Do you want to earn an income through graphic design? This blog can teach you how. Follow the effective tips and strategies to turn your passion into income!
Graphic design is one of the most sought-after professions in the world today. The global graphic design market is expected to increase to USD 78.25 billion by 2030 from its initial valuation of USD 57.5 billion in 2023, increasing at a CAGR of 4.5% per year from 2024 to 2030 according to a recent study.
While this fact may throw hopeful light on graphic design jobs and employment, another threat exists; the constant looming shadow of artificial intelligence and free software for graphic design requirements. In the day and age of Midjourney, Khroma, Adobe Firefly, and various other artificially intelligent software systems, using your graphic design skills and knowledge to earn an income can seem daunting and discouraging. You are no longer up against human beings but against machines that can create designs and generate art that would usually take ten days to create…in a matter of seconds.
So,
- What can you do as a graphic designer to turn your passion into income?
- How can you secure your future as a graphic designer in the age of AI?
- How to increase your value as a graphic designer in the marketplace?
- How to boost your revenue on your graphic design projects?
- Is it worth learning graphic design in the age of AI?
- What are the steps to monetising your graphic design skills?
This blog post will answer these questions while also providing direction on how to develop your graphic design skills. If you are among those who say, “Graphic design is my passion”, this is your guide to monetising and growing your passion into a profitable business or income source.
Is graphic design worth it?
Yes, it is.
Take Ireland for example: If you are a great graphic designer, finding job opportunities and migrating to Ireland would be highly possible. Graphic design and creative media jobs are among the skilled worker shortages in Ireland. Similarly, graphic design jobs are abundant in marketing and media spheres with the rapid digitisation of our world and the explosion of social media. Nearly 40% of all graphic designers around the world are 40 years or older according to data from Skillademia. This fact suggests that graphic design can also provide a stable income while being a competitive market that pays well.
What is graphic design?
Graphic design is the process of using artistic skills, abilities, and principles, such as colour schemes, typography, and layouts, to create visuals that deliver a message. The term ‘graphic design usually refers to the practice of brands creating engaging logos and creative pictures, posters, ad copy, and flyers with a powerful message to promote themselves as a business or advertise their products. Today, every industry needs graphic design. Be it Microsoft or Netflix, graphic design is the primary way of communicating with target audiences and customers, followed closely by video editing, cinema, animation, and motion graphics.
How to make money as a graphic designer?
Turn your passion for graphic design into income.
Here are some great graphic design tips for generating revenue:
- Become a freelance graphic designer: Be your own boss, set your hours, and work on projects that excite you. Platforms like Freelancer, Etsy, Upwork, and Fiverr are great places to start, but building a strong portfolio and social media presence is key.
- Land a graphic design job in an agency: Collaborate with other creative minds, gain valuable experience, and enjoy the stability of a full-time position. Agencies come in all shapes and sizes, so find one that aligns with your interests.
- Engage in placement drives in your college or graphic design institute: Most reputed colleges and training institutions provide ample opportunities for employment through placement drives, industrial partnerships, and internships. Research this option well while choosing a graphic design course for yourself.
- Work in-house as a graphic designer: Many companies have in-house design teams who create marketing materials, website content, and more. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in a specific brand and industry.
- Start your own small business:
- Tutor graphic design students and aspirants
- Sell your graphic design and other artworks to the highest bidders on various online stores for art and graphic designs.
- Consider turning your choice design into NFTs and selling them on the online NFT marketplace. Even if you manage to sell 2-3 NFTs, you can still make a handsome amount of money.
What skills do I need to become a successful graphic designer?
Just like any profession, graphic design requires a specific skill set.
Here are some key graphic design skills to focus on:
- Software graphic design skills: Master the industry standards like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. The more software you're proficient in, the wider your job prospects.
- Design principles: Learn the fundamentals of composition, colour theory, typography, and layout. These are the building blocks of creating visually appealing and effective designs. These are the most fundamental and crucial graphic design skills you must possess for success.
