You can make more money as a graphic artist with specific skills. There are many chances, whether you want to make extra money or start a full-time side job. There has never been a better time for graphic artists to look into side jobs than now, in the “gig economy.” Thanks to the rise of online markets and independent platforms, finding work that lets you use your artistic skills is easier than ever.
As a graphic artist, one of the best things about having a great side job is that it lets you make more money in different ways. You can only depend on a client or boss if you have more than one way to make money. In return, you can feel safer and have more stable finances. Having a side business can build your resume and learn new skills. In a tough job market, this variety can help you stand out. In this article we will explore How To Start Graphic Design Side Hustles To transform Extra Income.
What Is A Graphic Designer?
A graphic artist uses both computers and paper to make visual material. Making ads, logos, signs, websites, and product boxes are some of the most common things graphic designers do. Graphic artists help clients make something that looks or feels like their desired brand image. As part of their job, graphic designers usually have to do the following:
- Meeting with clients to talk about what the company and its target audience expects
- Putting thoughts into pictures and patterns
- Making models or sample plans
- Picking styles or colors that go with the message you want to send
- Using different kinds of graphic design software
- Giving clients or bosses final ideas
- Making changes to finished work based on what the client or boss says
What Do Graphic Designers Do?
A graphic artist uses different kinds of technology to make sound, necessary, and practical images. The work mainly depends on what the customer or company wants, but here are some essential duties of a designer:
- Creating creative materials to help a marketing effort
- Making an image to go on top of social media posts
- Putting the finishing touches on a paper ad plan and fixing up photos for digital signs
Where Do Graphic Designers Find Work?
There are many places where graphic artists can work. For a fee, you can work for a company or a service, or you can work from home. Most of the time, graphic artists work in
- Advertising agencies
- Website design companies
- Firms that market
- Publishers in both print and digital formats
- Online and brick-and-mortar retailers
- Nonprofit groups
How To Start Graphic Design Side Hustles: The Most Essential Steps
Starting a side job doing graphic design needs a well-thought-out plan. By finding your niche, networking, and working with others, you can build a strong base for a creative business that will last.
Step 1: Find Your Niche In Graphic Design
It's essential to find your area in graphic design. It lets you focus on one thing, like how to use typography in design, how to make a logo, how to make web images, or how to write content for social media. Specializing helps your products stand out and brings in customers seeking your specific knowledge. Making your resume and advertising your services can also be made more accessible and more effective.
Step 2: Make An Effective Portfolio
Your resume is the most essential part of your great side hustle as a graphic designer. It visually shows your style and skills, so it must be complete and exciting. Use the Internet to show off your best work so that possible clients worldwide can see it. A strong resume shows what you can do to build trust and could be the difference between getting gigs.
Step 3: Make Your Online Presence Stand Out.
In this day and age, you have to have a robust online profile. It's like a shop online; how well you can draw and keep customers depends on it. Your business style and personal values should show through in your online profile. This will help you connect with your ideal customers and stand out. Key things to think about are exciting material and an easy-to-use layout.
Step 4: Set Prices And Workflow
Creating transparent price systems and efficient processes is very important for graphic designers. Your rates should be based on how much knowledge you have, how hard the job is, and how much value you bring. A simplified process also ensures that projects are finished on time and to the client's happiness, essential for maintaining long-term relationships and a good name in the field.
Step 5: Grow Your Network And Work With Others
For any side job to work, networking is essential. Connecting with other professionals can lead to new chances, recommendations, and working together. To grow your network, attend events in your field, join design groups, and talk to other creative people. Working with other designers can also help you learn new things and improve your skills.
11 Best Graphic Design Side Hustle Ideas
1. Designing Ebooks
Graphic artists can show off their creativity in a new way by making eBooks, which also give people helpful information. As an artist, you can do more than make covers. You can get into the details of how eBooks are laid out. Make covers that look good and interest users, and for an extra edge, offer complete eBook design services. This includes making sure the styles inside the book look good together, picking fonts that go well with the text, and adding images that make reading more enjoyable overall.
