008 · Become a Graphic Designer

If you are looking for a lucrative idea in a field that is both fulfilling and creative, becoming a graphic designer might be a solution to consider. Furthermore, there is a great degree of freedom associated with working freelance. Many digital nomads, for example, have chosen to expatriate to exotic latitudes and manage their time as they see fit. You don’t need to be a natural artist or an expert in software from the start; you just need to invest time in quality training and then practice relentlessly to develop your own unique style. Let’s look at all this in more detail.

Why become a graphic designer?

Digital aesthetics play a predominant role in our ultra-connected societies. Everywhere on our screens, illustrations, designs, and graphics constantly capture our attention. And without the talent of professional graphic designers, the interface of websites and mobile applications as well as advertisements and other graphic elements we encounter daily would be nothing more than mundane and uninteresting visual mishmash.

If you have ever been fascinated by a particularly well-designed advertisement or logo, this might be a profession for you. But beware, becoming a graphic designer isn’t just about learning to use 2D/3D design software. It is also a kind of “science” explaining how visuals have the power to influence our perceptions and behaviors.

As a graphic designer, you have the power to capture attention, but also to convey clear messages and create memorable experiences for the user. It is a profession where creativity meets technique, allowing abstract ideas to be transformed into visual realities.

This career also offers the advantage of flexibility. You can choose to work freelance, in an agency, or even within a company. This job also offers the possibility of working from anywhere, as long as you have access to a computer and a stable Internet connection. This geographic freedom is a valuable asset in today’s professional world.

Moreover, the demand for qualified graphic designers continues to grow with the ongoing expansion of digital technology. Companies of all sizes need talented professionals to create engaging visual content that stands out in an ever-expanding ocean of information. Whether for websites, social media, marketing campaigns, or complete visual identities, graphic design skills are always in demand.

Finally, being a graphic designer allows you to work on a wide variety of projects. Each assignment can be different, ranging from creating logos and business cards to designing complete interfaces for websites and mobile applications. This diversity makes the work interesting and stimulating, avoiding monotony and constantly offering new challenges to tackle.

What are the different types of graphic designers?

There are many specialties in the field of graphic design, each with its own skills and objectives. Understanding these different specialties can help you determine which type of graphic design attracts you the most and where you can excel. Here is an overview of the main types of graphic designers and their specific roles.

  • Print Designer: Focuses on creating printed materials such as brochures, posters, business cards, and magazines. They must understand printing techniques and color management to ensure their designs print correctly.
  • Web Designer: Specializes in designing graphic elements for websites. Their work includes creating banners, icons, website layouts, and digital illustrations adapted to various screen formats.
  • UI/UX Designer: Concentrates on creating intuitive and enjoyable user interfaces. They work on designing websites, mobile applications and software, ensuring that each element is easy to use and visually attractive.
  • Illustrator: Creates drawings and images for various media, including books, magazines, comics, and advertisements. They often use traditional or digital drawing techniques to produce their works.
  • Motion Designer: Creates graphic animations and videos. They often work on projects such as TV commercials, music videos, explanatory videos, and animated introductions for websites.
  • Art Director: Oversees the creative direction of a project. They coordinate teams of graphic designers, photographers, and designers to ensure that the overall vision of the project is respected and that the final product is coherent and high quality.
  • Brand Identity Designer: Specializes in creating and developing logos and branding guidelines for companies. Their work is essential for establishing and maintaining a company’s brand image.
  • Packaging Designer: Focuses on designing product packaging. They must combine creativity and technical knowledge to create attractive and functional designs that attract consumers
  • Video Game Designer: Creates the visual elements of games, including characters, settings, and user interfaces. They work closely with game developers to ensure that the visuals are in harmony with the gameplay.
  • Typographer: Specializes in creating and using fonts. They design new fonts and ensure that the typography used in graphic projects is readable, attractive, and appropriate for the message being conveyed.
Logo Designer Developing your drawing skills can be very useful for sketching.

How to become a graphic designer

Everyone has the ability to become a graphic designer, whether you are passionate about drawing or simply curious to explore the world of visual design. Here are some steps to guide you in this new career:

Step 1: Acquiring basic skills

The first step to becoming a graphic designer is mastering graphic design tools. Software, such as those offered by Adobe, are industry standards in digital graphic design, as well as others, but I’ll come back to this later. Learning to use these programs is important, but it is not everything. In addition to software, it is essential to understand concepts such as color theory, typography, composition, and design principles. These skills will allow you to create visually balanced and effective works.

