How to Make Money as a Designer

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Selling Artwork Online
• Freelance Opportunities
• Specialized Graphic Design Jobs
• Conclusion

Introduction

Looking to make money as a designer? Well, you're in luck! There are plenty of opportunities out there for creative minds like you to monetize your skills. From selling artwork online to freelancing and specialized design jobs, the possibilities are endless. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your thinking cap, and get ready to explore the exciting world of designer entrepreneurship. Trust me, by the end of this blog, you'll be itching to start making some serious cash with your creative genius. Let's dive right in, shall we?

Selling Artwork Online

So, you've got some serious design skills, and you're looking to make some money out of it? Well, lucky for you, the internet is a treasure trove of opportunities for designers like yourself. Gone are the days of struggling to find clients or relying on a traditional 9-to-5 job. Now, you can sell your artwork online and make some serious moolah.

Sell on Apparel and Art Print Sites

Let's start with the basics. You have some killer designs, and you want the whole world to see them. What better way to achieve that than by selling your designs on apparel and art print sites? There are numerous platforms out there that will help you showcase and sell your designs, such as Redbubble, Society6, Teepublic, and DeviantArt. These sites let you upload your designs and then print them on a wide range of products, including t-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, and even art prints. So, get those creative juices flowing and start uploading your designs. Who knows, you might just become the next big thing in the fashion and art world!

Sell on Stock Sites

If you're more into photography or illustrations, then stock sites are the way to go. These platforms allow you to upload your images or design templates, and then they sell them to others to use in their creative projects. You get a percentage of the profit without having to do much else. The more you upload, the more you could potentially make. Some of our favorite stock sites include Adobe Stock, Freepik, and Creative Market. So, get snapping those jaw-dropping photos or creating those eye-catching illustrations, and let the money roll in.

Start Teaching Online

Are you a design wizard? Do you love helping others? Well, why not combine these two passions and start teaching online? You can create online courses, teach at universities or creative events, or even write an e-book on your creative process. The possibilities are endless! Platforms like YouTube, Udemy, Skillshare, and Gumroad provide excellent opportunities for you to share your knowledge with the world. Need some inspiration? Look no further than "Yes I'm A Designer" founded by Martin Perhiniak. He started by sharing his design passion on YouTube and ended up becoming a successful online education provider. So, put on your teaching hat and start making some extra bucks!

Enter Design Competitions on Crowdsourcing Sites

If you're itching to work on specialized projects and expand your portfolio, then entering design competitions on crowdsourcing sites is the way to go! These sites not only allow you to showcase your skills but also give you the chance to find recurring clients and make some serious money. Check out platforms like 99designs, OneMinuteBriefs, and Minted to see what competitions are out there. It's a great way to boost your skills, gain recognition, and fill up that piggy bank!

Freelance Opportunities

Ah, freelancing, the holy grail of making money as a designer. It's the wild west of the creative world, filled with opportunities and challenges. But fear not, we've got some tips to help you navigate this exciting and unpredictable terrain.

Use Your Connections

Sometimes, the best way to score some freelance gigs is by looking closer to home. Tap into your network and reach out to brands or influencers on Instagram or Facebook that you'd love to work with. Who knows, a friend of a friend might just be looking for a talented designer like you. So, dust off those contacts and start hustling!

Build an Online Presence

In today's digital age, being active online is crucial for marketing yourself. Make it easy for potential clients to find you by creating profiles on platforms like Behance, Dribbble, and Instagram. Show off your work, engage with others, and let your creativity shine. These platforms are teeming with potential clients just waiting to discover your talent.

Collaborate with Other Designers

They say teamwork makes the dream work, and that's especially true in the creative industry. Collaborating with other designers not only allows you to make friends but also attracts new clients. Instagram is a great place to connect and collaborate with fellow designers. So, slide into those DMs and start nurturing those creative partnerships.

Attend Networking Events

Ah, the good ol' networking events, where small talk and business cards reign supreme. Attend as many events as you can, talk to people, and show a genuine interest in their businesses. Who knows, you might meet your next big client while sipping on a cocktail at a cozy art gallery. And hey, if the pandemic has got you down or you're not the best at mingling, fear not! Online communities like Meetup provide an opportunity to make connections from the comfort of your own home.

Specialized Graphic Design Jobs

Now let's move on to the more specialized graphic design jobs that can help you make some serious dough. Brace yourself because these gigs are not for the faint of heart.

