Are you a graphic designer who is looking to change your work? Or perhaps you want to start a side hustle and get some money on top of your 9 to 5 job? We reveal here some methods how designers making money online.
There are multiple different jobs that graphic designers can do online, and if you want to find out about them, make sure to continue reading.
Graphic Designer Making Money Online:
Method #1 – Print on Demand
Creating designs for custom-made products like t-shirts, mugs, hoodies, and phone cases can be a lot of fun and make money at the same time. There are individuals who like to express themselves by wearing a funky t-shirt with a slogan or support a cause, such as global warming.
Personalized mugs are popular presents for birthdays, father’s days, and other occasions. And all these products would not exist without the right technology.
Starting a print on demand store with help from someone like Printify.com on your own will take some time as there are other matters, like marketing and website development, but at least you will not lack in the design department.
At the same time, you can look to join an already established print on demand store and offer your services as a graphic designer. Working on someone else’s project means no marketing and other tasks, just designing work.
Method #2 – Teaching Online
Online education is steadily gaining momentum as there are those unhappy with their current education. Switching careers without necessary skills would be impossible, but thanks to platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, and even YouTube, finding learning material on various subjects is not an issue.
If you feel like you could also share your knowledge, be it tips for website design, creating logos, banners, art, or anything else, valuable courses are appreciated and will be a good way to make extra income and get your name out there.
Method #3 – Selling Your Designs on Platforms
There is always an option to sell your work online. Platforms like Etsy, Designhill, Big Cartel, or Zazzle are wel-established and when someone is unable to find the right design, they get saved thanks to these websites.
Certain markets can be a bit competitive so breaking in is a challenge. Nevertheless, a good design will find its place and sell when the right person comes and finds it for his or her needs. After all, if you have some designs lying around with no use, why not try to make money selling designs?
Method #4 – Streaming on Twitch TV
Twitch TV started as a platform for gamers, but now, you can find plenty of variety streamers as well, including graphic designers.
Even one of the most famous Japanese animation studios “Trigger” has its own channel and occasionally stream live sessions, showcasing how their animators work.
Money on Twitch TV comes from subscriptions and donations, so you will need to gain some audience first and prove that your talent is worth something. And if you can reach decent viewer numbers, sponsors will come your way as well.
Method #5 – Writing a Blog or an Ebook
Writing a blog or an ebook about graphic design is not something everyone is capable of doing because you need to have a way with words. However, those who have a talent for both writing and graphic design can benefit a lot by sharing their ideas on a blog or a self-published book on Amazon. An another great idea designer can making money online.
Method #6 – Designing Social Media Visuals
The biggest brands on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook pay a lot of money to ensure that their content is of the highest quality. And why not? According to Emarsys, there were over 3.5 billion social media users in 2019 and this number is projected to grow even more in the future.
With so many users on social media, it would be a waste of resources not to try and increase one’s presence there. Every little bit helps, which includes well-designed and visually appealing content that someone has to create, and that someone could be you.
Method #7 – Looking for Gigs on Freelancing Websites
Browse through websites like Fiverr or UpWork and you will immediately notice how many gigs are available for graphic designers.
Starting fresh on such platforms comes with its difficulties as you will have to bid against already established profiles with a lot of positive reviews from previous clients. Be sure to have a portfolio ready, and aim to get some recognition from employees there.
A few 5-star reviews will help to build some momentum and get better jobs that pay more money. And when it comes to offers, you have all kinds of available work – logo design, website design, creating banners and ads, posters, and even characters for video games or visual novels.
So for sure as a graphic designer you can get an idea of which method you prefer to start making money online.
Freelance writer sharing & contributions