In today's digital age, being a graphic designer is a highly sought after skill. With the rise of social media and e-commerce, the demand for visually appealing content has increased drastically. This opens up a world of opportunities for graphic designers to make money using their creative talents.
If you're looking to turn your passion for design into a profitable career, this article provide 10 strategies to make money as a graphic designer in 2024, along with examples of successful designers who have implemented these strategies.
How Much Money Do Graphic Designers Make?
Before we dive into the strategies, let's first address the question that is on every aspiring graphic designer's mind - how much money can you actually make as a graphic designer?
The median wage was approximately $57,990 per annum for graphic designers in America. This number can go upwards of $100,920 for top earners and drop down to $35,430 for those in entry-level positions. However, keep in mind that these figures are constantly changing and can vary depending on your location and clientele.
10 Ways to Make Money as a Graphic Designer
Let's dive into the unique streams of income available for graphic designers.
1. Create and Sell Templates
Designing templates can be an excellent way for a digital designing enthusiast to generate recurring revenue.
You can create diverse templates such as social media posts, website layouts, and email newsletters, then sell them on platforms like Etsy or Creative Market.
Keep in mind to design templates optimized for easy use by customers with little to no experience in graphic design. A good template should be easy to customize, visually appealing, and versatile enough to fit different types of content.
Some ideas for template design that sell well include:
Social media post templates for different industries (e.g., food, fashion, travel)
Infographic templates
Resume/CV templates
Business card or stationery templates
Website landing page templates
Pixcap is now running a Contributor Program to help you create and earn from your templates. The better your templates perform, the more you make from our royalty funds. Plus, we give extra rewards to our top designers every month based on both sales and quality.
2. Share Knowledge Through Workshops or Webinars
Graphic designers are often experts in their field, and sharing their knowledge can be a profitable venture. Consider hosting workshops or webinars on topics like design principles, software tutorials, or branding strategies.
To monetize these events, you can charge a fee for admission or partner with companies to sponsor your sessions. You can also record the workshops and sell them as digital products for additional income.
3. Sell Tutorials
These educational materials allow learners to explore topics at their pace and convenience. For maximum impact, focus on creating tutorials that pay attention to complex yet highly demanded skills in the field of graphic design. To do so, you can do research on current design trends and identify areas that are highly sought after by clients.
You can sell these tutorials on your website or popular platforms like Udemy or Skillshare. Additionally, you can offer personalized coaching or consulting services to students who want more in-depth guidance.
4. Create and Sell Fonts, Icons, or Stock Photos
These products are in high demand for businesses looking to enhance their branding and marketing efforts. If you have a knack for typography and illustration, creating and selling fonts or icon sets can be a lucrative source of income.
Similarly, you can also sell stock photos on websites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Consider targeting specific niches in your photography to stand out from the competition.
5. Printable Wall Art
Another creative way to monetize your graphic design skills is by selling printable wall art. These are downloadable digital prints that customers can print at home or have professionally printed and framed.
You can create designs in various styles and themes, such as motivational quotes, pop culture references, or abstract illustrations. Additionally, you can also offer customized options for a higher price point.
6. Be a Design Consultant
As an experienced graphic designer, you can also offer your expertise as a consultant to businesses and individuals seeking professional design advice.
Consulting services can range from brand strategy development to creating design guidelines for companies. You can charge hourly rates or package deals based on the scope of work.
To attract clients, showcase your portfolio and highlight your past successes and expertise in various design projects. You can also network with potential clients through social media platforms or attend industry events.
7. Work with Clients as a Freelancer
Freelancing is a popular option for graphic designers looking for flexibility and diverse projects. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour allow you to create a profile and bid on projects that match your skills and rates.
While freelancing can offer a steady stream of income, it also requires self-promotion and excellent time management skills. It's essential to research your market and establish competitive rates to attract clients and build a successful freelance business.
8. Design and Sell Merchandise
Websites like Redbubble, Society6, and Zazzle allow you to upload your designs and earn a commission on each sale. Graphic designers can use their skills to design and sell merchandise such as t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more.
You can also sell your merchandise in person at craft fairs, conventions, or through local retail stores. This option allows you to showcase your unique designs and interact with customers directly.
We have a detailed guide to t-shirt business if you're interested.
Want to get started fast? Check out customizable templates and high-quality elements on Pixcap. You can easily create designs and print them on a variety of products.
9. Start Blogging or Vlogging
If you have a passion for sharing your design knowledge and insights, consider starting a blog or vlog (video blog). You can create content about design trends, tutorials, tips, and tricks to attract an audience of fellow designers and potential clients.
Through platforms like WordPress or YouTube, you can monetize your content through advertisements, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
10. Sell Stickers
Thanks to the rise of bullet journaling and planner decorating, stickers and prints have become a popular items among stationery lovers.
As a graphic designer, you can create your own unique stickers and sell them on not only e-commerce platforms but also to businesses looking for branded stickers. Utilize our new tool AI icon generator to create cool and unique stickers fast.
What Is Graphic Design?
Graphic design is a creative process that involves visual communication and problem-solving through the use of typography, photography, iconography, illustrations, and other graphical elements. It is a broad term that encompasses various types of visual communication such as branding, advertising, web design, editorial design, packaging design, and more.