Become a Design Consultant

If you want to earn big bucks as a graphic designer, consider becoming a design consultant. People looking for your opinions and ideas on graphic design for their businesses will pay you for it. You get to set your hourly rate and coach and advise potential designers. Platforms like FlexJobs, Upwork, and Fiverr can help you find jobs as a design consultant. So, put on your thinking cap and get ready to share your expertise.

Design Fonts for Creative Market or Etsy

If you're a typography nerd, why not monetize your love for fonts? Creating and selling fonts online can be a great way to make passive income. With just your own handwriting, you can create unique fonts that you can sell for up to $100 on websites like Creative Market or Etsy. So, grab that calligraphy pen and start designing those letterforms.

Create and Sell Pre-made Logo Packages

Are logos your specialty? Then creating and selling pre-made logo packages might be right up your alley. Many small businesses can't afford personalized branding packages, so they rely on ready-made logos. All they have to do is swap out the words and colors, and voila, they have their brand-new logo. You can sell these logo packages on various platforms and become the go-to designer for affordable branding solutions.

Offer Customized Branding Packages

Branding is a high-ticket service that can earn you serious cash. If you have the skills to create personalized logos, color schemes, fonts, and patterns, you can offer customized branding packages to businesses. These packages can cost up to $4000, especially if you're in high demand. So put your creative thinking cap on and start defining brands in your own unique way.

Create and Sell Printables

Passive income for graphic designers is just a few clicks away if you create and sell printables online. Platforms like Etsy provide a great avenue for selling printables, whether it's for teachers, students, travelers, or anyone in need of some pretty wall art. So, whip out your design software and start creating those eye-catching printables. Your wallet will thank you!

Conclusion

And there you have it, a plethora of opportunities for designers to make some serious money in the digital age. Whether you choose to sell your artwork online, dive into freelancing, or explore specialized graphic design jobs, the world is your oyster. So, grab that stylus pen and start creating your way to financial success. The only limit is your creativity!

Freelance Opportunities

Are you a designer looking to make some extra cash? Well, look no further because I've got some fabulous freelance opportunities lined up for you! These gigs will not only boost your bank account but also give you the creative freedom you desire. So let's dive right in and explore the exciting world of freelance design.

Use Your Connections 🤝

Networking is the key to success, my friend. So why not tap into your existing connections to land some cool freelance gigs? Reach out to your family, friends, and colleagues, and let them know about your design skills. Who knows, there might be a potential client waiting just a phone call away. And hey, don't be shy to slide into the DMs of brands or influencers on Instagram or Facebook. You never know when a simple hello could turn into a lucrative design project. 📱

Build an Online Presence 🌐

In this digital era, having a strong online presence is an absolute must. Be active on different platforms that suit your style and spend time updating them regularly. Behance, Dribbble, and Instagram are just a few of the many fantastic spaces where you can showcase your work and attract potential clients. And hey, don't forget to engage with others in the creative community. Give praises, share tips, and watch your network grow. Who said making money couldn't be fun? 💻

Collaborate with Other Designers 🤝

Teamwork makes the dream work, my friend. Get to know other designers and collaborate on projects. Not only will you make new friends in the industry, but you'll also attract new clients through these collaborations. Instagram is a goldmine for connecting with fellow designers. Slide into their DMs, comment on their posts, and create beautiful things together. After all, two creative minds are better than one. And who knows, your collaboration might just be the next big thing in the design world. 🌈

Attend Networking Events 🌟

Put on your networking hat, grab a stack of business cards, and get ready to mingle! Attend networking and creative events where you can meet potential clients and industry professionals. Strike up conversations, exchange ideas, and be genuinely interested in others and their businesses. But remember, networking is a two-way street. It's not just about selling yourself; it's about building meaningful connections. So be friendly, be approachable, and don't forget to leave a lasting impression. And hey, if you can't attend physical events due to a pandemic or personal preference, hop onto online communities like Meetup, where you can make valuable connections without leaving the comfort of your pajamas. 🍻

Freelance Opportunities Summary:

• Use your connections to land gigs. Dial up your family, friends, and the people you know.
• Build an online presence by showcasing your work on platforms like Behance, Dribbble, and Instagram.
• Collaborate with other designers and create beautiful things together.
• Attend networking events (physical or virtual) to meet potential clients and industry professionals.

So there you have it, my fellow designer. These freelance opportunities are just the tip of the creative iceberg! So put on your hustle hat, polish your design skills, and get ready to make some serious moolah. Remember, the world is your canvas, so paint it with your talent. Happy designing! 😎🎨

Specialized Graphic Design Jobs

Are you a graphic designer looking to level up your game and make some serious money? Well, you're in luck because there are a plethora of specialized graphic design jobs that can help you do just that. From offering design consultation to creating and selling pre-made logo packages, the opportunities are endless. So, let's dive right in and explore some of these awesome opportunities, shall we?

