Profitable Business Ideas
for Graphic Designers
Becoming a graphic designer is quite popular these days. The profession is in high demand, and you should not have any trouble finding work provided that you offer quality services.
Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that a number of up-and-coming graphic designers tend to struggle at first. Of course, the same can be said about those who have experience.
Reasons vary. Some fail to establish and maintain good relationships with their customers. Others are not capable of making the most out of the opportunities that come their way. And then there are those who do not have a portfolio ready when a potential client asks for one.
There is no need to fret over a missed opportunity. These days, there are plenty of ways to make money as a graphic designer. If you are looking to start a new career or even a side hustle, consider the ideas mentioned below.
Print on Demand
Print on demand requires time for the initial process. You will have to set up the store and find a reliable supplier. Unless, of course, you decide to produce everything yourself.
In reality, it is much easier to run a successful print on demand store when you are sticking to the dropshipping method. Be the connecting bridge between the customer and supplier who has to produce the merchandise and deliver it. Marketing and coming up with designs will be your job. Thus, when something like Printify integrations make print on demand easy, it would be unwise not to take the advantage.
Of course, there is also an option to make a deal for a joint venture and join someone who already has an established store. Plenty of entrepreneurs would welcome someone who has new ideas for designs, and they would be willing to share profits.
Photo Editing
Photo editing is a monotonous and thankless job quite often. It is no surprise to see some photographers hire someone else. Having graphic design skills usually means that you can handle such tasks without any problems.
It does not have to be a full-time job, but rather something you can use as an extra bit of income. And if you are still relatively new, it will be a good opportunity to gain experience and network with other people.
Freelancing Gigs
Starting with freelancing gigs is probably the best when you do not have a degree but still want to work as a graphic designer. Such gigs vary in terms of the job itself and payment. But there are a lot of different offers and multiple freelancing websites.
Prepare to go up against some competition, though, because there will be other bidders. Landing your first job will be the most difficult part, but things should pick up once you get some positive feedback on your profile.
Creating Courses Online
The popularity of online education should not be that surprising. And it all started before the pandemic. People are eager to learn new skills and improve themselves. Or they might be interested in switching careers.
The availability of online courses is great, and the English language has become something that a lot of the world is speaking, especially younger people.
You can turn your skills into education and share them with others. There are platforms like Skillshare and Udemy. Creating and selling courses on those can be quite profitable. At the same time, learning graphic design without visual aids can be quite difficult. So maybe a tutorial channel on YouTube could also be something to consider?
Book Covers
It does not have to be paperbacks and hardcovers. Ebooks are on the rise as well, thanks to Amazon’s self-publishing program. Writers can skip the step where they have to deal with publishing agencies and sell their books directly on Amazon.
A good cover is necessary, and it is one of the main selling points. You could be the one who designs it, and if you establish good relationships with multiple writers, finding work should not be a problem because a good book cover costs quite a bit.
Stream on Twitch
Streaming platforms continue to attract wider audiences. And the streamers themselves are no longer just gamers. Talented people can create a channel and make money from streaming. Graphic design is no exception. You can get donations, subscriptions, and income from sponsorship deals.
Social Media Content
Social media content might seem like a simple thing, but the reality is quite different. People who run Facebook or Instagram profiles are not always the ones who create content. Engaging posts are left to designers because the work requires a lot of diligence and understanding. And all those infographics, contests, and banners you see are not something just anyone can create.
