Designs are the visual representation of your main idea or concept. Businesses use designs as visual representations to attract potential customers and generate leads. I am sure you know the person behind these visual creations. Yes! The graphic designer. Let’s see how to get started as a freelance graphic designer.
Graphic designing is based on the interesting science of colors. Let me explain to you with an example. If the brand is related to a natural or herbal product, which color do you have in your mind first? Yeah, that’s right. Green.
The graphic designer is the person who implements a complete strategy with colors and images to represent the main idea. Yes, of course, each color tells the brand’s pitch, nature, and value. If you like to play with colors and have an interest in art. You can be a good graphic designer. Don’t worry about how to get started as a freelance graphic designer. I am here to guide you. This blog has complete information on how you can start your career as a graphic designer.
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Freelance Graphic Designer Skills
Art and designing skills are gifts of God. Designers have a unique perspective to see the things and their colors. As I mentioned above, each color has its language and our emotions are attached to colors and objects around us. Successful graphic designers always understand this theory and create attractive visuals for brands to catch the attention of customers. I have many secrets to tell you about freelance graphic designing and how to get started as a freelance graphic designer.
Visual Design
Visual design is an art. It is the arrangement of pictures, colors, and text in a good way to communicate clearly. An attractive visual design always has a balance between different elements. Nothing should feel too heavy or too light. Another element of visual design is alignment. Good alignment helps things be organized and professional. Contrast and consistency in style are also important to make designs look unified and polished.
Typography
Your design fails when it’s difficult to read. Yes, you heard right. Text is the primary element that communicates a brand’s message. Typography is the art of text arrangement in a way that makes it easy to read and visually appealing.
Different fonts have different styles. Some are fancy, some are simple and some are bold. The selection of the right font sets the tone of your design. Similarly, the size of the font matters. Bigger text grabs attention, while smaller text uses details. Here is another point, make sure to use the right spacing. Good space makes your text easier to read.
Remember, typography is more than just picking a font. Take it as an important part of your freelance graphic design job.
Color Theory
Understanding primary and secondary colors is the basic concept of color theory. Here I want to explain to you how feelings are attached to colors in graphic design. Let me talk about warm and cool colors. Warm colors like red and yellow feel energetic, while cool colors like blue and green feel calm. This color psychology can affect our mood. Color theory helps you choose the right mood and message you want in your design.
Freelance Graphic Designer Jobs
A freelance graphic designer is a creative person with a passion for design. Graphic designers can work on multiple projects at a time. Many platforms offer various types of graphic designing jobs. I am guiding you about a few easily accessible and the most needed platforms for graphic designers. The great point is you can find jobs to start as a freelance graphic designer as well as build your portfolio on these platforms.
99Designs
99 Designs is an incredible platform for both new and experienced graphic designers. The coolest feature which I like most is the design contest. Clients post what they need in contest options, and designers from all over the world can submit their ideas. Interesting? It’s a fun way to compete and push your creativity. The other features include direct one-on-one projects with clients and you can make them your long-term clients.
Behance
Behance is a creative professional platform, especially for graphic designers. One of its best features is the option to create a detailed and visually attractive portfolio with your best projects. It’s like your own gallery to decorate it on your own choice.
Designcrowd
Designcrowd gives a chance to work on creative projects. One of its key features is the crowd-sourcing model, where clients post design briefs and multiple designers submit their ideas. If a client likes your work, you get paid for your design. The platform has a wide range of categories of design, you can find projects that match your interests and strengths.
Dribbble
This platform is a social network where graphic designers share their projects like logos and web design. Many potential clients and companies select creative graphic designers from these projects. So, highlight your strongest work in your portfolio.
Post your designs, also known as ‘shots’ on your profile. The more you share, the more visibility you get. Dribble also has a job board where companies post graphic design jobs. You can upgrade to Dribble Pro for a small fee to access the exclusive graphic design job offers.
