Julia Sotnykova | Graphic Design

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Tag: income

September 27, 2017

FAQs About Freelance Graphic Designing

Freelance graphic design doesn’t have a manual, but many new graphic designers have similar questions about this kind of work. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about graphic design freelance.

How do I earn enough as a freelance graphic designer?

Earning “enough” is completely subjective and based off of your needs and wants. However, one way you can break this down is by creating a budget for yourself. Once you know how much you need to make, you can get an idea of how many hours you should be working and at what price. Accepting jobs below the price you want is often part of freelancing, which means you may work longer hours than you hope. However, applying for as many relevant jobs as you can will give you the best chance for earning enough money to survive.

What resources are out there to find jobs?

There are tons of websites you can use to find graphic design freelance jobs. Here’s a short list of some of the more popular ones:

Upwork

Freelancer

People Per Hour

Behance

FlexJobs

Should I get a second job?

Most likely, yes. At least at first, graphic design will likely not make you enough money alone to support you. You may have to work one or two other jobs at first just to provide for yourself, and graphic design on the side. If you’re hoping to be a full-time freelance designer, I suggest saving as much money as you can now, so that making the transition is less of a risk. It is also important to note that you should be marketing yourself and actively taking freelance jobs before you make the switch, as it can be a long process to get your name out there.

Is freelancing worth it, or should I try to join a graphic design company?

This is entirely up to you and your personal situation. However, there are positives and negatives to both freelancing and working a steady 9-5. Freelancing is a good idea for people who have an unusual schedule or don’t adhere to a set schedule well. It is also good for those who want to have the authority to pick and choose which projects they work on. If you’re looking to brand yourself in a niche, freelancing is the way to do so.

On the other hand, working for a company has many benefits, such as stable income and insurance benefits. You’ll likely also get paid time off, which is never the case as a freelancer. At the same time, working for a company means you’ll have to do what the company thinks is best, which may not always be what you think is best. You’ll also have a set schedule and may work in an office environment that is not as comfortable as working at home. However, you’ll have the support of others in the company, which can be a huge foundation for a new graphic artist.

For more information on graphic design, please visit JuliaSotnykova.org

September 27, 2017

4 Tips on Making a Living as a Graphic Designer

Graphic designers, like many people in the arts, are constantly questioned about how they can make a living in their field. With cutthroat competition, it can seem nearly impossible to live your dreams and make enough money. Today, I’m here to calm your fears and let you know that it is possible to make money as a graphic designer, as long as you follow some advice.

Tip 1: Create a Brand

Creating an identity for yourself in your field is necessary, whether you’re a graphic designer or not. However, it’s doubly as important when you’re a freelance artist because there is such fierce competition. Projecting yourself as an expert in one niche of graphic design is an excellent way to show that you’re the best at what you do. It may be tempting to take every job possible, but if you can afford to market yourself in one area and only accept relevant jobs, it will give the impression that you are concentrated on doing the best work in your area.

Tip 2: Sell Designs as Passive Income

If you create fonts, texture packs, or even website templates, you can make money licensing them out for years down the line. Build a store on your professional website where you can list every product you’ve created. Companies are constantly looking for fresh designs, so creating new graphic elements in your free time will pay off in the long run.

Tip 3: Education

Although it is important to earn your degree, it is also a good idea to create learning materials for the next generation of graphic designers. You can earn some hefty cash from writing textbooks about graphic design or teaching design classes locally or via the internet. Teachers may not make the best salary, but if you market yourself as enough of an expert (and have the experience to back it up), you can charge a decent amount of money. The plus is, if you’re teaching privately, you can factor in how much time it will take you to teach, including prep, and charge a reasonable amount.

Tip 4: Continue Developing Your Skills

As an artist, it is important to continue to learn and hone your skills. There is always more you can learn. However, some of the most important skills to learn are not inherently artistic. Learning how to run a business, best marketing practices, and even a second language can give you a huge career boost. The more skills you bring to the table, the wider your audience becomes. A quick way to find other areas for learning is through Coursera, where you can earn certifications for completing college-level courses. These are documents you can show to prospective employers, which may help you land a job at a design company.

Graphic design can be a challenging career, but the journey is worth the effort. Take the time to pursue these avenues, and you will see the work pay off in full. It may seem difficult to accomplish, but living your dream is possible.