Would you believe it if I told you that there are people out here getting paid $100/hr working as freelance graphic designers? Yes, graphic design is a skill in demand and the people on top of the pecking order, are earning thousands of dollars every month by creating beautiful designs for their clients. Question is, how do they do it? How can one make $100/hr working as a freelance graphic designer?
I am one of the few lucky individuals who have been able to harness their graphic design skills and handsomely get paid for the services I offer. In this blog post, I want to give you an insight on how I made $100/hr as a freelance graphic design. Use this guide to get started in graphic design and earn a living as a freelancer;
How to Make $100/hr as a Freelance Graphic Designer
For me to make $100/hr from freelancing as a graphic designer, these are the steps I took right from my first class as a graphic designer and to the moment I pitched to the client willing to pay more than $100/hr.
1. Learn graphic design
Graphic design is no child’s play. It has very many faucets attached to it and however creative you might be, you will need to learn the basics and fundamental principles of graphic design from someone.
Fortunately, there are very many online courses offering graphic design at very affordable rates. Alternatively if you can afford it, you can go to college and undertake a degree in graphic design. Although the former is cheaper, the latter offers more resources and a better learning experience because you are getting direct tutelage from someone with prior knowledge in the field.
2. Practise as much as you can
If you are quick enough in learning graphic design, it will take you anything from 3 months to 6 months to fully grasp the basic concepts of graphic design and start working on simple projects. With time though and enough practise, you will be able to work on more complex projects.
Practise as much as you can. Put every single skill that you learn to test. This is the only way you will challenge yourself and get the best out of what you have learnt so far. Always aspire to learn something new every single day and put it to test. All those hours you put into practise will one day count when you finally land a client.
3. Offer to work with experienced designers
Even if it means volunteering for free, try as much as possible to work with other experienced graphic designers right before you delve into the job market. Working with such people has a lot of positives.
Working with seasoned designers gives you an inside look at how they handle the various projects that they are faced with and their problem solving process. While working with these people, do not hesitate to ask as many questions as possible and let them guide you on what they deem you have not understood properly- this is how the best designers in the world are mentored.
4. Start pitching to potential clients
Once you have the approval of a seasoned graphic designer, it is time to dive head first into the job market and look for your first employment. Start looking for clients both online and around you. You could start as an assistant to one of senior designers and slowly work your way up to independence.
Alternatively, you can use platforms such as Upwork, Behance and LinkedIn to look for opportunities and start pitching to the potential clients.
5. Start with low rates and let your work do the bargaining for you
Once you land your first job, don’t set a rate that is too high. Instead set a decent rate but over-perform on the job. Exceed the expectations of your employer and let your immaculate work do the talking for you.
6. Remember to create and update your portfolio with every passing project
Always ensure that you have a portfolio of all the projects that you have worked on as a freelancer. Your portfolio will speak for you when the time comes and you should ensure that it is filled with projects that prospective clients can identify with.
You can also request your past clients to give an honest review of your work and these reviews will go a long way in promoting your hustle.
7. Pitch and ask for an improved rate
Once you are confident about your skills and your portfolio begins to look more complete and you have more projects under your belt, it is time to increase your rates and start talking about the likes of $100/hr.
With such a high rate comes great expectation. Ensure you are able to make good of your promise and deliver quality work.
Talk to Tony to find out more
Want to know more about how I made $100/hr as a freelance graphic designer? Then talk to me on any of the Runrex contacts and I will gladly be of help to you.
Equally, if you are a company looking for the best freelancers in the market for any service ranging from graphic design, web design, PPC services to content creation, look no further than our way here at Runrex.
We offer high quality services at very affordable rates and you should take advantage of our services to take your business to the next level.