In this wild era of freelancing, one of the most demanding skills is graphic design.
If you’re thinking of starting your career in freelancing and can’t decide what field is beneficial, then, let me tell you, graphic design is a good option. In the U.S., the revenue for graphic design services has been going up. It’s expected to reach about 11.3 billion U.S. dollars by 2024. The internet is full of freelance graphic design websites.
Moreover, the demand for good design work is rising, making it a great field for freelancers who want to build a successful career. Here is how you can start freelance graphic designing.
Graphic designers basically bring out the ideas to visuals for so many businesses, no matter how large or small.
If you are passionate about graphic design, what’s better than turning your creative passion into a profitable career? This blog has some amazing websites for freelance graphic designers to kickstart their careers.
You can find many freelance graphic design websites. However, all websites are different in their own way. You’ll find some websites offering better job options and some having more clients.
To make things easy for you, I’ve mentioned some top freelance graphic design websites that can help you find your next project. Keep on reading to find out about freelance graphic designer salary and more.
What is Freelancing as a Graphic Designer?
Won’t you love the freedom to work? Well, I do.
Freelancing as a graphic designer gives you the freedom to work on projects that you love. You can set your own hours and even work from anywhere in the world. No doubt that most designers are ditching their 9-to-5 grind for freelancing.
However, with this great freedom to work comes the need to find the right platforms and understand how much you can earn.
Top Freelance Graphic Design Websites
Upwork
One of the largest freelance platforms out there is Upwork. As a graphic designer, you can find many projects. This platform offers logo design for full-scale branding projects.
Are you worried about the competition on such platforms? Well, a strong portfolio would do wonders for you. Nothing is perfect. There are some pros and cons of Upwork as well.
| Pros | Cons |
| Huge variety of projects. | High competition. |
| The payment system is secure. | Service fees can be steep. |
| Ability to build long-term client relationships. | Finding your first job might take time. |
Fiverr
Are you looking for a platform to offer specific design services? Fiverr is the best choice for you. If you are into creating social media graphics or designing business cards, then you can offer your clients the best design solutions.
Moreover, Fiverr is a platform where you can attract clients looking for quick and affordable designs. This site is on the list of top freelance graphic design websites.
Learn More!
Freelancing on Fiverr: Guaranteed Tips To Get Orders
Let’s have a look at the dark side of this website as well.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to set up and start offering services. | Lower pricing can lead to lower earnings. |
| Great for specific and smaller design tasks. | High fees on each transaction. |
| Huge range of clients looking for quick jobs. | May need to do lots of work to earn good money. |
99Designs
What is better than sharing your ideas online and getting hired for that? 99Designs is a platform where clients post what they need and designers submit their ideas.
Moreover, it’s like a contest. You can also compete with other designers to win the project. What if some clients love your idea and choose your design? Well, you get paid. Yes, you heard it right.
There are chances of getting long-term projects once your design is chosen by a client. However, this can help you build lasting relationships and grow your freelance business.
Let’s see the negative aspects of this platform as well.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great platform for creative contests. | Only get paid if you win contests. |
| Potential to work with high-profile clients. | Competition can be tough. |
| Can build a strong portfolio quickly. | Some projects may not pay well. |
Behance
Behance is one of the best freelance graphic design websites, as it allows you to showcase your portfolios. Behance is a part of the Adobe family. As a designer, you can share your best work here and get noticed by clients.
Furthermore, you can find job listings from top companies looking for freelance designers on this platform.
Technically speaking, many clients browse Behance to find new talent, so having a strong profile can help you get more projects. Trust me, it’s a must-visit site if you’re serious about growing your design career.
| Pros | Cons |
| Its a part of Adobe, which is a trusted design industry name. | Highly competitive. |
| Perfect for portfolio display and exposure. | It does not focus solely on freelancing. |
| It has access to high-quality job listings. | It may need to rely on outside networking to find gigs. |
Dribbble
If you are someone like me who loves to get feedback from other fellows, then Dribble is perfect for you. In the list of freelance graphic design websites, Dribble is famous for its design community.
