Freelance graphic design jobs can be a great way to earn a full time or part time salary, while working from the comfort of your own home. If you have the right computer skills and an artistic flair, you should consider going into business for yourself. Here are some things you need to know about freelancing in the field of graphic design.
Where to Find Work
The bulk of graphic design jobs are on the internet, and every startup business needs a logo and graphics for its web page. You can search online job sites for freelance work. There are also job sites that specialize in posting freelance graphic design jobs. Some are free and some require a monthly fee to access the jobs. iFreelance.com, Elance, Rent-a-Coder and eGuru are some examples of sites where you can find work.
Developing your own website or blog will help you market your skills, show off your custom designs and get business to come to you.
Pay Rates for Graphic Design
Graphic designers are paid on a per project basis. The average rate for a custom graphic design or logo for a business is around $350. Letterheads and smaller logos can range from $25 to $250. The amount a freelancer charges for designs is based on how much of her own creativity she has to add to the design. If you're just touching up an existing logo or design, the pay is lower. If you're building something from scratch, you can charge a higher rate for the project.
One important terms to include in a contract is: half the pay up front and half on completion of the project.
How the Graphic Design Process Works
Get as many specifics from the client as you can up front. They may give you a theme or a color scheme to adhere to, or give you the entire layout for their vision. Set a clear deadline for benchmarks and the completed project. When you have an early version of what you're working on, send it to the client so they can check the work and give you any additional guidance. Once you've completed the project, ask them if you can use the design as part of your portfolio when you look for other clients. Also ask them if they'll refer you to other potential clients they know.
Pros of Freelance Graphic Design Jobs
You get to set your own work hours as a graphic designer, and choose your own clients. You work from home as your own boss, and every project is unique and special in its own way. Because graphic design work requires some specialized skills, pay rates tend to be higher than many other freelance job opportunities.
Cons of Freelance Graphic Design Jobs
The downside is that you have to be motivated to operate as a small business owner. You have to file taxes, market your business, actively seek out new clients every day and keep up to speed on software innovations. Some clients can be very picky about their expectations for graphics, and create a lot of extra work if you let them take advantage of you. Another downside is that once a custom graphic is completed, there may not be repeat business from that client unless they need to modify their brand.
Freelance graphic design jobs can be a steady source of income, especially if you have the artistic skills to create special designs. Once you develop a name for yourself in the industry, you'll find clients coming to you for all their graphics needs.
Daphne Mallory, Esq. is the co-owner of Mallory Writing Services and has written more than 100 articles helping home based business owners and entrepreneurs start and market their business. You can learn more about her here.