- Communication skills: Being able to understand client needs and translate them into visual concepts is crucial. Strong communication skills will ensure your designs hit the right mark.
- Marketing and branding graphic design skills: Whether you're freelancing or working in-house, understanding branding principles will help you create designs that resonate with your target audience.
- Human psychology and image interpretation: You can opt to specialise in human psychology and image interpretation to better understand the impact of your work on the human mind.
- Artificial intelligence and AI-powered graphic design tools: Invest in a graphic design course that can help you learn the basics of prompt engineering and AI tools for image creation.
AI and prompt engineering skills can come in handy when you look for high-income projects in graphic design. Being knowledgeable in these areas can also help you remain relevant in the marketplace for at least five years. These skills are very useful in graphic design as well and can help you boost your revenue in graphic design exponentially.
Where to find freelance graphic design jobs
The beauty of freelancing is the flexibility!
Here are some platforms to find freelance graphic design gigs:
- Upwork and Fiverr: These are great starting points, but competition can be fierce. Focus on building a strong profile and competitive rates.
- Design-specific platforms: Websites like Behance and Dribble allow you to showcase your portfolio directly to potential clients.
- Networking: Connect with businesses and individuals who might need your design services. Attend industry events, join online communities, and build relationships.
Industry-centric graphic design courses can also help build your professional network through placement drives, internships, and industrial attachment schemes. Consider these options when looking to build your network in the industry.
What is the highest paid job in graphic design?
Here are some roles that command premium salaries:
- Creative director: The mastermind behind entire design teams, overseeing projects and setting the creative vision. Glassdoor reveals that creative directors in Ireland draw an average salary of €50,000 to 85,000 per year with an additional cash compensation of €5,000.
- User experience (UX) designer: This professional specialises in creating user-friendly interfaces for websites and applications. Talent states that entry-level positions for UX designers in Ireland pay a salary of €50,000 which can go up to €76,000 and higher with years of experience.
- Motion graphics designer: This person brings visuals to life with animation and video editing—think explainer videos and motion graphics for advertising. Morgan Mckinley discloses that the average salary of a motion graphics designer in Ireland is around €40,000 to €50,000 per year.
Do graphic designers get paid well?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to graphic designer income. Factors like experience, location, and specialisations all play a role. However, with the right skills, network, clients and hustle, graphic design can be a lucrative career path.
In conclusion, graphic design is a highly sought-after skill today and can be extremely rewarding as a career choice provided you have the talent, interest, skill, and determination to succeed. While disruptive software and free AI tools have indeed upped the game in the industry, companies and brands still look for experienced graphic designers with a thorough understanding of concepts and expertise when it comes to creative projects. Investing in a graphic design course can be a great win in the age of AI. This could empower you to become a designer who knows what they are doing rather than one who uses software to think for them.
Consider enrolling in IBAT’s graphic design courses to upskill yourself today!
This article was written by Rebecca Paulraj
FAQ
Q: Is graphic design a good career?
Absolutely! It's a creative and in-demand field with a variety of career paths. If you have a passion for visual communication and are willing to develop the necessary skills, graphic design can be a very rewarding career choice.
Q: How do I determine my pricing as a freelance graphic designer?
Research industry rates for similar work in your location. Consider your experience level and the complexity of the project. Finally, decide your hourly rate and calculate the total price of your work based on these factors. For additional resources and guidance, contact your trusted mentors and seek their input on pricing your graphic design work.
Q: How much money do graphic designers make?
As mentioned earlier, salaries vary depending on experience, location, and specialisation. Glassdoor.com reveals the average graphic designer salary in Ireland to be around €30,000 to 39,000 per year. However, entry-level designers might start lower, while senior creatives and specialists can earn significantly more.
Q: What are some effective ways to market myself as a graphic designer?
- Build a unique online presence: Create a professional website showcasing your portfolio and services. Be active on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Behance.
- Network with other creatives: Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with potential clients.
- Develop strong communication skills: The ability to communicate your design ideas and value proposition effectively is crucial for landing clients.