Understanding graphic design is crucial before we discuss how to make money as a beginner graphic designer.
Billboards, logos, and food packaging are all part of your marketing strategy. All of this is graphic design.
The purpose of graphic design is to find a visual solution for a specific purpose. These purposes can range from buying a product to watching a television show to attending a major event. There are almost no visual aspects of your life that are not covered by graphic design.
How to make money as a beginner graphic designer
A graphic designer can specialize in several different areas, including package design, layout design, branding and logo design, or even typography if you enjoy creating fonts and playing with type. You may be interested in
Although some niches may pay slightly more depending on your skill level, each bucket is equally important.
A Graphic Designer’s Essential Toolkit
You need the right tools if you want to become a graphic designer. Online purchases of many of these can be made, but start-up costs for graphic design businesses can be quite high.
First and foremost, you’ll need a computer, which can be either a laptop or a desktop. Professional graphic designers recommend using Apple products and having a desktop computer over a laptop.
After using an Apple MacBook Pro for a while, I recently bought a Mac desktop with a much larger screen, and it’s much easier to design small details on. You can find more information about remote workers’ laptops in this post.
AdobeĀ Creative Cloud subscription is also required. Depending on the package level you choose, the price will vary. You never know what a client will need, so I recommend purchasing access to all Adobe apps.
If you prefer to purchase a monthly subscription, consider choosing one that includes Photoshop and InDesign (more suitable for print design).
My monthly access costs me close to $50, while students can purchase access for $19.99.
Last but not least, I recommend always keeping a ruler handy, especially when it comes to printing designs. If you don’t have access to a printer for practice prints, you can get a sense of what the printed item will look like.
Getting started as a graphic designer: 9 ways to make money
There are nine ways for beginner graphic designers to earn money online regardless of their niche. Here are some items that you can sell or create if you want to become a graphic designer.
1. Creating and selling templates
The most profitable way for graphic designers to earn passive income is through this method. By using this method, you can create any type of template, whether it’s for ebooks, posters, invitations, or Pinterest graphics. The templates can then be sold online.
It is easy to customize these products, which is a big plus for small business owners and bloggers who have a limited amount of time or lack the skills to create their own.
Having your own template shop and marketing your products can earn you income without you doing anything else.
2. Workshops or webinars can be used to share knowledge
There is a huge demand for online learning, and I’m sure many of you reading this have even attended an online workshop on how to make money as a graphic designer.
Consider selling access to online courses, workshops, trainings, or webinars where you introduce people to the subject who might not be familiar with it.
3. Sell stickers.
Due to the recent popularity of TikTok, small sticker shops are on the rise. Text-based stickers can be created with Photoshop or Canva, and illustrated stickers can be created with an iPad.
Making stickers is great because you can use drop shipping, which means you don’t have to do the packing and shipping yourself.
The end result will be that you’ll have more money in your pocket at the end of the day because you’re not spending it all on sales.
Etsy, RedBubble, and Society6 are all great places to sell stickers. Shopify also offers hosting options for websites with custom designs.
4. Become a design consultant
Design consultants make money by selling high-ticket items designed by graphic designers.
This is basically selling your ideas and opinions about graphic design to someone who needs your advice. In addition to setting your hourly rate, you coach, advise, and assist potential designers.
As a design consultant, you can find jobs on FlexJobs, Upwork, or Fiverr.
5. Create fonts for Creative Market or Etsy
If you’re interested in typography, fonts are an excellent way to earn passive income. The Creative Market and Etsy are great places to start if you want to sell fonts you created yourself. You can even sell your own handwriting.
6. Provide pre-made logo packages
Creating and selling vector logos is similar to creating and selling templates.
For small businesses without the budget for personal branding packages, this is a popular way to create their own logos. Their new logo can be created by simply editing the design file and changing the colors and words.
7. Branding packages that can be customized
Graphic designers can also offer branding services, which can cost up to $4000 if they’re in high demand.
It is possible to define a brand’s identity by customizing its logo, color scheme, font, pattern, and other related items.
8. As a freelancer, you will work with clients
An excellent way to gain experience is to work with clients.
Your day-to-day work can include designing a logo and designing a magazine layout for clients. Towards the end of this article, you will find information on how to apply for these jobs.
9. Create social media graphics and highlight covers for your website
As a graphic designer, you can also make money creating social media graphics. It’s no secret that social media can be a difficult task, and you can make some money by selling Instagram highlight covers or social media templates for a low price.