough sketches
• Working on layouts and art working pages ready for print
• Developing interactive design

Skills

There are many skills that you must develop and or hone to be able to land some decent freelance projects.

Many of you may already know how to use platforms like Dreamweaver, but remember that the ones with all that cash stashed away in the bank mastered these platforms. If you wish to count yourself among the latter bunch of rich graphic designers, here are some skills that are the cornerstones of the industry.

• Design Skills
• Adobe Skills
• Free-hand skills
• Storytelling skills
• Conceptualising skills
• Technological skills such as a working knowledge of technologies like InDesign, QuarkXPress, FreeHand, Illustrator, Photoshop, 3ds Max, Acrobat, Director, Dreamweaver and Flash

The internet provides many websites for budding graphic designers like you to develop and hone the skills you will need as a designer. Udemy , Tutplus , Aiga , Skillshare and Vector Diary offer many online and free courses on most aspects of Graphic Design, Udemy lists the most number of graphic design courses available online.

Being Successful As A Freelance Graphic Designer

Freelance graphic design is among one of the six top-paying freelance career options available. It isn’t doing too bad, it seems to be doing excellent. So, how do you become successful in this high-paying world of graphic design?

As a graphic designer, there are certain things you can do to do become more successful:

• Brand yourself
• Create an effective online portfolio, where employers can look at the kind of work you have done in the past
• Create an even more impressive print portfolio, resume, business cards
• Network with other designers, potential employers and even friends who work in related fields like website development, or content creation
• Practice and continuously keep up-to-date with technologies like InDesign, QuarkXPress, FreeHand, Illustrator, Photoshop, 3ds Max, Acrobat, Director, Dreamweaver and Flash

Average Remuneration

Having determined that Graphic Design is one of the highest paying freelance jobs, you must be now wondering what kind of money are you looking at, and what kind of payment models exist in this sub-sector of freelancing.

There are two payment models, which exist in the field, The Fixed-price, and the Hourly model. Hourly models usually pay anywhere from $5- 500 an hour, with averages usually falling at $100 an hour.

However, the amount of mini projects has forced the average amount to $35 an hour. Fixed Price models can usually fetch you anywhere from $10-1000. For instance, a logo design job at a mid-sized firm could fetch one around $500. The average pay scale of a graphic designer is $21 an hour.

Finding Work

There are hundreds and thousands of jobs available to graphic designers in sub fields like Logo Design, UI Design, Presentation Design, and Illustration among others. It is not difficult to find work as a Graphic Designer and many portals offer jobs to graphic designers.

It is not tough to find work as graphic designer if you are good enough; chances are that you might face an onslaught of offers for work.

Some websites and portals you should consider looking at include Freelancer , Elance, Odesk, Getacoder and Peopleperhour . These websites offer many jobs for Freelance graphic designers and are just the sort of places you need to register with to make a name.

Resources:

Graphics designers have loads of information available to them online and there is no shortage of websites catering to online courses for them.

Of the many websites available some of the important ones include websites like Udemy , Tutplus , Aiga , Skillshare and Vector Diary offer many online and free courses on most aspects of Graphic Design, With Udemy heading the list of graphic design courses listed, in both paid and free variations.

While it is possible to survive and even succeed as a freelance graphic designer without formal education, it is very difficult to do so. Besides, being the very best designer you can be is the name of the game, so why not learn as much as possible?

Steps

1. Go to school. While it is possible to survive and even succeed as a freelance graphic designer without formal education, it is very difficult to do so. Besides, being the very best designer you can be is the name of the game, so why not learn as much as possible? You can choose either a short term certificate program or a long term degree program to get your design education. Decide based on your budget and the amount of time you have.
2. Perfect your software knowledge. As a graphic designer, you want to have a working knowledge of the primary programs in the field. These include Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and many others. However, you probably have (or will have) a favorite program that you feel most comfortable with. Use it, and practice with it, as much as you can.
3. Keep an eye on pop culture. Every good graphic designer is also a student for life. Watch for signs of trends and breakthroughs in the world of graphic design. Look at magazines and newspapers regularly to see what types of designs are popular. Read about current trends online. Never let yourself become out of touch.
4. Find your niche. As a freelance graphic designer, you are going to be facing a lot of competition for work, including from the big firms. You have to determine what makes you stand out; what will make customers come to you. Whether it is lower price, better customer service, faster turnaround time, or whatever, figure it out and get ready to flaunt it.
5. Market yourself. Now you are ready to advertise your services. You can use your own design talents to help out in this area, by designing your own brochures and posters. Get in the habit of handing out business cards to everyone you meet. Join clubs and groups in your area and get to know people. Market with friends and associates. Do everything you can to get your name out there and let people know that you are a talented graphic designer available for hire.
6. Get to work. If you have talent and work hard, you will have business in no time. Make sure you always give your clients more than they are paying for. Do everything they ask of you and more. And always provide exceptional customer service. If they are not happy with something, redo it for them at no charge.

• Remember: keep learning! Keep doing research and taking classes.
• Always communicate with your clients and find out exactly what they are looking for.
• Do not give away your work. Designers should never have to create something for free.
• Over time, try to develop your own style; something that sets you apart from the rest.

Article provided by wikiHow , a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Do Freelance Graphic Design . All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license .

A Guide on How to Get Hired as a Graphic Designer

Graphic designers imagine and create digital images and art for all types of clients, ranging from a business who needs updated graphics on their website to a band who wants posters for their upcoming tour. Since many clients require designs on a temporary basis, a high proportion of graphic designers work as freelancers relative to other careers. If you’re creative, have an eye for detail, and are good at meeting deadlines, graphic design might be for you. Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a graphic designer and how to get hired.

How to Get Hired As A Graphic Designer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that as of 2016, 18 percent of graphic designers were self-employed. The other major areas where graphic designers work are in specialized designer services, advertising and public relations, printing, and publishers of newspapers, books, and other print materials. However, the number of self-employed graphic designers is likely to rise as the freelance economy in the U.S. blossoms. According to a 2018 Gallup study , 36% of United States workers are self-employed, or part of the “gig economy”.