This platform allows you to connect with potential clients who are looking for fresh and creative ideas. As a designer, having a unique style is all you need. Many opportunities are waiting for you on this site.
However, every amazing website comes with its cons as well.
| Pros | Cons |
| It has a strong design community and networking. | Not as many job postings as on some other sites. |
| It has a job board with quality opportunities. | This site requires a high level of design skill to stand out. |
| Perfect place for showcasing your portfolio. | The free accounts here have limited visibility. |
How Much is Freelance Graphic Designer Salary?
Here comes the favorite part of everyone; a freelance graphic designer salary. Talking about numbers, just be sure that it depends on different factors, but most importantly, experience.
However, it also depends upon the location and the type of projects you take on. For your convenience, I have mentioned below what to expect in terms of salary according to your experience.
Beginners
As a beginner, it is better that you don’t run for numbers. Friendly speaking; just be patient and keep your expectations low. Make sure you build a strong portfolio with the help of platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. After that, you can expect to earn anywhere from $15 to $30 per hour.
Mid-level Designers
As a mid-level designer, you must have a strong portfolio showing off your best work by now. You likely have a steady flow of clients who trust your skills. This is the perfect timing to charge higher rates because clients see the value in your experience.
At this stage, you can expect to earn between $30 and $65 per hour. I feel like this is a great time in the career of every designer when their hard work starts to really pay off.
Experienced Designers
You’ll be thrilled to know that experienced designers can charge $75 to $150+ per hour on different freelance graphic design websites. As an experienced designer, you must have built a strong reputation by now.
If you have honed specialized skills that clients are willing to pay more for, then you can find high-paying projects on platforms like 99designs or by connecting directly with clients on Behance and Dribble easily.
Moreover, at this level, you might also get repeat clients and referrals, making it easier to find work. This is the time that every freelancer dreams of, and so do I.
However, always keep in mind that your income isn’t just about hourly rates. Many designers set fixed prices for projects, and over time, you can increase your rates as you build your brand and reputation.
How to Earn From Freelance Graphic Design Websites?
As a freelancer, I learned so many things throughout my career. It was never perfection; I’ve always learned from my mistakes. Here are a few tips for you that helped me boost my freelance income. So, keep on reading to boost your freelancing game.
- Always try to specialize in a niche. You can pick logo design, web design, or packaging.
- Try building a strong portfolio. It is your ticket to higher-paying gigs.
- Work on famous freelance graphic design websites like Upwork and Fiverr to build a portfolio. Make sure it showcases your best work and is easy to navigate.
- Try joining design communities. You can attend webinars and connect with other designers. The more people you know, the more opportunities you’ll find.
- The design industry is always evolving, so never stop learning.
- Always keep learning new tools and techniques. This can help you offer more value to your clients.
Freelance Graphic Design Websites – Final Words!
Freelance graphic design is not just a job; it’s a way of life that gives you the freedom to work when and where you want. It lets you be creative every day and offers the chance to earn good money.
You can easily turn what you love into a successful business by finding the right freelance graphic design websites and knowing what you can earn. Today is the time when you should start exploring these platforms.
However, you can take on exciting projects and see your freelance career grow. Technically speaking, with the right tools and determination, your dream job is just a click away. So be patient and keep learning.
FAQs
How do I start as a freelance graphic designer?
To start, you need to build a strong portfolio showing your best work. Then, sign up on freelance websites like Upwork or Fiverr to find your first clients.
Do I need a degree to be a freelance graphic designer?
No, you don’t need a degree. What’s important is your portfolio, skills, and ability to meet client needs.
What are the benefits of being a freelance graphic designer?
There are so many benefits of being a freelance graphic designer. It includes flexible work hours, the ability to choose your projects, and the chance to be creative every day.
What tools do I need as a freelance graphic designer?
You’ll need design software like Adobe Creative Suite, a good computer, and a reliable internet connection to work efficiently as a freelance graphic designer.
How do I find clients as a freelance graphic designer?
You can find clients through freelance graphic design websites, social media, and by networking with other professionals in the industry.
