Are you good at expressing yourself visually? If so, graphic design can be an excellent way to earn money. But, before you make the leap, wouldn’t you like to know how much graphic designers make?
Today, we’ll look at graphic design as a way to make a living. You will not only understand how much money graphic designers make, but you will also understand the different types of graphic design job opportunities, how to maximize your earnings, and much more. This post will be beneficial to all aspiring graphic designers.
Let’s get started:
What exactly is a Graphic Designer?
What is a graphic designer, and why is it important? A graphic designer is a professional who creates visual concepts to convey information. Graphic designers create a wide range of visual concepts to communicate information, from posters to logos to websites.
Here are some important characteristics that can make someone a great graphic designer:
- Communication through speech
- Sketching and drawing abilities
- Time management research
- Analytical abilities and attention to detail
Companies nowadays use a variety of design software. As a result, designers are expected to have essential software skills to get a job in a good design firm.
Graphic Design Job Categories
There are various kinds of graphic design job openings. As a result, you can select one based on your creativity.
The following are the major job categories in the graphic design industry:
- Designer of logos for photographers
- Designer of websites
- Designer of multimedia and advertising
- Designer of user interfaces (UI)
- Designer of user experience (UX)
As you can see, graphic design services are varied. In addition to the above-mentioned designer job titles, there are also graphic design job openings for product packaging designers, publication designers, apparel graphic designers, and many more.
What do Graphic Designers Get Paid Per Hour?
If you’re considering becoming a self-employed designer, you’ll want to know whether you’ll be able to make a decent living. The good news is that you absolutely can. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designers earn an average hourly wage of $28.06.
According to Payscale data, the average hourly rate for freelance graphic designers is $29.92.
If you want to be a successful freelancer, you should work on a variety of projects to build a strong professional portfolio and keep looking for new opportunities.
What is the annual salary of a graphic designer?
If you’re wondering what the average salary for a graphic designer is, it’s $ 58,370. (mean annual wage).
However, job seekers should be aware that graphic designer salaries vary depending on the source. According to Indeed data, the average base salary is $51,588 per year. The average base salary of a graphic designer is $47,085 per year, according to Payscale data.
Art directors, who frequently begin their careers as designers, earn significantly more than the salaries listed.
How to Begin a Career in Graphic Design
Now that you know the answers to frequently asked questions about graphic design as a career option, such as how much graphic designers make, the different types of graphic design jobs, and the skills required to become a great designer. It’s finally time to get started.
Here are some pointers to get you started:
- Obtain a professional education (degree or certificate in design)
- Master design software applications
- Create a website to establish an online presence.
- Maintain an active presence on LinkedIn and job search websites.
- Create a network to obtain references.
Sharing your portfolio website on Behance, Dribble, and other sites in the related field can also help you get hired.
The requirements of various industries vary. As a result, it’s a good idea to ask experienced people in your chosen industry for additional information that will assist you in getting started quickly.
10 Different Ways to Earn Money as a Graphic Designer
Working for a company is only one way for a designer to make money. Here are ten ideas for making money with your creative skills:
1. Doing Freelance Work for Others
Hiring an in-house designer is an expensive endeavor. As a result, many businesses opt to hire freelancers to complete design work. As a result, doing freelance work for clients can pay well. Upwork and Fiverr are both good places to look for freelance work.
2. GIFs or animated GIFs
The use of GIFs to increase customer engagement is becoming increasingly popular. With more and more businesses incorporating GIFs into their marketing materials, there are numerous opportunities for you to sell GIFs and earn money.
3. Market Canva Templates
Canva is popular because it has a low learning curve. As a result, creating and selling Canva templates can be a lucrative business.
4. Graphics for Social Media
Social media has become an absolute necessity for businesses of all sizes. It goes without saying that eye-catching visuals increase social media engagement. Because not all businesses hire graphic designers, you have a plethora of opportunities to sell social media graphic packages and earn money.
5. Wall Art Printable
People enjoy personalizing the interiors of their homes. Posters and wall stickers are two popular types of wall art. You can make money by selling readymade printable wall art or customizable packages online.
6. Fonts for Design
Do you enjoy creating beautiful fonts? Why not make money from it? Platforms such as Etsy, Creative Market, and Creative Fabrica can assist you in selling your fonts and earning money.
7. Covers for eBooks
Many small businesses create eBooks to educate their customers. In addition, Kindle Direct Publishing has provided opportunities for self-publishing authors. As a result, selling eBook cover designs can help you earn a decent living. You can sell both pre-made eBook covers and custom eBook cover packages.
8. Party Decorations that are Ready-to-Print
People spend a lot of money on decorations for their children’s birthday parties in the age of Instagram. You can easily supplement your income by selling printable party decoration files.
9. Packages for Branding
Businesses create a distinct identity by incorporating a variety of visual elements into their sales and marketing materials. Logos, business cards, brochures, and packaging materials are a few examples. As a result, selling branding packages can be a great way for designers to make money.
10. Hold Workshops
Do you enjoy passing on your knowledge? If so, running personal or online design workshops can be a great way to make money. However, you must first build a solid portfolio. Only then will it be easier to persuade people to attend your workshops.
How to Make the Most of Your Graphic Design Earnings
Whether you want to start your own graphic design business or work for a graphic design firm, you will undoubtedly want to earn more money.
Here are a few ideas for increasing your graphic design earnings:
- Choose a profitable niche and stick with it.
- Enroll in graphic design programs to hone your skills.
- Create a portfolio website to showcase your work.
- Create your own product to sell (ebook, course, t-shirt design, etc.).
- Create a strong online presence.
- Be active on LinkedIn if you want to be noticed by a high-paying company.
You should never rely solely on one website for freelance work if you are a freelancer. Instead, to get more clients for your freelance services, you should create a profile on multiple websites.
Which graphic design job pays the most for a graphic designer?
The highest graphic designer salary is earned in the field of product design. According to Indeed, the national average salary for a product designer, whose job it is to create the foundation for a product’s user experience, is $119,921 per year.
Which states in the United States have the highest graphic design salaries?
When salary is adjusted for the cost of living in a state, Illinois has the highest graphic design salaries. Graphic artists in Illinois earn an average yearly salary of $60,137, according to Zippia data. However, when it comes to actual wages paid by employers, New York tops the list, with an average yearly salary of $64,840.
Last Thoughts
You now have an idea of how much money you can expect to make as a graphic designer. Because every business invests in graphic design, you will have plenty of opportunities to earn if you stay current. You can use these graphic design tools to your advantage.
Learn more from business and read How to start making 3d models? Top 3 Software for Beginners.
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