Do you want to make money as a graphic designer? If so, you are in luck! Making a living as a graphic designer can be tough. But, with the right tools and strategies in your toolbox, you can make money doing what you love!
In this post, we will share tips on how to make money as a graphic designer and share some good news at the end of the list that will help all graphic designers earn more money.
What do Graphic Designers Do?
Graphic designers are visual communicators who create designs that inform, inspire, and captivate audiences. Graphic designers use a mix of typography, color, photography, and illustration to communicate ideas in print publications and digital platforms.
They can work freelance or as part of an agency, creating logos, websites, and other client marketing materials.
Key Graphic Design Tools
Having the right tools is essential to succeeding as a graphic designer. Invest in good software ( Adobe Photoshop, Sketch, Adobe Illustrator, Lunacy, Mega Creator, Affinity Designer, Adobe InDesign, CorelDRAW, Graphics, Canva, Designer, GIMP, Gravit Designer) and hardware, such as Adobe’s Creative Cloud, a Mac or PC with enough RAM for your workflow, a high-resolution camera for photography work, and a large monitor, among other items.
These are just some 25 essential ways to make money as a graphic designer. Use these tips and ideas to start your journey towards financial success!
1. Freelance Work
One of the most popular ways to make money as a graphic designer is through freelance work. You can find freelance jobs on websites such as Upwork and Fiverr or create your online portfolio website to attract potential employers or clients. With freelance work, you can work on projects that interest you and set your hours.
2. Sell Your Artwork Online
The most popular and profitable way to monetize your skills is to create and sell digital products such as prints, posters, mugs, t-shirts, postcards, and other merchandise. You can open an online shop on sites like Etsy or Redbubble to start selling your designs.
3. Design Contests
Another great way to make money with your design skills is by entering design contests. Many companies run competitions to find new designs for their products or services, and they often offer decent prizes for winners.
You can also investigate participating in paid crowdsourcing contests where professionals are invited to submit ideas for various tasks or challenges. This is an excellent way to display your work and make extra money with minimal effort.
4. Stock Art
If you want to make money as a graphic designer without having to work for clients directly, then selling stock art is an excellent option. Many websites allow you to upload and sell your designs, such as Adobe Stock and Shutterstock, where you can earn royalties every time someone downloads one of your images.
5. Logo Design
It is one of the most popular services graphic designers offer and can be highly lucrative. Companies pay top dollars for high-quality logos, so if you have the skills to create excellent logos, this could be a great way to make money as a graphic designer. Offer your services to companies and start-ups looking to create a logo representing their brand.
6. Create a portfolio website
Highlight your best works by creating a portfolio website to attract more clients and land higher-paying gigs. Ensure you provide helpful information about each of your projects and the fees you charge.
7. Offer graphic design services on social media
Promote your services and attract potential clients by posting engaging content related to graphic design on popular social media sites such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can also create a dedicated page for your business to advertise it further.
8. Start an online course or tutorial
Instruct students about the basics of graphic design and share tips for creating stunning designs through an online course or tutorial on a platform like Udemy or Skills.
9. Create custom products for customers
Take orders from clients who want specific designs created for them in exchange for payment. This could include logo designing, business card designing, poster making etc.
10. Make stickers and t-shirts
Create personalized, stylish, attractive designs on stickers, magnets, mugs, and other merchandise, as well as one-of-a-kind t-shirts. You can sell them online or provide customization services to clients.
11. Become an article writer
Write blog posts or articles related to graphic design and get paid for it. You can find plenty of freelance writing opportunities online at competitive rates.
12. Become a YouTube influencer
Share tips and tricks on creating stunning designs and logos through video tutorials on YouTube to gain followers and make money as an influencer.
13. Offer consultation services
Provide expert advice and guidance to businesses or individuals looking to get their brands designed professionally. This could also involve giving advice on fabric selection, choosing the right color palette, etc.
14. Provide custom fonts and symbols
Create unique digital fonts or symbols to help clients stand out from the competition and make an impression in their industry. You can also create customized business cards or stationery for them at an additional cost.
15. Design book covers
There is always a demand for well-designed book covers, whether for a small publishing house or an online bookstore. Make sure you research thoroughly before creating a design as each genre requires different styles and techniques.
16. Offer web development services
If you have coding skills such as HTML5, CSS3, PHP, etc. You can offer your services to create a website from scratch or customize existing ones. This could involve creating landing pages, designing email campaigns, and improving user experience.
17. Become an illustrator:
Draw illustrations for magazines, newspapers, books and even websites in exchange for payment depending on the project’s complexity. You can also offer custom illustrations and stock art that can be sold multiple times over.