Degrees Needed

To become a graphic designer, you don’t necessarily need an undergraduate education. Often, the quality of work in your portfolio and the caliber of the clients you’ve worked with will speak louder than the degrees in graphic design you’ve received. However, many people do choose to obtain bachelor’s degrees in graphic design, or in related fields such as industrial design, animation, or fine arts. In fact, some graphic design jobs require a bachelor’s degree in order to apply. There are also associates degree programs focusing on graphic design, which are a more cost-effective alternative to betting a bachelor’s.

Graphic Design Portfolio

A killer graphic design portfolio is your ticket to any graphic design job. Today, the majority of graphic designers upload their portfolios to a website, which can be either public or password-protected. Here are four easy steps toward building a great portfolio:

1. Choose your best work — Find the samples that best show your artistry, creativity, and skill as a graphic designer. If you are applying for jobs in a specific sector, such as publishing or advertising, make sure to include samples that show your expertise in this area.
2. Tell the story of each piece — For each sample you chose to showcase, write some words on why you chose it, what it was created for, and the process of its creation. Also mention if you worked on it with any other people, and what it was ultimately used for.
3. Choose your website — As mentioned before, most graphic design portfolios will be hosted on a website. Popular platforms include PortfolioBox, Adobe Portfolio, Cargo, and Behance. If you’re an avid web designer, you can also choose to design your own website.
4. Get your work on social – a great added component to a web portfolio is a social media account where you showcase your work as a graphic designer. You can send your graphic design social media page to prospective employers, as well as producing content in hopes to be discovered for your talents.

Graphic Designer Hiring Process

There are two main avenues through which you’ll be hired as a graphic designer: full-time and freelance. Here we break down the hiring process for the two:

Freelance

As a freelancer, you’ll typically stitch together an income through contracting with multiple clients. You can find freelance graphic design positions through job search sites like Glassdoor , as well on sites that connect freelancers like Upwork and Fiverr. Typically, you’ll submit your resume and portfolio to the companies listed in these job postings. Don’t be afraid to send your portfolio far and wide, and see where it catches. Also, before you send out freelance applications, make sure you know how much you’re comfortable with charging for your work, so you have a metric to enter negotiations with.

Full-Time

Many companies and independent design firms are constantly hiring full-time in-house graphic designers. Opportunities can be found through job search sites – for example, you can set a job alert on Glassdoor under the title “graphic designer”, and receive alerts each time new jobs are posted within your criteria of location, minimum salary, and more. Typically you’ll submit a resume, your portfolio, and in some cases, a cover letter. After that, you may be invited back for an in-person interview, and you may have to showcase your skills on a take-home assignment.

How Much Do Graphic Designers Make?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics put the median pay for 2017 for graphic designers at $48,700, or a median of $23.41 per hour. Of course, some graphic designers may make more or less than this, depending on whether they are employed by a corporation, work as freelancers, or have their own firms.

As of 2019 according to Glassdoor salaries data, the national average salary for a Graphic Designer is $48,561 in United States. Salary estimates are based on 21,771 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Graphic Designer employees. In New York, however, graphic designers earn on average $55,242 per year, which is 14% above national average. Graphic designers in Texas report earning an average of $48,561 in the same time frame.

Graphic Designer Job Market

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 266,300 graphic designers employed in the United States in 2016. The rate of employment growth for graphic designers until 2026 is 4 percent. However, these statistics account only for the United States market, and because graphic designers can complete assignments from their computers, freelance employment opportunities are often open to graphic designers across borders.

There are currently over 15,000 job openings for graphic designers across the United States on Glassdoor.

Graphic Designer Interview Tips

If you’re invited to an in-person interview, it’s important to prepare all your materials ahead of time. Here are a few tips to nail your graphic design interview:

• Bring a paper copy of your resume, and if you can, paper copies of some of your design material.
• To showcase your profile digitally, you also might consider bringing a flash drive with files of your work, as well as bringing a tablet or computer you can show your work on.
• Dress sharp – graphic designers don’t have to adhere to the corporate dress code like those in other industries. Your clothes can project the vibe you wish to give off as a future employee, such as edgy, laid-back, or put-together, depending on what you wear.
• Research the company – learn what you can about the company’s values, its future goals, and any recent news you can find about the company, using either the company website or online news articles.

G one are the days when you required a formal education to be taken seriously as a designer. With the rise of the internet and content sharing culture, there is an excess of information available out there for those who are passionate and willing to learn. Last week, we wrote about how to earn money as a freelance designer, but today we want to focus on the Graphic design as a career path.

Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. There is no business that exists that does not need some sort of visual communication in the form of logos, business cards, fliers, promotional materials, and so on, and this makes graphic designers one of the most sought after people and graphic design one of the most easily transferable skills across any sector.

We asked one of our in-house graphic designers, Faysal Biobaku, how he got his start as a self taught designer:

How old were you when you decided to become a designer?

Why did you decide to become a designer?

I studied IT so it wasn’t too far off for me, but I leaned more towards art, and I loved to draw, so naturally I found graphic designing appealing.

How did you start learning graphic design?

I downloaded software like photoshop and illustrator, and I watched online tutorials. I created personal projects and used them as practice. I also reached out to people and I offered to create logos and business cards for free. I was focused on building up my portfolio and practicing my skills. It is very easy to be discouraged and unmotivated when you are trying to learn things especially when you hit a snag and get frustrated, but what was most important for me was to not give up, and I never slacked because I kept my focus on my end goal.

How long did it take before you felt you had learned what you needed to know?

It took me a year to master the basics, but design is a process in which you are constantly learning. Software is always changing, and new software comes out all the time. You have to stay on top of your game. Learning is also half the battle. After that you basically learn on every job.

How did you begin attracting paying clients?

After I have built up my portfolio I started soliciting clients, online and in person. I never turned down any job, even those I didn’t know how to do. I always accepted the challenge, and learned while I was executing. The more difficult things I was able to do, the more I was able to charge higher prices and confidently defend my work.

What journey has your career taken you on?

I started off creating logos, fliers and complimentary cards. Then I got a job working at a company remotely while I was still in school. It was challenging because it was the first time I was fully responsible for the visual communication of a company. While my friends were playing games on their laptops, I was working and earning income. After that, I freelanced for while. Sometimes, I created projects for myself and approached companies with it, for example I re-designed my schools UI and presented it to them. As a designer, its all about creating opportunities for yourself.

What do you like about designing at Paga?