Adding full eBook designs to your list of services shows how flexible you are and lets you reach more people. Your all-around method will be helpful for clients who want an eBook package that looks great from cover to interior. By giving people a place to go for all their eBook creation needs, you become the go-to expert in digital publishing.
2. Online Courses
A smart move for graphic artists is to turn their artistic skills into a way to make money. Online classes allow you to share information with people worldwide and make money while sleeping. Using sites like Udemy or Skillshare gives you a solid way to host your classes and reach a wide range of people.
It would help if you taught different areas of graphic design through lessons, such as software training, basic theory, and even specific design projects. New and experienced designers who want to improve their skills can benefit from your unique views and hands-on demos. As a graphic design teacher, you help others learn and become known as an expert.
3. Infographics
Visual communication is beneficial, and if you are an independent graphic artist, making and selling infographics can be an excellent extra income. You can make money from the infographics you make on platforms like Envato Elements and Graphic River, as well as on private stores like Sellfy and Etsy.
Infographics combine facts with beautiful images to make it easier to understand. Businesses, writers, and people who create content always look for exciting charts to add to their work. You are in high demand as a creator in the ever-growing world of digital content because you can make visually appealing and helpful charts.
4. Photo Mock-ups
Photo mock-ups are a fun way to show off your design work in real-life situations. Mock-ups of things like business cards, signs, and boxes are often sought after by businesses and other artists. You can sell your mock-ups to a wide range of people who need high-quality visual images of their designs by using sites like Creative Market or Etsy.
You can show off your imagination by creating ideas and making mock-ups that make different items look more valuable. When you show your mock-ups, whether they're business cards in a professional office or packing in the real world, they give people a physical and visually appealing look at your design ideas.
5. Custom Fonts
Typography is essential to graphic design, and making your fonts gives you unique skills. Online stores like Creative Market and MyFonts let artists sell the unique fonts they've created. Using your design skills to create fonts, you add to the wide range of fonts available, allowing other artists and businesses to stand out with unique typefaces. You need to know about design concepts and have a good eye for detail to make fonts that look good and work well. A small group of people who want original and new typeface designs might be interested in how you make fonts.
6. Print On Demand
Print-on-demand (POD) is a flexible choice for graphic artists who want to make extra money on the side. You can get into the growing market for personalized goods by producing drawings that can be put on many things, like t-shirts, mugs, and phone covers. You can show off and sell your print-on-demand items on sites like Zazzle, Etsy, Printful, and Redbubble.
Focus on making designs that fit current trends and market needs if you want to do well in the POD area. Learn as much as possible about your target group through study, and use tactics like focused ads, social media marketing, and working with leaders to reach more people.
7. Social Media Branding
As a graphic artist, you can help companies use social media to build a robust online profile for their brand. Making uniform, visually appealing images for social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter raises brand awareness and gets people to interact with the brand. Learn about different parts of social media branding:
- Social Media Graphics: Make graphics that stand out, like logos, covers, and pictures, that are special to each social platform.
- Filters and Lenses: Make your effects and lenses for Snapchat and Instagram Stories to make brand interaction more engaging.
- Blog Graphics: Make pictures and other visuals that accompany your written material and help spread your brand's style and message on blogs and social media.
Your part in social media branding is more than just how it looks; it also shapes the story and character of companies in the digital world.
8. Design Printables For Etsy
As a graphic artist, you can use Etsy to sell prints because it is a great place to buy and sell digital goods. Printables are flexible, so you can show off your talent while making money. Check out some different printable design ideas:
- Wall art prints: You can make different types of printed art for people to print at home. This can be anything from encouraging quotes to floral designs to abstract art.
- Coloring Pages: You can make free coloring pages for kids and adults that are fun and don't cost much money.
- Papercraft Templates: These are craft patterns that people can print out and assemble to make pop-up cards, origami, and small books.