For those who prefer a more structured approach, traditional studies at higher education institutions and universities are an excellent option. Renowned institutions offer degrees in graphic design that cover all aspects of this profession. These programs provide comprehensive and recognized training, often accompanied by internships to gain practical experience.

However, this is not the only option. Online training platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, or Coursera also offer specific courses on various aspects of graphic design. These courses can be taken at your own pace and are often created by industry professionals. They offer flexibility that can be particularly useful for those who work or wish to learn alongside other commitments.

Otherwise, there are free online resources such as YouTube, specialized blogs, and discussion forums where you can find tutorials and advice from experienced professionals. These resources can be an excellent complement to your training and allow you to continue learning and improving throughout your career.

What is the best way to train?

If you are looking for a solid foundation with academic guidance and industry-recognized certifications, opting for a higher education institution or university is an excellent choice. This will not only give you technical skills but also an in-depth understanding of design principles and networking opportunities.

This is the path I recommend if you have the time, the budget (it can be quite expensive), and want to work in an agency or company.

However, if you prefer a more flexible approach tailored to your specific needs, online training platforms like Skillshare and Udemy are ideal. They allow you to learn at your own pace and focus on specific areas of graphic design. Moreover, these courses are often more affordable and can be taken from anywhere.

Step 2: Practicing and developing a unique style

To become a good graphic designer, you will need to spend time practicing. A lot of time. Regular practice will allow you to develop your talent and refine your skills. Eventually, you will find your own style, but again, it is a process that requires time and experimentation. You can do this by drawing inspiration from the work of other artists (without copying, of course) and adding your personal touch to each project.

The best way to progress is to work on concrete projects. Whether personal projects or client commissions, each experience will help you improve your technique and define your style. Do not hesitate to take on varied projects, even if they are not paid initially, to explore different facets of graphic design and discover what you are most passionate about in this profession.

Step 3: Building a solid portfolio

Your portfolio is your showcase. It must show the diversity of your skills and your ability to handle different types of projects. Include personal works, projects completed during your training, and, if possible, real client commissions. An online portfolio is essential to make yourself known and attract potential clients.

You can use platforms such as Behance or Dribbble, but the best is to create your own portfolio website. For this, you have a choice between different tools like WordPress, Wix, or better yet, a site coded in pure HTML/CSS/JS. The goal is to show all your potential not only through the illustrations in your portfolio but also through the design of your website.

If you choose a path that is directly related to the web and websites/applications in particular, you will need to learn these programming languages anyway, so you might as well start right away. The great strength of HTML/CSS/JS is that they give you total control over both design and functionality (this is also the case with WordPress, btw).

Step 4: Finding clients and projects

Once you have reached a certain level of skill, start by offering your services to those around you. Start with your friends and family, but also consider prospecting small local businesses. Explain your approach, that your activity is in the startup phase, and apply hyper-competitive prices to convince if necessary.

At the same time, sign up on freelance platforms that I talk about more extensively later in the article. This will multiply your chances of finding your first paid assignments. Don’t hesitate to participate in design contests to gain visibility and enrich your portfolio. And if you want to know other ways to find clients, I invite you to read my article on the subject.

Step 5: Continue learning and evolving

Graphic design is a constantly evolving field. Stay up to date with the latest trends, new techniques, and software updates. Participate in webinars, read specialized blogs, and engage in online communities. Continuous learning is the key to staying competitive and innovative in your work.

A team of graphic designers Working as a graphic designer offers the great advantage of being able to work as part of a team, for an agency or company, or on your own as a freelancer.

How much does a freelance graphic designer earn?

The income of a freelance graphic designer can vary considerably depending on several factors such as experience, specialization, geographic location, and type of clients. At the beginning of their careers, freelance graphic designers can expect to earn between 20 and 30 euros per hour, although these figures may be lower for those just starting and looking to make a name for themselves. As the graphic designer gains experience and builds a solid portfolio, hourly rates can increase, often reaching between 50 and 100 euros per hour for more complex projects or high-profile clients.