I’ve been at Paga for 8 months now. It’s a new challenge with every brief. It’s not the same regurgitated boring or tedious work, which keeps me on my toes.

What do you like about being a graphic designer?

I love that its such a versatile career path. I can literally work in any kind of company because every business needs visual elements. It is a great feeling to be able to interpret someone’s vision into its visual representation. I am constantly designing, even just for myself, so it is easy to take on side projects to keep your mind and skills sharp, and of course, make extra money on the side. I have designed things like T shirts, wedding invitations, phone cases, product packaging and book covers. To be a designer is to have a skill you can easily transfer to anything, which is great.

With time, effort and dedication, it is very possible to teach yourself to become a graphic designer. Some of the steps involced include:

• Learn how to draw: You cannot design if you cannot communicate your designs, therefore learning how to draw by hand or by computer, is a must. You do not have to be Picasso or an amazing artist. All you need to know is how to clearly communicate your ideas visually.
• Learn the basics of design: Learn about color theory, grids, spacing, typography, which are the basic theories of visual design.
• Learn how to use relevant software: To be a skilled graphic designer, you need to know how to use certain design software. Google is your friend: there are millions of tutorials out there via various channels, and it is easy to isolate the thing you are trying to learn about. Be curious and resourceful, and you can access a wealth of online information.
• Don’t be basic: After you have garnered the basic design skills, take it a step or two further and specialize in an area of interest. This will make your skills even more desirable and enables people who are searching for something specific to turn to you. You may specialize in logos, invitations, web design, user interface design, iconography, infography, mobile apps design etc.
• Practice, practice, practice: Theories are just that: theories. Until you are working on a project and you are able to apply the things you have learned, you will never be confident as a designer. Learn on the job, learn on personal projects, always try to apply new skills you have learned to executing actual projects.
• Build your portfolio: Nobody is going to hire a designer who’s work they are not familiar with. Therefore it is important to have a portfolio that shows the range of skills you have and things you have done in the past.
• Get to work: Congratulations, you are now a graphic designer, now book those jobs, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Good luck! Share with a friend who is searching for a new career path today!

Making Life Possible is our ethos at paga, and it is what keeps us committed to our mission of providing inclusive financial services for all Nigerians. With over 15,000 agent outlets and 9 million+ customers, we are inspired by the stories of the community we are building and the people we are empowering by making life possible every single day.

With a degree in graphic design, there are several job opportunities that graduates have with firms. However, some graphic designers choose to be self-employed, working as freelancers either alone or in teams for projects on a contractual basis. Starting out as a self-employed freelance graphic designer is hard without a place to start. Below is a list of several sites where graphic design graduates can find freelance work online.

99designs

Freelancers who specialize in a variety of design sectors, including advertising, graphics, illustrations, merchandising and packaging are all welcome at 99designs. Clients who need graphic designers for a specific project build a brief, and then the site releases it to its global freelancer network. Only one freelancer usually gets the job, but applying for projects is great practice for seeking work in the future. Additionally, winning projects helps new graphic design freelancers build their portfolios. The site also offers tools for them to improve their skills, connect with other freelancers for inspiration and expand their client base.

AwesomeWeb

AwesomeWeb is a freelance website mainly for graphic designers, programmers and web designers. Every freelancer is reviewed before he or she is included in the search listing for clients to find. These clients are high-profile and seeking experts who can deliver quality work for their projects. AwesomeWeb continues to review each account by hand to maintain quality control. This means that a freelancer who deserves to work on a project because of his or her qualifications and skills is more likely to be hired. Although the site has expanded slowly, it offers personal customer support for clients and freelancers alike, and there are no hidden costs.

The Creative Group

This freelance service is a division of Robert Half, which provides professional staffing services. The Creative Group specializes in placing contract-to-hire, freelance and full-time professionals in marketing and other creative projects. The site has a filter for graphic designers to narrow their search for work according to freelance projects. The Creative Group has a large, expanding network of innovative, respected companies that need creative talent, so opportunities are frequently available. It also provides career resources such as

• advice for interviews,
• informative books and guides,
• online training,
• recommendations for portfolios, and
• tips for writing a cover letter and resume.

LinkedIn ProFinder

ProFinder is a relatively new service that LinkedIn launched in late 2015 to connect companies and talented freelance professionals. Although the service was limited to the San Francisco Bay Area during its pilot phase, it has quickly expanded to numerous major cities across the country. The information that LinkedIn members have in their accounts is used to fill in their ProFinder profiles. When LinkedIn members request services, ProFinder sends emails to the members with the most relevant expertise. Freelancers can respond to requests that they are interested in with short proposals, and the clients decide who they hire to complete their projects.

Upwork

Upwork is the result of a merger between Elance and oDesk, and more than 10 million freelancers use it to connect to more than 4 million clients with open projects. Comprehensive freelancer profiles allow clients to find professionals with relevant experience and training. Members have the ability to talk with clients before accepting or declining work. They can continue their communication with clients while working on projects, giving them direct access to instruction if they have questions. Upwork also gives new graphic design freelancers the opportunity to build their portfolios while enhancing their skills and gaining on-the-job experience.

Although a majority of graphic designers work in studios, all it takes is the right computer hardware and software to develop designs. With this and a degree, graduates can use these freelance websites to attract clients who need graphic design projects completed.

Are you artistic or do you enjoy creating images and graphics? One career that is in high demand and expected to grow over the next 10 years is graphic design.

You may not realize, but graphic design work is all around you – from the images you see on social media, to the flyers at the coffee shop, and the logo of your favorite brand.

Think you can do similar work?

One appealing aspect of this career field is that you can do this job completely from home.

Work From Home Graphic Design Jobs

What Do Graphic Designers Do?

Graphic designers create visual concepts using computer software (or by hand), to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.

They develop design concepts for brochures, magazines, advertisements, websites and logos, and more.

What Experience Do You Need?

Graphic designers generally need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. If you don’t have a degree, you could also use a graphic design certification to establish your credibility and allow you to gain some experience.

Otherwise, you could become self-taught and let your experience and work speak for itself. You can take courses online, read books, and take advantage of other resources to improve your skills.

How Much Can You Earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designers earned an average of $47,640 in 2016 with the highest being $82,020 and the lowest being $27,950.