- Planner/Calendar Pages: You can make personalized food lists, to-do lists, and other pages for planners and calendars that others can print out and use.
Ensure your files are optimized and formatted for standard sizes so customers can quickly find them and change how they look.
9. Wall Art Designs
Wall art designs are one of the most popular types of print-on-demand goods. Your artwork can be made on fabric or in a frame, giving people beautiful paintings ready to hang. Look into a range of styles and themes:
- Pieces of Abstract Art: Use your imagination with abstract art pieces that make rooms more enjoyable.
- Maps: Draw beautiful maps that show what different places or themes are really like.
- Botanical Prints: Make art based on plants to bring the beauty of nature into your home.
- Watercolor Artwork: Play with the classic beauty of watercolor to make art that speaks to a wide range of people.
People who want unique and meaningful home decor will like the wall art ideas you make.
10. Lightroom Presets
Businesses that want to keep their social media images looking the same can use Lightroom settings. As a graphic artist, you can make themes that match the name and style of a business. This makes changing photos easier.
Give businesses options that can be used in different situations to quickly make their online presence look and feel the same. Businesses can better assemble visually appealing material thanks to your skill in making Lightroom themes. This side job focuses on how design skills can be easily combined with functional digital solutions.
11. Logo Design
A strong and familiar mark is essential for any business, and your graphic design skills make you a great person to help create logos. You should offer your services to companies that want to make a solid social media and website presence. You can offer logo design packages with different versions of the image and file types that work with other systems.
Your job as a logo designer isn't just to make it look good; it's to turn the brand's beliefs and personality into a visual statement that people can relate to. Through your complete logo creation services, you help a brand create a unique and long-lasting personality in the digital world.
Increasing Your Skills And Audience
It's essential to keep improving your skills and following if you want to start a graphic design side business to make extra money. It means staying current on business trends and improving design through practice and classes. You must promote yourself and network well to get more people to see your work.
It is essential to have a solid online presence with a showcase on sites like Behance or Instagram, interact with other designers, and use social media for marketing. You can meet possible clients and other designers by attending design events, classes, and talks. You are also building a following as you improve at making logos and print products. For a great side hustle in graphic design, you must work on your skills and build a following.
Making Content And Getting Seen Online
You can become more well-known online and position yourself as an expert by creating online classes that teach graphic design skills and offer helpful information.
- Creating A YouTube Channel For Designers: Creating a YouTube account is a great way for people to visit your side business. Talk about how you do graphic design, comment on trends, and give lessons to get to know other designers and people who might want to hire you.
- Managing A Design Blog Through Affiliate Marketing: Your design blog can be great for sharing design tips and making money through partner marketing. You can write about your tools and resources and get paid when people buy something based on your suggestion.
Teaching Through Workshops And Online Courses
Teaching online classes is a great way to make money as a graphic artist. Digital classes are a great way to share knowledge with people worldwide and become known as an expert in your area. Plus, you can sell the same course more than once without doing extra work for each sale, so it's a flexible way to make money.
- Train People How To Use E-learning Apps: As a teacher on an e-learning site, you can reach many people who want to improve their skills. You can find professionals on sites like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare who can make interesting graphic design classes. Every time a student signs up for one of your classes, you can make a passive income. With the proper marketing, this can become a significant source of income.
- Make Your Own Online Graphic Design Classes: You can make material that fits specific needs and keep control over price and marketing when you make your graphic design classes. You can use your knowledge to make classes that solve real-world design problems or focus on new design trends. If you have your platform, you can create a loyal following and provide a more customized learning experience, earning you more money.
Using Creative Markets To Profit
Online markets can be an excellent way to make money by selling artistic work. Etsy, Creative Market, and Society6 are all great places to sell your handmade goods because they are full of people looking for one-of-a-kind items made by designers.
- Advertising Art On Pods: Print-on-demand (POD) sites like Teespring and Redbubble let you sell your designs on various items without worrying about stock and shipping. You need to upload your art and pick out the goods. These sites will take care of the rest. This model lets you get into the goods market with little risk, and your drawings could be on anything from t-shirts to phone cases.
