Freelance graphic design jobs are a great way to earn extra income if you are looking to start your own business working from home.
If you have worked as a graphic designer in the past then you already have a wealth of skills that you can apply to your new home business.
With new sites being created every day, there is increasing demand for someone who is competent in using graphics and illustration software.
In addition, there are opportunities to create logos, marketing material and book illustrations.
These are just a few of the options available to you as a freelance designer, but there are a lot of other things to think about when you plan to work from home.
Where To Find Freelance Graphic Design Jobs
If you have been made redundant or have lost your job because of the poor economic climate, then you may still be able to pick up some freelance work from your former employer.
Even better, you may already have contact details for people who need your services and companies that outsource design work. Other options when seeking freelance work online include freelance job boards and other sites offering legitimate work from home jobs..
As well as jobs boards specifically related to the design industry, consider other general freelance marketplaces such as Guru, Elance, Rentacoder and Ifreelance. Don’t limit yourself to the design category; sometimes suitable jobs are posted in the wrong section.
Start your own website to showcase your portfolio of work and attract future clients. This is one way to set up a virtual shop window which will attract potential clients, but you don’t have to rely on this — you can also set up your own portfolio site using a template set up specifically to showcase design work.
Once you have succeeded in getting those first freelance graphic design jobs, you will need time management skills to make sure that you keep clients happy and deliver work on time. Make it a habit to collect testimonials from satisfied clients. You can put these on your website and other online portfolios to attract even more clients to your freelance business.
Review The Work And Ratings Of Your Competitors
It is important to realize that freelancing is a very competitive business, but reviewing the work of your competitors online (e.g. Elance and Get Services) will show you how your competitors are performing.
- Typically, they will show the following:
- Their website address to showcase their portfolio
- Minimum hourly rate
- Location
- Summary of their business, including design and multimedia experience
Do not be daunted by the low price structure as many employers want suppliers in their own country and quality is more important than price. Look carefully at your competitors in your country to gauge what is viable and whether you can sub contract to them if you wish.