How To Find Work From Home Graphic Design

For home-based graphic design jobs, here are some of the best sites:

Job Boards

FlexJobs
FlexJobs hand-screens remote, part-time, freelance, and flexible jobs across a variety of job fields. You can view much of the information on FlexJobs for free, but to have access to full job listings, you must pay to join. FlexJobs starts at $14.95/month ranging to $49.95/year.

View FlexJobs work from home graphic design jobs here.

Krop
Krop is a creative industry job board and portfolio hosting website that began in 2005. You can search for work from home graphic design jobs on this site for free and create a profile website for $8.25 per month. Most of the positions are freelance to full-time (permanent) opportunities.

Start searching here for remote jobs with Krop.

Indeed
Indeed is a popular job board website that allows you to search for job leads in your field, upload your resume, review companies, and compare salaries.

Indeed is a useful resource for finding non-remote full-time jobs, as well as work from home opportunities.

Search Indeed.com for home-based graphic design jobs.

Dribbble
Dribbble is an online community for graphic designers. One of their top features is their job board which lists various graphic designer opportunities.

Many of the companies listed offer remote part-time or full-time positions. It appears that for most positions listed, you would be hired as an employee.

Freelance Graphic Design Jobs

UpWork
Upwork is a popular job board website that lists opportunities for freelancers in various niches. Most of the opportunities are short-term gigs, but you may be able to find ongoing work or contract opportunities.

View Upwork’s online graphic design jobs here.

Konsus
Konsus is an on-demand outsourcing resource for professionals. Konsus hires freelancers to help with tasks like graphic design, data, entry, web design, writing, etc.

Companies submit a task through the platform, and projects are automatically distributed to a team of pre-vetted freelancers based on skill and availability. Konsus hires freelance graphic designers to work 25-30 hours per week from home, and may sometimes offer full-time remote positions.

The application process is highly competitive, but you can search for the latest opportunities here.

Crew
Crew is an online platform for freelancers looking for work in fields like graphic design, software development, and small studios. They connect freelancers with legitimate work opportunities with clients on their project management system.

With Crew acting as the middleman for your freelance design projects, their platform helps things run smoothly so projects are completed on-time, within budget, and without any major issues.

Currently, there is a waitlist to become a Crew freelancer, but you can sign up here.

Authentic Jobs
Authentic Jobs is a job board that provides leads on companies that are hiring full-time graphic designers and other creatives.

Most of the opportunities listed are for traditional in-office jobs with benefits but some offer the opportunity to work from home part-time.

Search Authentic Jobs for work from home graphic design jobs.

Graphic Design Contest Sites

99 Designs
99 Designs is a site where freelancers can offer their graphic design services via “contests” on the site. Customers describe the project they need completed then choose a design package which starts the contest.

Then, you and other designers will have the opportunity to work on a design and submit it for consideration. The customer will rate, comment, and provide feedback on designs they like as they narrow down their choices. If your design is chosen, you will win the contest, get compensated, and have the ability to work with that client one-on-one for the next step or a different project.

The minimum payout threshold is $25, then your payment can be received either via Payoneer transfer or PayPal.

Design Crowd
Design Crowd is another site for freelance designers to compete for projects similar to 99 Designs. Aside from the design contests, freelancers can also create profiles on this platform so customers can see samples of their work, and invite them to work on their projects or hire them for a custom order.

HiretheWorld
HiretheWorld is a site for freelance designers to bid on gigs to design logos, websites, brochures, and business cards via a contest similar to Design Crowd and 99 Designs. You can also create your own profile on this site to showcase the designs you’ve created, the feedback you’ve received, and any featured projects you have.

48hourslogo
48hourslogo is a growing graphic design contest site that connects freelance designers with business owners needing new material whether it be a logo, website, or print designs. More than 20 new contests are hosted each day and there is an opportunity to work 1 on 1 with clients for projects. Designer payouts are sent via PayPal.

These are just a few of the top places you can search for reputable flexible graphic design work. To enhance your chances of finding a solid job or freelance gig, be sure to create an online portfolio with samples to showcase your work.

Do you have any experience in work from home graphic design?

Чему вы научитесь

Требования

Описание

Have you always dreamed of doing a creative job giving free rein to your ideas? Have you always wanted to use the power of graphics software to create original designs? Have you always wanted to work for yourself from any place?

By becoming a freelance graphic designer you will be able to achieve these things. Indeed working freelance will allow you to exercise freely working at the times you want and the place you want. You become an entrepreneur. This training is for all those who wish to move towards a freelance graphic designer career, to have all the information necessary to achieve your goals.

To become a freelance graphic designer, there is no need to have made specific studies in the field. On the other hand, it will be necessary to acquire the essential skills to be able to exercise. Among these skills, theoretical elements include, and much of the practice of design software. In this training I do not deal with the practical side of mastering software, because you need a complete course to know how to use each software. But I will show you some examples. For the rest I invite you to see other of my training to train you technically.

In this course I will show you how to start by forming online, defining the skills to have. You will see all the theoretical bases of design graphics that must be known to be able to start. You will also see which software you should use for which type of work. Tips for starting a career as a freelance graphic designer. I’m going to introduce you to the platforms for working online, and from there on how to succeed in starting your business, and start well.

Join the Community

There are definite attractions to becoming a freelance graphic designer. Freelance graphic designers work independently, have a roster of different clients and have an unlimited earning potential. Before plunging into the freelance pool, however, it is advisable to consider all aspects of the business.

Graphic designers often work from home.

The first thing a graphic designer requires is the skill, knowledge and talent to do graphic design work. Talent is usually inborn. Skills and knowledge can be acquired by taking college or university courses in graphic design. Some graphic artists are self-taught.

Designing skills aside, a freelance graphic designer must be prepared to shoulder several responsibilities simultaneously. These include office management, marketing, finance management, accounting, technical maintenance and general maintenance. Business acumen, people skills and high levels of confidence are necessary.

Competition in the graphic design field is tough and it can take time to get established. It is important to stay focused and motivated, and be able to cope well with rejection or criticism. The freelance graphic designer must also be comfortable working alone and for long hours.

Another factor is finances. Freelance means the paychecks arrive only if the freelance work flows in. Until it does, have sufficient savings to tide things over. Otherwise monetary worries will put a spanner in both the creative and business abilities.