Another aspect to consider is the type of projects you accept. One-time projects like logo creation or business cards can offer quick income but are generally less lucrative than long-term projects such as complete website design or branding campaigns. By taking on different types of projects and working with regular clients, you can stabilize your income and avoid slow periods.

Geographic location also plays an important role. Freelance graphic designers based in regions with a high cost of living, such as major European or North American cities, can generally charge higher rates than those working in less expensive areas. Additionally, working with international clients can open opportunities for more competitive rates, especially if you offer high-quality services.

Finally, specialization can greatly influence your income as a freelance graphic designer. Graphic designers specializing in specific niches, such as UX/UI design, motion design, or corporate branding, can often charge higher rates due to increased demand for their particular skills. Investing time to specialize and position yourself as an expert in a specific field can therefore be a great strategy.

Will AI kill the Graphic Design Profession?

This is the question I asked myself while updating this article, and I had a hard time finding the answer. Until I came across a video by “Soxu Sb,” a French web designer who talks a lot about his profession on his YouTube channel. Here is part of his response, the rest can be seen in his video (in French) here.

“In my opinion, artificial intelligence will kill all the small, not very competent graphic designers. But true graphic designers will never disappear. For the simple reason that the profession of a graphic designer is not just about creating an image from a sentence, but it’s mainly about a human who has the ability to understand another human’s needs, understand their preferences and specific goals, and then adapt in many different areas. Today, a graphic designer has many skills and must especially have skills in visual marketing.”

So, it’s just one opinion among many and only represents his perspective, but I think he is right. Even though AI has made spectacular progress in recent months and will probably continue to do so in the coming years, it will never capture the depth and emotion that only a human can bring. Graphic designers who can combine technical expertise with artistic sensitivity will remain indispensable in this profession.

How to set your rates

To set your rates precisely, start by evaluating your operating costs, such as software, equipment, web hosting, and other professional expenses. Add to this your personal financial needs without being too “greedy” at the beginning to determine how much you need to earn per month to cover your expenses and achieve a sufficiently high income. Divide this amount by the number of hours you plan to work each month to get a basic hourly rate.

Your experience and expertise play a key role in setting your rates. If you are starting, it is better to offer slightly lower rates to attract your first clients and build your portfolio. As you gain experience and reputation, you can gradually increase your rates.

It is also important to know the rates charged by other graphic designers in your field and region. Consult freelance platforms, ask colleagues, and even pose as a client when contacting local agencies to get an idea of current prices. This will help you set competitive rates without undervaluing your work. Stay attentive to market trends to adjust your prices accordingly.

Finally, not all projects are the same, and neither should your rates be. Set specific rates for different types of services, such as logo creation, website design, or illustration production. You can also consider offering packages for complete projects or discounts for regular clients.

What software should you learn to use?

The software you need to master depends largely on your specialization as a graphic designer because there are specific tools tailored to each field. Here is a list of the most used software by graphic designers, covering a wide range of needs and specialties.

Vector Drawing

  • Illustrator: The reference software for creating vector graphics, ideal for logos, icons, and detailed illustrations.
  • Inkscape: An open-source alternative to Illustrator, used for creating vector graphics, often preferred for its zero cost.
  • Affinity Designer: Graphic design and photo retouching software offering an affordable alternative to Adobe products, appreciated for its performance and regular updates.
  • CorelDRAW: Appreciated for its ease of use and powerful vector drawing features, it is a popular alternative to Illustrator.
  • Scribus: A free, open-source page-layout software, ideal for creating professional publications such as brochures, magazines and posters.

Photo Retouching and Image Editing

  • Photoshop: Essential for photo retouching and creating digital illustrations, used for everything from banner ads to complex compositions.
  • GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program): Free and open-source software for photo retouching and image editing, often used as an alternative to Photoshop.

Layout

  • InDesign: The main tool for layout design for magazines, brochures, posters, and electronic books.
  • QuarkXPress: A comprehensive and versatile layout tool for magazines, brochures, posters, and e-books.

UI/UX Design

  • Figma: Used for user interface design and real-time collaboration, popular among design teams and tech startups.
  • Sketch: Mainly used for user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, especially for mobile applications and websites.

Digital painting

  • Krita: A professional, open-source digital painting software designed for artists. Developed by a community of artists, it offers a range of artistic creation tools accessible and affordable to all.

