The graphic design industry has enormous potential, and its increase as the field of Information Technology is booming. This is due to the blessings of the internet invention and, above all, computers.
This is a market for talented individuals, and if you’re creative, then the demand for your skill is huge in this space. Graphic design is a massive industry, and competition is fierce, so you might have to expand your talent before you start making money with graphic design.
Here, in this article, I will share the best 6 ways to help you make money with graphic design, so let’s dive in.
1. Sell Digital Products
This is one of the most lucrative ways to make money as a graphic designer. There are tons of options to sell your designs online and offline.
Create high-quality and creative images textures, and use different fonts and styles to get maximum traction. In fact, online design competition is increasing. Still, you can stand out with other design and marketing strategies techniques.
Now, Where Can You Sell Your Digital Products?
You may join an online platform or create your own website. Getting started with a new website needs patience. You need to write articles about your subject to get maximum exposure in the market.
However, the positive side is that you do not need to pay commissions, which you would be doing after joining different platforms to sell your work.
On the other hand, if you are starting your own business, it’s advisable to market it. You can use Facebook ads or Google Ads to promote your digital designs.
2. Be a Freelance Graphic Designer
Freelancing is the future of the world, and it has been predicted that more work will be done with the help of freelancers in the future. There are several benefits to being a freelancer, with a few drawbacks.
Whatever your vertical is in graphic designing, there are freelance buyers everywhere. Start it with some small websites and then switch to the higher one. It will help you step into the more significant markets with some experience.
You may start with Fiverr, UpWork, or Freealncer.com and then switch to 99Desgins and other mainstream graphic design websites.
You may design logos, ads, website pages, landing pages, or presentations. These are high-demand freelance works, and you should be proficient in more than one skill. You will not get buyers immediately, so more skills mean more hiring opportunities.
You need to create a detailed portfolio that should be easily found online. An excellent portfolio will help you get more clients. The process is simple!
When clients see your work placed online, you can quickly get a project because your portfolio works as a testimonial of your excellent design skills.
Moreover, put your previously made designs in your portfolio if you do not have time to create new ones. At the start, you won’t earn big bucks but stick to it, and eventually, you will become successful!
The best part is that you can set your design rates as a freelance graphic designer, and you will also have the freedom to say No or Yes to any project.
3. Start a Graphic Designer Job
You may start a full-time job after getting a graphic design degree. Several local and international companies keep searching for graphic designers. They advertise their jobs in newspapers or on online job sites like Indeed.
Create an account on all those sites with a striking profile. Then start applying for jobs.
You will definitely have some interview calls if you create a unique profile. Keep your portfolio ready and keep working on your design skills, explore new styles and different research fields of graphic design. In that way, you can get a higher paycheck.
While doing all of this, do not forget to check local listing job sites. You will have more chances to get hired as a local person. So, if you find some exceptional options, then avail them and make money with your skills.
On the other hand, if you do not have a university degree in graphic design, do not worry. You may acquire a simple diploma to step into the market. Once you get started and become a part of the design industry, it won’t be challenging to advance your career.
Again, your creativity is everything. Graphic designers who think out of the box earn far more than the average thinking designer.
4. Sell Unused Designs
Old is gold, and do not underestimate the power of the designs you created years ago. So, open your old files and see what is in there. Sell those designs on different websites. Several websites will welcome the creations you’ve made in the past. A lot of graphic designers are making money with this technique.
Creative Market and ThemeForest are the most popular ones, so be sure to check them out.
One more thing! Do not forget to check all the previous files before selling them. You should be sure that none of them is under the copy-rights restriction, which may happen if you sold that particular design to any client in the past. So, double-check everything and then sell them to make money with your graphic design know-how.
5. Start Teaching
Do not think that the saying “those who cannot teach” applies here. As a graphic designer, you need to be proficient.
Skillshare is a fantastic marketplace where different freelance teachers come to share their skills with the rest of the world.
Join the platform and start earning with your design abilities. You may offer multiple services, such as teaching how to use graphic design software, like Photoshop. The best way is to create a beginner course as most students get enrolled.
However, suppose you are interested in starting an advanced one. In that case, you should polish your skills first and offer something unique to the designers with years of experience. Once you establish your client base, you can upsell your future courses.
It is vital to consider that you cannot sell your products to the students on Skillshare as it is against the platform’s policies.
6. Start a Consultation Graphic Design Business
Starting your own consulting firm is one of the favorite things to do when it comes to the question of “How to make money with graphic design.”
If you are a savvy graphic designer and have gathered a lot of experience in this field during the years, it is the best thing for you to do. You can offer your services to agencies, businesses, start-ups, and students who want to make their livelihood as graphic designers.
It is not a difficult thing to do. All you need is an office or a solid online presence to start with. People will be paying a consultation fee, which you may charge on a project basis or hourly. You can live by your own rules when you run your own business.
After doing market research (like what other graphic designers are charging for consultations), set your rates, and you are good to go.
Final Words: How To Make Money With Graphic Design
This highly creative field has a lot of possibilities to make money with, so you don’t need to worry about your future. I have listed all the 6 top-ranking ways to earn money as a graphic designer. Select the one you are the most comfortable with and start your career as a graphic designer today.
The more effort you invest, the faster you will progress. Do not forget about the competition, so get an instant start to get to the top. I wish you all the luck with your future ventures!