Sometimes it’s smarter to take the full-time route to freelance. Build up a pool of freelance clients while keeping the regular job. Add to these and gradually ease into being a freelance graphic designer.

Once all these issues have been considered and the plunge taken, pick a name for the business. Get registered as a self-employed person with the Tax Department, which is essential in most countries. Find out about filing taxes and getting business insurance.

Set up a home office with office furniture, computer equipment and a phone. Invest in a powerful computer with a large monitor, a first-rate graphics card and the latest design software. Create a well-presented, informative and easy-to-navigate business website. Use business name for domain name. Optimize site with keywords so it is easily found by search engines.

Plan an effective marketing strategy. Network with peers, cold-call clients, write a business blog, write a press release, advertise in business directories and newspapers. Use search engines and online job boards to find work.

Be well-informed about current freelance pay scales, copyright issues and work-related legalities. Never undertake any project without a written, signed work contract. This should detail the project, completion time-frame, payment amount, payment method, copyright and any other relevant information.

Maintain up-to-date, detailed financial records of all business transactions. Note all business expenses and received payments. Keep all receipts. Be professional in work, word and appearance. Always go an extra step to offer excellent service. Ask clients for referrals.

It costs approximately $2,000 to $10,000 to start a graphic design business. That said, a design business can be started on a shoestring budget depending on your skill set. Graphic design businesses can be operated from home and are primarily run online. They can even be operated part-time if you still have a full-time job, according to Entrepreneur.

In this article, we’ll cover:

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Graphic Design Business?

It costs $2,000 to $10,000 to start a graphic design business, according to Entrepreneur. CNBC estimates that you can start a graphic design business for less than $1,000.

Let’s break down the costs. Here’s what you need to get started:

• Education: free or $3,000 – $30,000 for formal schooling
• Portfolio: free with sites like Wix or $226+ for services like Squarespace
• Professional business licence: fees vary by state
• Computer suitable for graphic design: $775 – $4920+
• Adobe Creative Cloud software: $33.99/month per user
• Scanner-printer combo: $30+
• Pantone Color Matching System (optional): $570
• Drawing tablet (optional): $29 – $1,499
• Total: $849 – $37,000+ (including optional items)

You may already have some of these items, which could bring down your startup cost to zero.

Business licenses are usually not required if you operate under your own name as a sole proprietor, according to the Houston Chronicle.

As for education, it’s possible to train yourself using learning resources like Lynda.com, which may be free with your local library membership.

You can also pursue a formal degree to learn the skills you need for graphic design. Here’s a guide to degree costs from U.S. College Search:

• Community and technical colleges: $3,000 – $6,000
• Four-year college or university: $20,000 – $30,000
• Full Sail University (online or in-person): $80,500

That said, you don’t need a fancy degree to be a successful freelancer graphic designer. Here’s some advice: clients are more likely to be interested in a stellar portfolio then where your degree is from, according to NuSchool.

Home-Based Costs

Freelance graphic designers can choose to work from home and start their own business online. It can be done part-time, as well, while working a full-time job or other contracts.

Working from home cuts down on overhead costs, but it’s definitely not free. You may need to invest in:

• Improved broadband internet
• Desk and chair
• Business supplies

Thankfully, the IRS allows small business owners to deduct many of the costs required to startup a company such as marketing their business. They will let you write off up to a maximum of $5,000 in the first year, according to the Small Business Administration.

Assets such as vehicles and property can’t be written off, but you can write off any value that decreases year by year (depreciation).

People also ask:

How Much Should I Charge as a Freelance Graphic Designer?

Graphic designers on low-cost platforms like Upwork and Elance charge as low as $20 to $30 per hour. This can be a good pricing guide for new graphic designers.

The Balance recommends raising your rate to $35 to $60 per hour after three to five years in business. After five to ten years of experience, you can charge $150 to $200 an hour.

Consider charging on the higher end of the scale if you live in an expensive city like New York or L.A.

The average rate for graphic design is $50 per hour, according to Design for Founders.

The NuSchool has a free hourly rate calculator that lets you customize your hourly rate based on the project and type of client.

How Much Should I Charge to Design a Website?

The average cost to build a basic website is $6,760, according to Website Builder Expert. This cost only covers the first year and pricing can vary wildly depending on the project. Web designers charge $5,000 to over $10,000 for custom projects..

Here’s the average breakdown:

• Setup: $160
• Design/building: $5,000
• Content: $500
• Client training: $600
• Maintenance: $500 per year
• Total: $6,760

This article goes in-depth on how much web designers charge to build websites and has tips on figuring out your hourly rate.

Graphic Design Business Ideas

When starting your own graphic design business, it’s important to decide on a specialty, whether that’s logo design or WordPress design, according to NuSchool. This will help you concentrate your learning and build your reputation in a particular niche.

Here are some graphic design business ideas:

• Logos
• Letterhead and envelopes
• Brochures
• Product packaging
• Mail order catalogues
• Business cards
• Flyers
• Folders
• Print ads
• Postcards
• Booklets
• Greeting cards and invitations
• Social media pages
• Web ads
• Web graphic elements
• Websites
• Customized WordPress templates

April 24th, 2020

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$5.00–$995.00 per job.

2.75% per transaction amount.

Starting at $99.00 /mo.

Starting at $50.00.

Starting at $299.00.

Starting at $199.00.

How much does it cost to hire a graphic designer?

Graphic designers earn an average annual salary of $43,000.

How much do freelance graphic designers charge?

The cost to have freelance graphic design work done varies according to the scope of the project, how many hours it will take, and if you hire a junior, intermediate, or senior graphic designer. You can expect to pay anywhere between $5.00 and $1,000.00 an hour.

How do I hire a graphic designer?

Start by doing your research on the different responsibilities and requirements of a graphic designer. Once you’ve covered the basics, write a detailed job description and post it on various job sites.

Where can I find freelance graphic designers?

• Toptal.
• AIGA Design Jobs.
• Google for Jobs.
• Designhill.
• Glassdoor.
• Upwork.
• 99designs.
• Dribbble.

Which job sites should I look at to hire a graphic designer?

• Toptal.
• AIGA Design Jobs.
• Indeed.
• Fiverr.
• Freelancer.
• 99designs.

Any advice on how to hire graphic designer online?