3D Modeling and Animation

  • Blender: Open-source software for 3D modeling, sculpting, animation, and rendering, offering a free and powerful alternative.

Is it essential to have a graphics tablet?

Having a graphics tablet is not essential to becoming a graphic designer, but it can significantly improve your efficiency and the quality of your work. For drawing and illustration tasks, a graphics tablet offers precision and fluidity that a mouse cannot match. It allows for more natural lines, fine control over pressure and tilt, and working with a gesture similar to traditional drawing.

The choice will depend on your area of specialization and personal preferences. A graphics tablet can be particularly useful for graphic designers specializing in illustration or photo retouching, while for graphic design tasks like creating logos, layouts, or vector elements, a mouse may suffice. Many professional graphic designers start without a graphics tablet and invest in one later when they identify a specific need in their workflow.

Note that there are two types of graphics tablets: those with and without a screen. Tablets with a screen allow graphic designers to draw directly on the surface where their work is displayed, offering a more precise, intuitive, and natural experience. However, they are often more expensive than traditional graphics tablets and sometimes require specific configurations.

Two graphic tablets, one with screen and one without

Freelance Platforms

When starting your freelance activity, it may not be easy to find your first clients. Fortunately, several online platforms dedicated to freelancers facilitate connecting with potential clients. Here are some of the best freelance platforms for graphic designers.

  • Fiverr is a generalist platform with a wide variety of services, including graphic design. It works with a system of fixed-price “gigs,” making it ideal for beginners who want to get known and gain experience. However, competition is strong, and it is important to stand out with a solid portfolio and attractive prices.
  • UpWork is one of the main international platforms for freelancers, with a wide variety of missions and clients. Its proposal and negotiation system allows freelancers to secure projects. However, competition is fierce, and it is crucial to stand out with a strong profile and pointed skills.
  • 99designs is a platform specialized in graphic design with contests and direct missions. It is ideal for getting known and showcasing your portfolio to a large audience. Contests are only paid if the design is selected by the client.
  • Freelancer is an international platform similar to Upwork. It works with a bidding system for missions, offering a wide choice of projects. But competition is high, and prices can sometimes be driven down. Freelancer applies a variable commission depending on the type of mission.
  • Toptal is a selective platform for high-level freelancers, offering premium missions to prestigious clients. The application process is rigorous and requires solid experience and skills. The remuneration is attractive and allows working on large-scale projects.
  • Guru is a generalist platform for freelancers with a section dedicated to graphic design. It works with a proposal and negotiation system for missions. The choice of projects is wide, but competition is important, and prices can sometimes be low.
  • PeoplePerHour is a British platform for freelancers with a wide variety of graphic design missions. It works with a quote and direct negotiation system between freelancers and clients. Less known than other platforms, it nevertheless has a very active community.
  • ComeUp (formerly 5euros) is a French platform similar to Fiverr, specializing in fixed-price microservices. It is perfect for offering simple and quick graphic design services like logo creation or visuals for social media. The volume of missions is high, but competition is also increased.
  • Malt is a generalist French platform with a strong presence in the web and digital field. It connects freelancers with companies for more substantial and lasting missions. Its rating and profile verification system guarantees the quality of services.
  • 404works stands out from other platforms by not taking commissions on missions. It works with a direct connection system between freelancers and clients. Although the platform’s visibility is lower, it has an active community and loyal clients. 404works offers a monthly paid subscription at 15€/month.

Tips and tricks

To succeed as a freelance graphic designer, it is not enough to master the software and set competitive rates. It is also important to implement effective strategies and follow practical advice to stand out and attract clients. Here are some additional tips to help you succeed in this career.

  • Participate in design contests: Design contests can help you gain visibility and refine your skills by responding to specific briefs and working under pressure.
  • Offer free consultations: Offer a free initial consultation to discuss the client’s needs. This can help establish a trustful relationship and better understand expectations before starting a project.
  • Use project management tools: Adopt tools like Trello, Monday et Asana to organize your tasks, track deadlines, and collaborate effectively with your clients.
  • Invest in good equipment: Make sure you have a powerful computer and a quality graphics tablet. Good equipment can improve your efficiency and the quality of your work.
  • Continue training: Graphic design is a constantly evolving field. Take online courses, participate in webinars, and read specialized blogs to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques.
  • Ask for feedback: After completing a project, ask your clients for feedback. Use this feedback to improve your skills and adjust your working methods.
  • Diversify your skills: Learn new techniques and explore different areas of graphic design, such as motion design or illustration. The more varied your skills, the more services you can offer to your clients.
  • Create a strong personal brand: Develop a coherent visual identity for yourself as a graphic designer. Use a logo, specific colors, and fonts for all your communications and your website.
  • Networking: Participate in events, conferences, and design meetups to meet other professionals, exchange ideas, and discover new opportunities.

