If you are a graphic designer or are looking to be one, you can rest assured that there are ample ways to earn a hefty income.
Many designers work independently on a project-by-project basis as freelancers. This can be a great way to get started in the field, as it allows you to build up your portfolio and gain experience working with different clients.
Alternatively, some designers choose to work in-house for a company, either on a full-time or part-time basis. This can be a great option if you want to have more stability and security in your career. And finally, there are also opportunities to teach graphic design, either at the college level or through continuing education programs.
Let’s take a look at some of the different ways that graphic designers can earn money:
1. Design and Sell Custom Products
Custom products have been in business for a long time, but the growth in e-commerce has given designers a golden opportunity to design and sell their products without a need for a vendor.
You can create products such as t-shirts, phone cases, and tote bags with your own designs and sell them online. There are many online platforms that allow you to sell your products, so you can choose the platform that best suits your needs.
You can also set up a website or online store to sell your products. Your online can be focused on one product, such as a custom t-shirt venture, or you can diversify and sell various niches, such as home decor, clothing, etc. This is a great way to attract more customers and sell more products.
2. Design and Sell Templates
One great way for graphic designers to make money is to design and sell templates. There are a number of websites that allow designers to sell their templates. You can create templates for a variety of different purposes, such as for resumes, business cards, or flyers.
Once you’ve created a template, you can continue to sell it over and over again, making a nice passive income stream.
3. Design Custom Branding Packages
If you’re a graphic designer with a lot of experience and talent, you may want to consider selling custom branding packages. This involves creating a complete brand identity for a business, from the logo to the business cards to the website. This can be a great option for businesses that are looking to make a big impression and want a professional, polished look.
Branding packages are an excellent way to earn money as a graphic designer, as businesses are always looking to establish and enhance their identity, and you can charge up to $5000 for a package.
4. Design Event Invitations
Another great way to make money is by designing event invitations. You can start by finding small businesses or local organizations that are hosting events and offer to design invitations for them. You can also look for online platforms that connect designers with clients who need event invitation designs.
You can also explore the wedding and birthday invites side of this field. There is a growing trend for custom wedding and birthday invites, so if you have a good eye for design and a knack for creating beautiful invitations, this could be a great way to make money as a graphic designer.
5. Create Graphics for Social Media
Many businesses and individuals need help creating graphics for their social media accounts. You can offer your services as a social media graphic designer and create images for posts, ads, and stories. This is a great way to get started with freelance graphic design work and build up your portfolio.
Create an account on some freelancing websites, such as Fiverr and PeoplePerHour, to get started, and announce to the world that you can produce some really motivational graphics for social media.
6. Start a Graphic Designing Course
We know it sounds like something out of the ordinary, but if you have amazing graphic designing skills, you can start teaching to make money.
Graphic designing has been in great demand since the digital age, and there are no signs of slowing down. You can design and sell courses targeting in-demand topics, such as improving user experience on a website.
7. Create Logos
Many businesses need help creating a professional logo. From corporate giants to small restaurants, every business needs a logo to establish its identity. If you’re skilled at logo design, you can offer your services to these businesses and help them create a logo that represents their brand.
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You can make a portfolio website where you can showcase your creative logo designs to attract customers. Alternatively, you can sign up an account on gigs platform such as Fiverr and start selling your logo designing services for a price you want.
8. Design Illustrations
Illustrations are often used in marketing materials, books, and other publications. If you have a talent for drawing, you can offer your services to people and companies who need illustrations for their projects. This is a great way to use your creativity and earn money as a graphic designer.
9. Sell Your Artwork on Stock Photography Websites
Selling your artwork on photography sites as graphics designer can be a great way to make side income. Most popular stock photography website is Shutterstock where you can upload your vectors, photos, graphics designs, illustrations etc and earn a commission every time someone use or download your design.
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Most people struggle at first. Only high quality work gets approved. To increase your chances of success, try to understand what sells the best, what is in demand, and upload thousands of high-quality images. Although challenging, it has the potential to provide serious graphic designers with a passive income.
10. Stream on Twitch TV
Even though Twitch TV streamers are mostly video game players, there are plenty of content creators on the platform who do everything but play video games.
Graphic design is an example of such an activity. You can create a chill stream and showcase your design skills while interacting with an audience.
Besides making money from conventional Twitch TV means, such as subscriptions and donations, you can also expect a few sponsorship opportunities. Not to mention that if someone sees your talent on the stream, they might ask for a personal favor, such as drawing a favorite character or creating a detailed infographic for their social media feed.
Overall, streaming can become an excellent source of income, and you might even turn it into a full-time venture if you are a bit lucky with growing an audience.
Final Thoughts
There are many different ways that a graphic designer can earn money. Some designers work freelance, while others are employed full-time by a company. Graphic designers can also earn money through royalties, selling their products, or teaching design courses.
No matter what path you choose, there are a number of ways to earn money as a graphic designer. So if you’re passionate about this field, there’s no reason why you can’t make a great living doing what you love.