You will first have to decide whether you need to hire a freelance graphic designer or an in-house graphic designer. There are pros and cons for each option, so you’ll have to think about what’s right for your business. Here are a few things to consider if you want to know how to hire a graphic designer:

• Know the scope of your graphic design project. Do you have a couple of design projects that need to be completed on an ongoing basis, or just one or two? If it’s the latter, a freelance graphic artist may be more suitable.
• Many designers specialize in a certain area. So if you need a logo designed, hire a logo designer that’s skilled in that area.
• Remember that graphic design online differs from web development.
• Clarify what you’re looking for before you hire a freelance graphic designer.
• When you find a graphic designer, evaluate their portfolio by looking at relevant experience and samples. Make sure that the designer’s aesthetic is in line with your business.

Where can I find graphic design students for hire?

• Toptal.
• AIGA Design Jobs.
• Freelancer.
• Fiverr.
• Upwork.
• Indeed.

Any other graphic designer hire advice?

Try not to opt for cheap graphic design; you may be disappointed with the results and have to spend more money to have your design fixed or changed completely.

by Doug Farrick

With the advent of open source software and low-cost hardware It has never been easier to start and operate your own successful freelance Graphic Design business. Here’s what you need to know:

1. You will need the necessary software and a computer – without any computer or graphic software you certainly will not get far 🙂 that being said, you do not need a brand new Mac Pro or new Dell to get started. Use what is available with an eye toward upgrading when you have the means.

Keep in mind the system your are working on DOES need an adequate amount of RAM (Minimum 1 Gb) in order to work efficiently with your larger memory intensive graphic files..

The other large expense you will run into is software. The standard is the Adobe Creative Suite ( link) but the basic package will cost about $900. The alternative to this is no cost open source software that you can immediately download.

These include the Photoshop equivalent, Gimp (), the page layout equivalent to InDesign/Quark which is Scribus () and the Illustrator (or vector) program Inkscape () Some of the programs do have there own idiosyncrasies but are well worth investigating.

2. You will need a place to work – finding a relatively quiet place to work is important. Some people I know have actually started out doing design in their local libraries. Set up a space that is conducive to your style and way of working.

For example, some designers like complete quiet, others like loud music. Some people like “creative clutter” and others prefer a “zen-like” sparseness. The important thing is make it your own. You will need basic office supplies and a filing and storage cabinet would be best.

3. You will need a way to market your design services – Initially, be certain you have a business card designed and take some with you wherever you go. You never know when you might find a new customer. Make sure your business card has your name, company name, web site address, email address and a brief description of the kinds of products and/or services you offer.

Additionally, join a few networking clubs like: BNI (Business Network International), your local Ad Club, AIGA, Chamber of Commerce or Business Association. This is the place to introduce yourself and hand out your cards. Shoot to attend 2-6 networking meetings per month. You can find freelance designer jobs here.

4. You will need to schedule your time – I am beginning to think *most* problems can be solved through proper preparation. This includes creating a schedule for your month/week. When starting you will want to devote at least have of your time to marketing. Schedule these times and be adamant about keeping these appointments with yourself.

Purchase a notebook, a weekly calendar book, an electronic organizer or schedule via a software program. You may need to experiment a bit but find what works for you. And use it. I like to do my weekly planning on Sunday evenings as you can plan in peace and “oversee” the important goals and activities you would like to accomplish.

5. You will need a to show previous work/experience or an online portfolio – Even if most of your work is local and you can bring your design samples with you, it is in your best interest to have a website where potential clients can see your work.

To start, it can be nothing more than a single nicely designed web page with some basic intro text, contact info and a link to a PDF file where people can see your samples.

6. You will need some basic forms – these include forms like a creative brief, invoice, proposal/contract, terms and conditions. A signed contract is a necessity and will protect both you and the client. Of course, you can enter into a verbal agreement but you look that much more professional by outlining the project responsibilities so both parties are clear on expectations.

7. You will need a basic idea of how to price your work – so what should I charge for my work? Ah, the question everyone wants to know. Hmmmm, wish I could tell you *exactly* what to charge (and pricing strategies and models would take a month of seminars to explore fully), but . . .

Typically you can price per project or by the hour. I have found most clients like a per project fee as it is easier psychologically to handle than per hour. But to give at least a guideline for getting started I would charge somewhere in the range of $20-50 for production work and $50-125 for design/creative. This varies based on your geographic location.

Bonus – pick a memorable name – you have a few options here. You can go the standard route and use your name (or a variation of it) ie; Fred Jones Design, Jones Design, Jones Design Associates, etc. Or you can hint at what you do, ie; Jones 3D Design, Jones Light and Animation, Jones Direct Mail Design or a “non sequitor” type of name like: Tizzy, Razor Fish, Modern Dog, Sapient.

Ultimately it is a personal decision and the name needs to “fit” with your market and must (to a degree) fit your personal style. Keep in mind you ideally want the same company name as you web site (address) name – so you will need to do some research. Take your time and have fun with the process.

Bonus #2 – you will need to set up a type of entity – at some point you will need to set up a business entity so as to keep your business and personal accounts separate. You will also need to do this so potential clients can write out checks to your business name.

Entities include an LLC, corporation, DBA (doing business as) . A DBA is probably the easiest to begin (and least expensive), just inquire at your local county clerk’s office for information. All states can be different so do your research and consult with an attorney if needed.

Final thoughts: you can use almost any excuse not to get started on any project but just begin, moving and doing despite contrary thoughts goes a long way toward getting things done.

Bit of wisdom: really, just begin. Buy a pad of paper, then jot down a few notes. You will be on your way to becoming a graphic designer in just a few short weeks!

Have you always wanted to make it in the graphic design business? If yes, you should consider freelancing. This allows you to become your own employer. It enables you to set your own working schedule and even choose your own projects. It is not easy making it in freelance graphic design since you have to put in a lot of effort.

For you to join this field, you should have a solid background in graphic design. You should have taken some graphic design courses in a reputable institution and have done some graphic design work before. This ensures that you have some experience and the skills to start freelancing as a graphic designer. Use the following to become a freelance graphic designer.

Consider establishing your own business

Choosing the self-employment path can help you achieve a lot as a graphic designer. Before you think of opening your own business in this field, you should do some research on the laws of owning such a business in your area. Talk to the local authorities in your area and register the business. You also need to consider how much taxes you will pay the government from what you earn.