The main goal of graphic design is to effectively communicate a message or idea to a target audience using visual elements. This could be through the use of logos, flyers, posters, websites, social media graphics, business cards, marketing presentations or any other type of design material.
Pixcap offers 10.000+ ready-to-use 3D elements for graphic designs, which will help set you apart in the competitive market and earn more money.
What Is a Graphic Designer?
A graphic designer is a professional artist who combines text, images, and creative layouts to communicate a specific message. They are equipped with knowledge of color theory, typography, print and layout design and often, proficient in design software like Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, or Photoshop.
Graphic designers play a crucial role in creating visually engaging content for various mediums, including websites, advertisements, product packaging, social media, and more. Their work is central to any business as it helps in branding, conveying information, and attracting the audience.
In addition to technical skills, a successful graphic designer also possesses strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and a keen eye for aesthetics. They collaborate with marketing teams, content creators, and other stakeholders to produce designs that effectively embody their client's vision and goals.
If you are considering a career in graphic design, read our article on how to become a graphic designer for more insights.
Do Graphic Designers Make Money?
Yes, graphic design can be a very fulfilling and lucrative career. With the rise of digital media and advertising, there is a high demand for skilled graphic designers. It also offers a lot of flexibility in terms of working remotely or freelancing.
There are several compelling reasons why pursuing graphic design is worthwhile. One primary reason is the array of industries that require these services. From advertising agencies to IT companies, nearly every sector needs competent designers to create visually appealing content. Whether it's developing logos, website layouts, or other digital material, your skills will always be in demand.
A noteworthy advantage lies in versatility and flexibility; graphic designers aren't tied down by geographical constraints or traditional 9-5 work hours. With remote working becoming more prevalent, you can undertake projects globally from the comfort of your home.
Just as importantly, being a graphic designer offers limitless income potential - making 'graphic money' isn’t limited to holding down one paying job at a time only. You can add to your main income by engaging in various freelance 'graphic design gigs', creating passive streams of income – thus capitalising on what some might call ‘money designing’.
What Is the Highest Paid Job in Graphic Design?
Graphic design as an industry offers an array of opportunities for creatives to make money. But the question arises, what's the zenith? To put it simply: what job pays the best in this field, thus making graphic designing a lucrative side hustle or even a main income stream?
The answer lies in specialization. In general, the highest-paid role within the sphere of graphic design is often that of Creative Directors (CD). Shielded by years of expertise and deep knowledge about visual communication and strategy handling, CDs effortlessly earn top-tier salaries.
Another high-income job with an increased demand trend seen since 2023 is UX/UI designers. Due to the digital designing revolution and companies' constant thrust on improving website interface for enhancing user experience, these practitioners often get handsomely rewarded for their work.
Where to Find Freelance Graphic Design Jobs
Freelance graphic designers often have diverse options and platforms to secure jobs or gigs. If you're wondering where to find these freelancing opportunities, consider the following online platforms.
Upwork
Upwork is a popular platform where freelancers meet prospective employers. As a hotbed for well-paying projects, it hosts thousands of graphic design side hustle opportunities across different pricing ranges. Whenever you spot a project that aligns with your skills and interests, simply send your proposal along with samples of your work.
Notably though, with Upwork’s bidding system in place, you must stand out from crowd. How do you achieve this? Craft compelling proposals highlighting your understanding of the client's requirements; coupled with tailored samples exhibiting the quality of what you can deliver.
Fiverr
Fiverr serves as a digital market platform for freelancers. Unlike other sites, on Fiverr you present your services (known as 'gigs') which interested customers can then buy. Thus it mainly focuses on offering services rather than bidding for jobs.
This model enables you to optimize every bit of your offerings - such as package descriptions, promotional images or videos - making them irresistible to potential clients. Remember: even though Fiverr originated from $5 gig idea (hence the name), today professionals can offer their expertise for much more depending on their experience level and demand in market.
Don't overlook LinkedIn when scouring places to find freelance graphic design gigs. Although not specifically designed for freelancers, Its networking capabilities are unparalleled making it easier to connect directly with potential clients and companies seeking graphic designers.
Use its powerful search tools wisely to excavate attractive job postings while simultaneously showcasing your professional portfolio while participating actively in relevant discussions increases visibility leading potentially productive connections within industry peers and would-be clients.
FlexJobs
If flexible work schedule is important aspect as part of your graphic designer how-to roadmap of making money independently then consider FlexJobs keenly! With hand-screened listings composed predominantly by remotes jobs (Even full-time ones) spanning across varying career fields including intriguing graphic design opportunities posted regularly.
Sufficient diligence in pursuing leads may just be key opening doors towards stable and high-income avenues within realms this versatile profession!
Final Thoughts
The world of freelance graphic design is ever-evolving and highly competitive. While it offers flexibility, autonomy and the potential for high income, it also requires discipline, determination and continuous self-improvement.
Constantly honing your skills, staying updated with industry trends and utilizing various platforms to showcase your work are all essential components for success in this field. By carefully considering which avenues to explore and strategically utilizing them, you can build a thriving freelance graphic design career that allows you to make money independently and fulfill your creative passions.