- Illustrations And Image Mock-ups On Stock Websites: It's easy for graphic artists to sell illustrations and photo mock-ups on Adobe Stock and other stock photo sites. This can be an excellent way to make money on the side, especially if your work fits with current trends and needs. Companies and people who want to show off their goods or services professionally want high-quality mock-ups that can be used in various ways.
The Benefits Of Side Hustle For Graphic Designers
Creative Liberation
Graphic designers are contemporary artists exploring limitless inventiveness. The occupation allows creativity to materialize. Designers every day strive to turn abstract ideas into visual marvels. This intrinsic creativity goes beyond aesthetics to express messages, tell tales, and capture a brand or concept's soul. Graphic designers love experimenting with new ideas to develop visually appealing, strategic designs that meet their clients' goals. The creative freedom of graphic design comes from combining beauty and utility.
Diverse Job Opportunities
The variety of sectors that need graphic designers makes a profession in design appealing. Graphic designers are required in sports, entertainment, business, and politics. Diversity provides job chances and allows designers to explore diverse industries throughout their careers. Graphic designers may work in sports branding, entertainment, company marketing, and politics. Graphic designers may tailor their careers to their hobbies due to employment flexibility.
Stable Work Hours
Graphic designers have stable work hours in a volatile industry. These regular hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, give regularity. This consistency helps designers combine work and life, enabling them to pursue personal interests. Graphic designers have a fixed schedule, which boosts work satisfaction and well-being.
Remote Work Potential
Graphic design has changed with the digital era. Graphic designers benefit from remote work. Digital design jobs allow for remote work, whether freelance or for an enterprise. This flexibility matches remote job trends and lets designers customize their workspaces to boost creativity and efficiency. Remote graphic design work is a fundamental change in creative professionals' jobs.
Sense Of Accomplishment
Graphic designers feel accomplished when their works come to life. Designers regularly showcase their work, unlike many other professions. Completed websites, product packaging, and marketing materials demonstrate their efforts. This physical representation of creativity boosts work satisfaction beyond the creative process's excitement. Graphic design offers creative expression and visual confirmation by showing one's work in the actual world.
Income And Benefits
Besides inventiveness, graphic designers are financially secure. With a $50,420 average income, the career pays well. Visual artists often get paid time off and health, dental, and vision insurance. Graphic design is a successful vocation due to its financial stability and advantages. Creative satisfaction and financial strength make it desirable for people seeking a balanced and satisfying career.
Drawbacks Of Side Hustle For Graphic Designers
Desk-bound Reality
Graphic design creativity is limitless, but workspaces are typically limited. Designers create digital masterpieces all day at their computers. While digital labour provides many possibilities, designers must be aware of their health due to its passive nature. Breaks, mobility, and alternate workplaces are vital to offset desk-boundness and preserve a healthy and sustainable workplace.
Limited Promotion Opportunities
Graphic design is rewarding, but typical upward mobility may need to be altered. The traditional path entails managing visual design teams. This advancement allows you to lead and coach others but may impede the vertical development of experts in other disciplines. Graphic designers may grow their careers and earn more via experience and competence. Freelancers may boost their prices as they gain experience.
Solo Work Environment
Basic graphic design is a single effort. While brainstorming and client meetings include teamwork, much of the design process is autonomous. Some designers work best alone to concentrate and create. Despite the risk of solitude, some designers deliberately seek peer interactions. Those who value cooperation and companionship throughout the creative process must network in person or online.
Deadline Pressures
Graphic design jobs have tight deadlines. Clients may need design chores completed quickly and efficiently. Pressure may be difficult, but it builds urgency and time management abilities. Graphic designers must find ways to exceed customer expectations while maintaining quality throughout tight project deadlines. Graphic designers who can handle deadlines are more resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced market.