Come up with a financial bookkeeping system that can help you track payments and file business-related invoices. If you are not great at financial matters, you can work with an experienced accountant to help you with filing paperwork.

Focus on self-branding

Though most freelance graphic designers start with creating new projects, experts recommend focusing on self-branding first . You need to establish a great online presence for you to become a well-known freelance graphic designer. An excellent portfolio website gives you a chance to introduce yourself to anyone who may be interested in graphic design services. Create a website design that can easily capture the attention of potential clients.

You can also use this platform to showcase what you have to offer. Take your time to go through different graphic design websites since they can inspire you as you come up with your own. Once you have created the portfolio website, consider using it to sell art so that it can help you gain an extra source of income. Do not forget to update your graphic design resume so that clients can get in touch with you easily. Since more people look for graphic design services using mobile devices, you should make your site mobile friendly.

Find clients

Since your business cannot succeed without clients, you should think about the right tactics to use to find your first clients. Doing this can give you momentum and the confidence you need to run the graphic design business. You can use different platforms to find people who may be interested in graphic design services. Try to find your first clients? Click here for freelance graphic designer jobs . If you have been working as a graphic designer of a particular company before you considered freelance, you may not struggle to find clients.

Acknowledge the distinct nature of freelance work

Unlike regular jobs, where the workflow is the same throughout the year, freelance work is different. Sometimes, you may be overloaded with graphic design projects a couple of months and have less work at particular durations. Since freelance work goes in cycles, it is essential to save up so that you don’t run short of cash when there are no jobs. Monitor your income and expenses and avoid overspending on things you do not need. Having some savings can help you out during periods when there are fewer jobs.

Find a work-life balance

Most freelance graphic designers start their businesses at home. Though this can increase convenience and give you more time with your family, you need to find a work-life balance . When working, you should set limits to avoid getting distracted. Determine suitable working hours and set work shifts every day.

Focus solely on graphic design projects during your working hours and have a consistent routine. Ensure that you take short breaks while working to minimize fatigue. You also need a lot of discipline when running this business from home and managing your time correctly. You should also have a conducive working environment that puts you in the mood for work.

About the Episode:

In this episode, we’re chatting with Ian Paget, a creative director by day and freelance designer by night—about how to become a freelance designer on the side of your day job and so much more.

Also known as the Logo Geek, Ian’s built an incredible personal brand for himself (including 86,000 Twitter followers) and because of that, he’s been a judge on logo design competitions, he’s been interviewed by BBC’s Radio One, and much more.

Ian now earns an average of $5,000/mo as a freelance designer, taking on mostly logo designs on the side of his day job, and the best part is that 99% of his clients come to him. We’re talking about how he’s managed to make that happen, including his journey starting a blog and growing it into the thousands of monthly readers.

Ian will tell you, choosing to become a freelance designer is the easy part—putting in the work to build your skills and perfect your craft is where the rubber hits the pavement.

However, Ian will also be the first to tell you that learning to become a freelance designer over a matter of just a few short months is a doable goal, especially if you’re taking on side projects that get you paid while building your abilities.

In Today’s Episode, We Talk About:

[02:50] Ian talks about the book that influences and inspires him.
[04:15] The beginning of his career and starting to freelance as the “Logo Geek.”
[10:38] His tactical advice on how to swing a part-time relationship with your full time job.
[13:01] How long he’s been doing graphic design.
[19:10] How he bases value on his projects.
[20:39] His side hustle routine, schedule and how he manages his social media accounts.
[31:01] How he built a Twitter following of more than 86,000, including a ridiculously simple growth hack he used to get 8,000 followers in his first 3 months.
[35:58] Interesting opportunities that came out from his Twitter following.
[44:16] He emphasizes the importance of being active on your social media accounts.
[46:14] His best piece of advice on for anyone looking to start a side hustle.
[47:14] What sacrifices he’s had to make to create enough time for his side hustle.
[48:39] The best investment he’s made for his side hustle.

With the increase in technology and digital applications, freelance graphic design jobs are more plentiful than ever before. Where graphic designers were once limited to print mediums such as magazines, brochures, and printed advertisements, they can now apply skills to a variety of digital content as well. A graphic designer is charged with creating the visual and written content used to communicate information about products and topics through words, images, or info-graphs.

What Does a Freelance Graphic Design Job Entail?

● Presentation Design
● Website Design
● Graphic Design Instruction
● Logo Design
● Print Design (magazines, brochures, reports)
● Technical Design
● Illustrators
● Animators
● Art Directors
● Product or Industrial Designer

Create a Design Portfolio

The design portfolio is the centerpiece of branding for freelance graphic designers. Use the portfolio to feature your websites designs or other visual content and showcase your specialty skills. Choose your best designs and projects and update your portfolio at least every three months. When possible, host your portfolio on your own personal website. One that you did the design work on is ideal, if that’s your specialty. Use your website to show off your graphic design skills and talent. Then create a page where you link to websites where you’ve done graphic design work. This makes it easy for potential clients to see the range of your skills.

Create accounts on sites such as Behance, Dribbble, etc. These are the sites that have an SEO reputation, Google likes them, and therefore they often rank on the first page of search results. These sites are also designed for freelancers who want feedback from other designers on their projects. In order for people to hire you for their graphic design jobs, they have to know you’re out there. The best way to do that is to get your work on sites that will be seen by thousands of people who can either hire you or pass your name on to someone who will.

Where to Find Freelance Graphic Design Jobs

Template marketplaces:

When it comes to graphic design, there are a lot of people out there who either want or need website templates. Very small businesses may want to save money by doing some of the work themselves or some clients may be interested in doing some of their website design work but not the behind the scenes stuff. This is where template marketplaces come in. On these template sites, clients can browse through website design templates created by various graphic designers and choose the one they like the best.

The good news is, you can design templates and make them available on the marketplace. Not only do you have a chance to sell your work in a way that brings in ongoing passive income, but your designs will be seen by tons of people who are looking at templates because they are considering or in the process of building a website.

