Graphic Design Degrees

A great way to supplement your income as a graphic designer is to take on freelance jobs. Some designers work full-time for firms and make extra money by freelancing, and some designers support themselves entirely by freelancing. There are obviously some pros and cons to both approaches, but here are a few things to remember.

A good way to start looking for freelance work is through people you know. Talk with your professors while you’re earning your graphic design degree to get their opinions on freelancing and see if they know anyone who might need image work. A lot of jobs are discovered and given based on who you know, so networking is going to be one of your biggest assets. This is when it pays to buckle down and hustle, to constantly be on the lookout for new opportunities.

If you’ve already got a full-time job — whether or not it’s as a graphic designer — then doing freelance design work can be a fantastic way to boost your earnings while also pursuing your passions. However, many designers make a living solely by freelancing, which requires a commitment to working that’s similar to the structure required to successfully graduate with an online degree. You’ll need to set aside a place to work, and you’ll also need a computer and software up to the task of creating cutting-edge designs. Investing in yourself as a business is vital if you want to make it as a freelancer.

Freelancing also means being able to handle the business side of earning money from a variety of sources. If you’re hired to do a job as a contractor for a company, they’ll likely be able to tell you what you need to know to keep your tax and earnings information in order, but if you operate more as a one-person business, there’s more you’ll probably need to get set up to avoid underpaying taxes. Check with the Internal Revenue Service to learn everything from what it means to be self-employed to how you’ll need to pay taxes. Always do the research ahead of time, and that way you’ll be able to concentrate on finding work and pleasing your clients instead of getting sidetracked by the irksome financial details.

You’ll also need to market yourself, which will mean investing in a Web site to advertise your services. It’s impossible to do business in the digital age without being able to communicate your business online, and a site of your own will allow you to show your portfolio to potential clients and also recruit business online. As soon as you put yourself out there, you’ll be able to begin creating a variety of graphic designs for a diverse number of clients.