Client Specification Challenges
Customer requirements challenge graphic designers' creative liberty. Client preferences typically trump creative preferences in design. Communication is critical to meeting customer needs and retaining artistic integrity. Discussing design ideas early in brainstorming and discussing creative decisions might help. Understandable selections allow customers to accept and appreciate the designer's innovative approach. Designers may balance client demands and artistic vision by mastering client expectations.
FAQs
What Is Graphic Design, And What Do Graphic Designers Do?
Using diverse tools and approaches, graphic designers create visual information. Graphic designers create marketing materials, social media pictures, ads, logos, and websites. They consult with customers, understand ideas, produce visual concepts, and utilize graphic design tools to realize them.
Where Can Graphic Designers Find Work?
Graphic designers work at advertising agencies, website design businesses, advertising agencies, publishers (print and digital), online and brick-and-mortar merchants, and nonprofits.
How Do I Start A Graphic Design Side Hustle?
Finding your specialization, building a portfolio, having an internet presence, determining rates and processes, and networking with other graphic designers are all part of starting a side business. Your graphic design skills may be more tempting if you specialize.
What Are Some Examples Of Graphic Design Side Hustles?
Graphic designers can create eBooks, online courses, infographics, photo mock-ups, custom fonts, print-on-demand, social media branding, Etsy printables, wall art, Lightroom presets, logos, workshops, and online courses as side gigs.
How Can Graphic Designers Increase Their Skills And Audience?
Graphic designers may grow by following industry trends, attending design events, joining design clubs, and taking relevant coursework. Interacting with other designers on Behance or Instagram and utilizing social media for marketing may help designers grow their following.
What Are The Benefits Of Graphic Design Side Hustles?
Benefits Include:
- Liberation of creativity.
- Wide range of jobs.
- Regular hours.
- Possible remote job.
- Feeling accomplished.
- A typical salary with insurance and paid time off.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Graphic Design Side Hustles?
Drawbacks Include:
- Desk-bound employment.
- Restricted advancement chances.
- Working alone for much of the design process.
- Deadline stress.
- Difficulty fulfilling customer criteria while maintaining artistic integrity.
How Can Graphic Designers Make Content And Get Seen Online?
A YouTube channel, a design blog with affiliate marketing, seminars, and online courses may help graphic artists gain fame. They may also sell creations on Etsy, Creative Market, and Society6.
How Can Graphic Designers Use Online Markets To Profit?
Graphic designers may sell designs on print-on-demand sites, stock websites, Etsy, Creative Market, and Adobe Stock and advertise art on print-on-demand sites.
How Can Graphic Designers Teach Through Workshops And Online Courses?
Graphic designers may teach on Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare or build online programs. This lets them prepare, reach a worldwide audience, and sell courses.
How Can Graphic Designers Handle Client Specification Challenges?
Graphic designers may overcome customer specification issues by communicating clearly, debating design concepts early on, and balancing client needs with their creative vision. Successful cooperation requires understanding client expectations.
What Should Graphic Designers Consider When Setting Prices For Their Services?
Graphic designers should price their work based on experience, task complexity, and client value. Staying competitive requires analyzing market prices and knowing what customers are ready to spend while providing fair remuneration.
Conclusion
For graphic artists, many side jobs can help them make extra money and use their creativity, as we've seen. You can use your design skills to create eBooks, online classes, slideshows, picture mock-ups, and custom fonts that look great and are fun to read. There are chances out there whether you want to sell digital art or give graphic design services as a freelancer.
It's important to remember that doing side business work takes time and work. You may need to spend money on promotion, networking, and resume-building to get clients and grow your business. You can make good money with your design skills if you work hard and don't give up. Pricing is another essential thing to think about.
When setting your rates, consider your experience, the hard job, and the service demand. Remember to value your work, and watch the competition and what people are ready to pay. As a graphic artist, starting a side business can be a great way to make extra money and learn new skills. You can turn your love of design into a successful business with the right attitude and plan.
If you want to make passive income then click on the link = click here
