Make Money Doing Graphic Design

Graphic design is everywhere, from billboards to an album cover, a book cover, or your cereal logo and packaging. And it is always in very high demand. Nowadays, the importance of a degree in graphic design is less and less, especially if you can do the job well. Graphic design is all about solving problems finding visual solutions for a specific purpose. These problems can be, "how do I make someone buy my product." etc. Graphic design is vast, and there are a few areas you might choose to specialize in, whether it is typography, logo and visual identity design, layout design, package design, etc.

And during these uncertain times, we find ourselves where work is increasingly being carried out online; graphic design is no exception. So here are a few ways to make money online as a graphic designer.

Graphic Design Tools

There are some essential tools that every graphic designer should learn to use and have. The first is a computer, which should be obvious. You want something capable of handling all the design software efficiently. It must not be super high end, but powerful enough. Next, you'll need a membership to Adobe Creative Cloud or a few select programs, like Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Indesign, and possibly Adobe Dimension. We recommend that you purchase access to all creative cloud apps because you never know which you might need.

How to Make Money

There are many ways to make money online with graphic design, from freelancing and working with clients to selling design templates and more.

Freelancing

Freelancing is a great way to make money online with graphic design; you meet actual clients and help them, adding to your portfolio. But freelancing can be difficult and discouraging in the beginning. The best way to land your first client is by having a good portfolio that showcases your work and talent, especially in a selected niche.

But how do I create a portfolio with no clients, you might ask?

Well. You will have to work on lots of personal projects that show off your skills. You can create fake companies and build a visual brand identity to show off your skills.

With a solid portfolio, you can put yourself out there and start seeking clients. You can either start your online design studio with a website or used platforms like Linkedin. You can also use marketplaces that connect buyers and sellers, which may be the easiest when starting because you may not have to search for a client actively. A few of these market places are:

Fiverr

Fiverr is a platform that connects buyers and sellers. You create a profile and post what they call 'gigs,' which are like the skills you have are the jobs you can do for a set price. And for every purchase, Fiverr takes a 20% commission. Fiverr is a great way to start. Just follow their Terms of Service, and you'll be fine.

Upwork

Upwork is similar to Fiverr, where you can create your profile, set your rates, and connect with clients from around the world.

Flexjobs

Flejobs helps you find remote work-from-home positions, with over a thousand graphic design related jobs at any one time on the platform.

Linkedin

You can also find freelance jobs on LinkedIn, connect with other small businesses, and build a network.

Other Sites That Help You Find Jobs.

Apart from freelancing, you can sell premade templates of any kind, which can be for ebook viewers, album covers, invitations, premade logos, and more on market places like Envato market and other market places. These are great for people who don't have time and want an easy-to-customize off the shelf designs.

You can share your knowledge online by creating courses and webinars on sites like Udemy, Skillshare, Teachable, and more. You can sell these courses on these platforms and make some income.

You can design custom typefaces for sale on markets like Etsy and other creative markets. Typeface designing is a very meticulous craft, which can become quite expensive. It needs proper typography skills and know-how.

A Few Tips for Succeeding as a Graphic Designer Online

Be Professional

Being professional is very vital. The way you communicate has to sound experienced. You have to position yourself as a professional in your craft, which means having the skills and confidence to be a professional graphic designer. Don't just watch a few videos on using creative software and call yourself a designer; Take time, and learn your craft with dedication and always strive to improve.

Your work portfolio has to be professional. Put just your best, and only your best work in your portfolio. A few great portfolio pieces are better than numerous mediocre portfolio pieces.

Let's take the example of logo design and branding; when designing a logo, your logo's presentation is what sells the logo to a client. Rather than just showing a picture of the logo, tell a creative story of how you created the logo by showing behind the scenes work, a breakdown of the logo, the components or ideas that make up the logo, and mockups of the logo. Mockups are essential; they will show the client how the logo will look when used in real life.

Create Contracts

Always create legally binding contracts, especially when working outside of platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. These platforms handle this for you and make sure you get paid when the job is complete. Some of the best suites for creating these contacts are And.Co and Honeybook.

Be Realistic

You have to be realistic about what you can accomplish. Discipline yourself to meet up with datelines and provide what you promised. Don't accept every job that comes, if you won't be able to finish it.

It would help if you always stayed up to date with industry trends, with what's currently popular. Create something that appeals to the likes of nowadays.

Making money from graphic design online is easier now than before. Remote working is becoming the norm and platforms, and services help make it possible. There's a wide variety of places to knowledge if you are starting. But you have to be good at what you do to succeed. You can make money with graphic design online.