● Webflow
● Themeforest
● CreativeMarket

Third party Freelance sites:

● Upwork is a great platform for beginning graphic designers to hone their skills and begin to build a reputation. You can build a profile and bid on projects for free but Upwork does get a percentage of each project you win.
● Design Inc.is a relatively new platform but it seems to become a fast favorite of both graphic designers and their clients. Keep in mind that Design Inc has a system where freelancers must pay to bid on jobs. You’ll have an upfront investment, but you’ll have higher paying clients and projects than sites like Upwork.
● AngelList is a platform where startup companies both large and small are seeking graphic design freelancers to provide necessary services to build or enhance their brand and advertising.

Other Ways to Find Freelance Graphic Design Jobs

Networking and Word of Mouth

It’s up to you to get the word out about your talent and your services. You can’t expect clients to come and seek you out. Competition for graphic design jobs is fierce and there are graphic designers lined up that can provide basic website design. You have to position yourself to stand out in the crowd. Make it easy for clients to spot you as the best among the rest.

Cold Calling and Emails

There are a plethora of businesses on the Internet with poor quality or very simple website designs. You can find freelance graphic design jobs by simply identifying some of these companies and calling or emailing them to pitch your graphic design ideas to improve their website and help them attract more customers.

Local Businesses

One area where freelance graphic design jobs are hiding could be within your own local area. Check out the existing print and Internet advertisements for your local hair salon, auto stores, pizza places, and retail stores. Many small locally owned businesses may still be struggling with building their Internet presence to attract customers. Analyze their existing marketing efforts and pitch your ideas to improve their visual communication and help them strengthen their advertising. Many small business owners may be aware that their Internet presence is lacking and will welcome the opportunity to hire someone to handle it for them.

Build Your Reputation:

Any type of freelance work, including freelance graphic design, is built on your reputation. When you land that first project, do the absolute best work you can do. Go out of your way to give the customer an enjoyable experience and make sure when the job is finished that they are 100% satisfied with your work. Be someone who is easy to work with, always work toward a win-win solution, and remain pleasant and professional for the length of the project. Then ask them to tell their colleagues and friends about your work.

Position Yourself as an Expert

Many freelancers find that positioning themselves as an expert in their field or in a related area can not only help fill the time between client work but can also help get them in front of potential clients. If you’re a graphic designer who is passionate and knowledgeable about color scheme, style guides, or web hosting packages, help others who need that information.

To attract potential customers, you can start a blog, join a design related Facebook or LinkedIn group or even answer queries on sites like Quora or HARO. Figure out who your target audience is, what their questions are, and where they naturally go to find those answers. Then put yourself there as an expert so when they are seeking graphic design services, you’ll be the first person they think to contact.

You can be successful at finding freelance graphic design jobs by using one or several of these different tactics. Don’t be afraid to reach out and take the initiative to approach businesses and start the conversation. Mix and match until you get a system that works for you and your business. And always make sure you say on top of the latest trends in tech, gadgetry (see this) and design.

Being a freelance visual designer involves creating visual concepts and designs and contracting your work to clients. Keep reading to learn more about freelancing in visual and graphic design.

Freelancing in General

A freelancer is an independent contractor who isn’t an actual employee of a company. As a freelancer, you are self-employed and offer your services to a client or business. With this contract, you set terms on employment, such as salary and hours. While working as a freelancer, you can work at home, a coffee shop, or any other area where you can get the work done.

Freelance work might not be for everyone. Your workload can be unpredictable at times, and you must be willing to put in the hard work some clients will require you to get a project done.

Important Facts About Freelance Visual Designers

Career Overview: Visual or Graphic Design

As a freelance visual or graphic designer, you would work with your clients to create illustrations and images for them. By using computer applications and software, you develop layouts and sketches that bring their ideas to life. A client might need to see a rough draft of any concepts you create, so editing and revisions might be necessary. As technology progresses in the field of computer design, you will also need to keep up with emerging technologies and software as they relate to the field.

Education Required

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, ) recommends having at least a bachelor’s degree in graphic design to obtain employment as a graphic designer. In a bachelor’s degree program, your core classes will involve working with computer software such as InDesign, Dreamweaver, and Photoshop. Learning about design applications and how to use them are key to working as a visual designer. You’ll learn how to bring color, images, and theories to center stage to create effective logos and advertisements for potential clients.

If you have obtained a degree in another area, you may want to earn a certificate in graphic design. You’ll learn the basics of graphic design, focusing on illustrations and practicing theories as they relate to this field. Both degree and certificate programs will help you network and gain work experience through internships. As a freelancer, having proven past experience in projects will be helpful when you interview for a contract position.

Salary Info and Job Outlook

Although the BLS does not report information for freelancers, it did publish in May 2018 that the average annual salary earned by graphic designers, in general, was $50,370. Because freelancing workers may negotiate their own rates for a project, their resulting salaries vary widely. Additionally, the BLS predicts that work opportunities will likely increase by 4% for graphic designers from 2016 to 2026.

About the template

Last revision: 08/10/2020

Size: 6 to 9 pages

Available formats: Word and PDF

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Graphic Design Agreement

A Graphic Design Agreement, sometimes called just a Design Agreement, is a document between two parties, the graphic designer and the client, for design services. Many businesses, including those solely for information services on the internet, often require graphic design work. Graphic designers can create everything from a business card up to an entire website. In fact, many graphic designers have their own freelance careers and therefore would require an agreement like this for each of their clients.

In this Graphic Design Agreement, the parties agree to the terms of the relationship between them, including such items as whether the works produced will be used for a limited purpose or any purpose and exactly what those works are.

In an agreement like this, standard contractual clauses are also included, such as choice of law and venue.

How to use this document

This document can be used in any scenario in which a client would like to hire a graphic designer. It can be used by either party – in other words, for a graphic designer looking for a standard template for clients, this would be a good fit. The size and structure of the graphic design project or projects doesn’t matter, this agreement can be used for all types of graphic design works.

In this document, basic identifying information about the parties will be entered, such as names and address details. Then, details about the graphic design work, such as what the works are, deadlines, milestones, pricing information, etc., will be included.

After this document is filled out, it should be printed so that both parties can sign it. Then, a best practice is for both parties to keep a copy.

Applicable law

Graphic Design Agreements are normally subject to individual state laws, governing general and commercial contract principles.

How to modify the template

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At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats for free. You can modify it and reuse it.

Other names for the document: Graphic Designer Agreement, Designer Agreement, Agreement for Graphic Design, Freelance Artist Agreement, Artist Agreement