Conclusion

Becoming a freelance graphic designer is a profession that offers flexibility and endless opportunities. We have covered the essential steps to start this career: acquiring basic skills by mastering software and understanding design principles, practicing to develop a unique style, setting fair and competitive rates, and using freelance platforms to find your first clients.

Overall, becoming a freelance graphic designer can be incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally. Key points for ensuring success include perseverance, a commitment to continuous learning, and the ability to adapt to market changes. By adopting a strategic approach and being attentive to clients’ needs, you can not only succeed but also excel in this activity.

Looking to the future, the field of graphic design seems to offer promising prospects. With the continuous rise of digital technologies and the growing importance of visual communication, the demand for talented graphic designers will only increase. Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies will ensure you remain relevant and competitive in the market.

What about you? What do you think of this idea? What motivates or holds you back from starting such an activity? Do you have experiences to share or additional questions about the freelance graphic designer profession? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

EcoTips

Environmental and climate change issues are more than ever at the heart of the concerns of this 21st century, which is why I am proposing a few ideas that will enable you to limit the negative impact that the implementation of this idea could have.

These solutions that I suggest are sometimes largely insufficient to compensate for these negative impacts, such as carbon offsetting. Unfortunately, there is not always an ideal and 100% efficient solution, far from it. And if you have others, please do not hesitate to share them in the comments below.

The environmental impact of this activity mainly lies in energy consumption, the use of computer equipment, and the practices of production and delivery of finished products. First, the computers, screens, and graphics tablets used by graphic designers consume a lot of electricity. Moreover, graphic design software often requires powerful machines, which are themselves energy-intensive.

To limit this impact, I advise you to choose a laptop, which consumes much less energy than a desktop model. Also, choose a robust model that will last for several years to avoid frequent replacements. Remember to recycle your old equipment or resell it if it is still functional, giving it a second life.

Additionally, it may not be necessary to buy one or two 40-inch screens to work comfortably. A 24-inch screen, possibly bought second-hand, is often sufficient to complement the built-in screen of the laptop. This is the setup I use and find perfect, but that’s just my opinion.

Moreover, there are eco-friendly cloud and hosting solutions, such as Greengeeks, Kdrive, DreamHost, or Krystal. These options help reduce the carbon footprint of your digital activities. If possible, prioritize green electricity providers, as is common in Europe. You can also install photovoltaic panels if you own your home and have the budget.

Finally, the production and delivery of printed products, such as brochures, posters, and business cards, also impact the environment. Printing requires ink, paper, and energy, and the delivery processes add to the carbon footprint. You can reduce these impacts by using recycled paper, eco-friendly inks, and working with local printers who adhere to strict environmental standards. Digital delivery of products can also be a more ecological alternative.

Pros

  • Creative and gratifying job.
  • Ability to travel or work from home.
  • Potentially high income.
  • Flexible working hours.
  • Opportunities to work on a wide variety of projects.

Cons

  • High competition.
  • Requires time to learn if you are a beginner.
  • Irregular income early in career.
Disclaimer, please read this

Legal and administrative aspects of the ideas you'll find on Sweekr are rarely discussed because they vary greatly depending on the country you live in. I would advise you to check with your local adminitration before starting any business. Keep in mind that if you make money, the state will ask for "its share" in order to guarantee the proper functioning of schools, hospitals and other public services. Therefore, you will probably have to acquire a micro-entrepreneur status, or any other similar.

Please also note that there are currently NO affiliate links on Sweekr! This means that NO commission is charged when you make a purchase from any of the sites recommended here. Some links are optimized for performance testing only, and each recommendation reflects the opinions or evaluations of the writer of this article. And be sure you'll be notified if (and when) this situation ever changes.

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