Toptal
Toptal is a platform that connects the high-quality talent of freelancers with companies. Toptal is very selective, so it’s a bit different from other freelancing platforms. They focus on finding the best of the best, including the graphic design field.
Toptal does matchmaking like connecting with your clients who need exactly what you offer. Many jobs on Toptal are long-term or full-time. So, it’s a good platform for steady work and reputable clients. It’s a bit challenging to get in, but once you’re accepted, it opens up a world of opportunities.
Guru
Guru also offers a wide range of graphic design jobs for freelancers. You can send proposals of your services which include estimated cost, timeline, and a brief explanation of why you’re the right fit for the job. Guru gives you a chance to pitch yourself and your skills.
This flexible platform has both long-term and short-term graphic design job opportunities. Once you complete the job, you’ll get paid through the secure payment system of Guru.
Freelance Graphic Design Projects
Do you understand the difference between a job and a project? No worries, I can tell you. The difference between graphic designing jobs and projects is the amount of work and payments. The job could be designing a logo, business card, or a poster and you get a few dollars for this single job to start as a freelance graphic designer.
On the other hand, the projects have complete designing of the brand from logo to web template and you get a more steady payout after completion.
Freelance graphic designing projects require greater commitment and deep involvement in the client’s brand or business. However, a freelance graphic designing job is ideal to build your portfolio or earn quick money.
Freelance Graphic Design Business
Dear beginner freelance graphic designer, I have another strategy to tell you about freelance graphic design. That is business. Yes, you can start a freelance graphic design business, take on bigger projects, and make a talented team of skilled designers. This approach not only helps you to earn more but also sets you up as a leader in your field. It could be a golden chance to grow your business in the long run.
It is your choice to work on one type of design category or to explore multiple areas. You can focus on logo design, web design, or branding or diversify your skills across different design projects. First, you find a key to what you’re passionate about. Specialization in one area can make you an expert in that field, while experience with different design categories can keep your work fresh.
Here are the most in-demand freelance graphic design business ideas for you to get started as a freelance graphic designer:
Brand Identity Design
With the rise of new businesses and startups, the need for strong, memorable brands is greater than ever. Brand identity design means to create a comprehensive visual identity for a business.
It includes logos, color schemes, typography, and other branding elements. You can offer your free services in the initial stage and refresh some brand’s image for your portfolio. This business idea and strategy opens the door of ongoing opportunities as businesses often require brand material over time.
LinkedIn Revamp Designs
Business professionals believe visually appealing profiles can make a significant impact. That’s why It is also the most high-demand service nowadays. LinkedIn revamp design includes customized banners, profile photos, and the title of the featured section.
Carousel designing is also a unique design category for freelance graphic designers. A carousel allows you to share multiple graphic slides that users can swipe through. Thus, you can get more and more opportunities as a freelance graphic designer in this field.
Thumbnail Designs
I am sure you know about first impression importance. At the same, thumbnail designs are like the first impression of a video or content. They are the small images you see before clicking a video or article. They play a big role in whether someone decides to click or scroll posts. Eye-catching design is the only option to get the visitors’ attention. YouTube thumbnail designs are the most demanding designing category in the freelance world. YouTube accounts get millions of views only due to attractive thumbnails.
Final Thoughts!
We are living in an AI world and the success of every business depends on visual design. Of course, a creative mind works behind it. First, you find the category that you love for the graphic design business and keep learning. I hope you can get a guide about How to get started as a freelance graphic designer. Remember, the world of design always evolves. So, stay curious, and open to new trends and techniques.
FAQs
How much can I earn as a beginner freelance graphic designer?
You can earn 25$ to 100$ per hour as a freelance graphic designer. Your earnings grow significantly as you build a strong portfolio and client base.
Is freelance graphic design easy?
Freelance graphic design requires creativity, design skills, and the ability to manage clients and deadlines. It can be a challenging field in the beginning.
How can I start a freelance graphic design business?
Choose your designing niche, build a strong portfolio, and network with clients. Take on small projects to grow your experience or credibility.