Become a Design Consultant:

If you're a graphic design wizard with a knack for giving advice, then becoming a design consultant might just be the perfect fit for you. As a design consultant, you get to sell your precious time to individuals who seek your opinions and ideas on graphic design for their business. You're essentially being paid to showcase your expertise and offer guidance to potential designers. So put on your consultant hat, set your hourly rate, and get ready to coach and advise some aspiring designers. Who said making money couldn't be fun?

Design Fonts for Creative Market or Etsy:

Typography enthusiasts, this one's for you. If you have a passion for fonts and love getting creative with typography, why not create and sell your very own fonts? You can easily make fonts, even just by using your own handwriting, and then sell them for a handsome sum on platforms like Creative Market or Etsy. People are always on the lookout for unique and eye-catching fonts to spice up their design projects, so why not capitalize on that demand? It's time to turn your lettering skills into cold hard cash. Cha-ching!

Create and Sell Pre-made Logo Packages:

You know those businesses that can't afford personalized branding packages but still want a snazzy logo? Well, here's where you can come to their rescue. By creating and selling a wide variety of pre-made logos that are already set up as vectors, you can cater to the needs of these businesses. All they have to do is open the design file, swap out the words and colors, and voila, they have their own unique logo. It's like fast food but for logos. So get those creative juices flowing and cook up some logo packages that will make clients' taste buds tingle with excitement.

Offer Customized Branding Packages:

Branding is the bread and butter for many businesses, and they're willing to pay top dollar for it. If you have an eye for design and a knack for helping brands define themselves, then offering customized branding packages might be right up your alley. These packages include a personalized logo, color scheme, fonts, patterns, and other elements that give a brand its distinct identity. With the potential to earn up to $4000 per project, offering customized branding packages can be a lucrative venture. So put your creative superpowers to work and start creating unforgettable brand experiences.

Create and Sell Printables:

Passive income for graphic designers? Yes, please! With the rise of online marketplaces like Etsy, creating and selling printables has become an excellent way for designers to make money. Whether it's printable planners, worksheets, art prints, or greeting cards, the demand for printables is ever-growing. So why not hop on the bandwagon and showcase your design skills with a digital twist? Design once, sell multiple times – it's the gift that keeps on giving. So lock in those pixels and get ready to make some digital dough.

And there you have it, my fellow designers! A plethora of specialized graphic design jobs that can help you make money in the ever-evolving world of creativity. Whether you decide to become a design consultant, sell your fonts, create pre-made logo packages, offer customized branding packages, or jump into the world of printables, the opportunities are ripe for the picking. So put on your design cape, unleash your creative powers, and let the money roll in. Happy designing!

Conclusion

As we come to the end of this blog, let's quickly recap the key points to remember when it comes to making money as a designer.

Firstly, selling your artwork online can be a lucrative option. You can sell your designs on apparel and art print sites like Redbubble and Society6, or upload them on stock sites such as Adobe Stock and Freepik. Hey, don't worry about doing anything because you can sit back and let the process repeat itself while you enjoy the profit!

Secondly, consider teaching online courses or writing an e-book to share your design skills with others. Platforms like YouTube, Udemy, and Skillshare can be great places to showcase your expertise. Remember, sharing is caring, especially when it comes to making some extra cash!

Thirdly, why not enter design competitions on crowdsourcing sites? Not only will you get to work on projects you love, but you'll also have the opportunity to grow your portfolio and attract recurring clients. It's a win-win situation, my friend!

Next, freelancing can be a fantastic way to make money as a designer. Utilize your connections, build an online presence on platforms like Behance and Instagram, collaborate with other designers, and attend networking events to expand your reach and find new clients. Plus, don't forget about online communities if you prefer to stay cozy at home.

Moving on, specialized graphic design jobs can bring the big bucks. Consider becoming a design consultant, creating fonts for platforms like Creative Market and Etsy, or offering pre-made logo and branding packages. And if that's not enough, you can even make passive income by selling printables. Who knew design could be so versatile?

In conclusion, there are numerous opportunities for designers to make money and thrive in their field. Whether you choose to sell your artwork online, teach others, freelance, or specialize in certain areas, the sky's the limit. So, go out there, showcase your creativity, and let the money roll in!