18. Design infographic templates
Infographics are a great way to display information visually and attract more people to read it. Offer your design skills to help create stunning infographics that convey the message effectively.
19. Create printables
Design colorful posters, cards, and other printable items such as stationery, wall art, calendars and more. You can take custom orders or sell these items as digital downloads online.
20. Make presentations
Create high-quality slides that look professional and are easy to understand to help clients communicate their message effectively. This could include designing PowerPoint templates, video animations, etc.
21. Develop templates
Create one-of-a-kind templates that are easy to use and customize while ensuring they look professional and attractive. These could include brochures, business cards, certificates, PowerPoint presentations, etc.
22. Design greeting cards
Find companies that create printed stationery, such as wedding invitations and create stunning designs for them or offer your products at craft fairs or through online e-commerce stores.
23. Provide virtual assistant services
Work as a virtual assistant for graphic designers who may need help proofreading work, researching content ideas, or organizing files.
24. Get involved with print media
Find companies looking for talented designers for publications such as magazines, newspapers, or newsletters. This could involve creating advertisements, logos, and editorial content for them regularly.
25. Networking
Reach out to potential clients, develop relationships with local businesses, or connect with other freelancers who can refer jobs to you. With networking, you can get access to better-paying gigs and more consistent work opportunities.
How Has Canva Revolutionized Graphic Design?
Canva has quickly become one of the most popular tools for creating graphic designs. Canva Free gives users access to a library of photos, illustrations, and fonts, which can be used to create custom designs. Canva Video allows users to create short videos with animations and music. Canva Templates provide a starting point for creating designs.
Canva has revolutionized graphic design by making it accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level. Canva Free makes it easy to get started, and Canva Video and Canva Templates provide a creative foundation that can be used to create stunning designs. Whether you are a professional graphic designer or just getting started, Canva is the perfect tool for creating beautiful designs.
Design Videos For Free, With Canva
If you want to know more about how Canva can help freelancers view the following video:
Welcome To Canva Video
In a visual world, Canva Pro makes it easy for anyone to achieve their goals and create professional designs with premium content and features like Brand Kit,
Background Remover, and more. If you would like to know more click HERE
Passive Income for Graphic Designer
Creating a digital product such as a template, design course or eBook is an excellent way to generate passive income for graphic designers. You can also create and sell a physical product, such as t-shirts or mugs, by using sites like Zazzle or Society6. You can also set up a royalty-based system where you earn commission from your artwork or design sales.
Finally, affiliate marketing is another excellent way to generate passive income. You can promote products or services related to the graphic design industry and earn a commission from each sale you refer.
FAQ: How to Make Money as a Graphic Designer:
1. How do I start making money as a graphic designer?
Start by creating an online portfolio and website to display your work, then look for clients or companies that need your services. Freelance websites are a great place to start and will allow you to find projects quickly and easily.
2. How much money can a graphic designer make?
It depends on the type of work you do, your skills and experience, and the size of your client base. A graphic designer with a few years of experience can make anywhere from $30,000 to $70,000 per year.
3. How do I find clients for my graphic design services?
Reach out to businesses in your area and ask them if they need any design services. You can also create profiles on freelance websites to find work and reach out to your own network of contacts. In addition, search for job postings on job sites and apply to them.
4. How do I price my graphic design services?
This will depend on the project’s complexity, your skill level and the amount of time required to complete it. It is essential to research the market rate for graphic design services and charge accordingly. You can also offer discounts or packages to make your services more affordable.
5. How can I improve my graphic design skills?
Take some time to read tutorials, attend workshops and seminars, or watch online tutorials to become more experienced in the field. You can also join an online community of graphic designers and learn from their experiences. Additionally, take some courses in graphic design.
6. How to make $100k as a graphic designer?
Making $100k as a graphic designer is possible, but it will take dedication and hard work. You must have an impressive portfolio, be skilled in the latest graphic design software, and be able to market yourself and your services effectively. It would help if you also strived to find high-paying clients who will pay you more for your work.
Conclusion
These are just some ways to start making money as a graphic designer. With the right skills and creativity, there are endless possibilities to explore when tapping into this lucrative industry. Not only will you be able to hone your craft, but you will also make some extra cash at the same time!
It is essential to stay on top of trends and understand how design shapes culture so that you can keep up with what clients need to make a successful career as a graphic designer. So do not wait any longer and get out there and start making money from your passion for design today!
P.S. You can earn more money by using Canva Pro! Trial it for free for thirty days by clicking HERE
DISCLOSURE: I was so impressed with Canva’s revolutionizing the global graphic design industry so that more people could become graphic designers. I became an affiliate and Canva Champion to promote their software. This means that if you sign up for Canva Pro after having tried Canva Free I may be paid a small commission.
