This article is meant to help your graphic design career as a freelancer.
We'll be going over a few things that will help you attract more clients and do better at your job. One thing that graphic designers have in common is the fact that they have to start from scratch building their client base.
In this guide, we'll show graphic designers how to find profitable niches, craft headlines and descriptions for your business and create winning project descriptions.
If you'd like to know how to start freelancing as a graphic designer, then you're in the right place.
Freelancing Templates
Profitable Freelance Niches for Designers
Freelancing as a designer can be lucrative, but it's important to know which niches are going to make you the most money. There are many different jobs that designers can take on, but some of them will earn you more than others. These 3 Freelance Designers profitable hidden niches will earn you the most for your time and effort:
- Interior designers: The interior design field is booming and offers designers opportunities to work with clients from all different backgrounds. Whether you're working in residential or commercial environments, there's sure to be an opportunity for you in this niche.
- Package Designers: Package designers are in high demand and pay well, so if you have experience with graphic design and package design software like Adobe Illustrator, it's time to start freelancing!
- Video Game Designers: Video game design is a popular field of work for freelancers because there are so many different types of games (and genres) out there. If you're good at creating visual art or coding, consider finding a company that needs your expertise!
Tips to Become a Freelance Designers
It can be hard to know where to start, especially if you're new to freelancing and Upwork. That's why I've put together a list of tips that will help you get the most out of your experience here.
- You should take a look at the popular projects posted on Upwork each day. Because they're popular, they usually pay well.
- Some clients want you to work with them long-term, so they will pay you a higher rate than other clients do.
- You can get even more jobs by giving your repeat clients special rewards for their loyalty.
- If you're really really good at what you do, you might get a chance to do some pro bono work for charity, which is great because it gets your name out there and helps people who are less fortunate than you are!
- Make sure you have an attractive profile photo and cover letter when applying for freelance jobs, because this is how employers decide whether or not they want to work with you. Use one that shows off your personality!
Freelance Designer Profile Headline Examples
- Front-End Developer with HTML/CSS, jQuery, and WordPress
- UI/UX Designer w/ InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver
- Senior UI designer needed for high-level, responsive web design
- Mobile application UI designer with experience in both Android and iOS development
- UX/UI Designer available to work in both digital and print environments
- Web designer looking for a content management system project that requires data manipulation, visualization, and reporting
- Senior UX/UI Designer with a focus on data-driven design to create intuitive digital experiences
- Web Designer with an expertise in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Craftsman converting PSD files into responsive WordPress themes for the hospitality industry
- Graphic Designer with 15 years of experience leading UI/UX design across diverse platforms
- User Interface Specialist with a passion for creating intuitive mobile experiences
Freelance Designer Profile Description Example
I am a freelance designer with more than 10 years of experience designing high quality, creative work for personal and commercial clients. I apply my expertise to create user interfaces, design websites, web templates, logos, and icons for brands, businesses, and organizations.
I can offer the following benefits:
- You will get a 99% satisfaction rate on all projects.
- I am willing to put in the extra effort to make sure you are happy with the final product.
- I will ask questions in order to be sure that you are getting exactly what you want.
- You will receive design work that is easy to use, visually attractive, and expertly crafted.
My skills include:
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Illustrator CS3 Proficiency
Website Design Project Scope Example
Budget: $4,000
Goals/objectives:
- All content on the site will be written in German
- All images and graphics will be in German
- Use of "dark" color scheme
- Make the site more user-focused and less sales-driven
Tasks/deliverables:
- Research competitor sites to see what they are doing right or wrong (to learn from)
- Create a concept for the site, highlighting the differences between [company name] and competitors
- Create wireframe drawings to show webpage structure and content flow
- Create design mockups of the homepage, category pages, and individual product pages
Design Project Brief Example
For an online store that sells a variety of products related to travel and tourism, we are seeking a designer to create a splash page for a start-up weekend campaign. The campaign will be geared towards attracting new users by showcasing what we have to offer.
Objective: The objective for this project is to have a splash page created for a start-up weekend campaign promoting our website.
Scope:
- The designer should be able to provide the following:
- Create the design of the splash page including the header and footer
- Create the css for the page
- Design the layout of the page using bootstrap (or similar) framework
- Create social media buttons and icons in addition to an email submission form at the bottom of each page (see attached document)
Timeline: We are looking for someone who can create this as soon as possible. If you estimate that it will take longer than two weeks, please do not apply. We will only consider someone who can get this done within two weeks' time.
Estimated budget: $500
Design Project Cover Letter/Proposal Example
Hi [client name],
My name is [your name], and I have a diverse background in design. I believe that my experience and portfolio are an ideal match for this project.
I have worked with clients in the past to produce designs that exceeded expectations, and I would love to work with you on your new project as well.
I have worked as a designer for companies such as [company 1], [company 2], and [company 3]. My portfolio includes projects such as [project 1, 2, 3] and more.
I understand that your client wants to update their product packaging to reflect the company's mission statement. I think my experience with other companies will be invaluable for designing the new packaging for this product. Additionally, if you need any help with putting together the final design presentation for the client, I can provide an experienced hand to get everything ready in time.
If there are any questions or concerns about my work or how it may fit into your project timeline, please let me know so we can discuss it further. I look forward to hearing from you!
Client Communication Templates
Introduce Yourself as a Designers
Hi, my name is [name] and I'm a freelance designer.
I've been working in the design field for the past [number] years, and I have experience in everything from logo design to web page creation.
I am a full-time freelancer who specializes in creating beautiful and user-friendly websites. I know how important it is for your website to be both visually appealing and functional, which is why I only work with clients who are willing to invest both time and money into their projects.
I offer my services at a rate that starts at [amount].
How to Update a Design Project Status?
If you're a designer, you know the importance of keeping your clients updated on the status of their projects. But how do you do it? Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your client communication:
- Keep it short and sweet. It's tempting to want to go into detail about every little thing that's happening in your project, but this can get tedious for both you and your client. Try to keep it short and sweet by focusing on only the most important information.
- Include screenshots when possible. If there's something happening in one of the designs that isn't working out as planned, include a screenshot so that your client can see exactly what's going on with their project. They'll appreciate being able to see what you're talking about!
Freelancing Price Increase Letter for Designers
Hi there,
I'm writing to inform you that we are raising our freelance design rates. The rate increase will be effective starting [date].
The reason for this change is that we want to make sure that we can continue to provide you with the same quality of service while still being able to maintain a sustainable business.
If you have any questions or concerns about the new pricing structure, please let me know.
Missed Appointment Email Example
Dear [name],
I'm so sorry to have missed our appointment today. I'm sure you have questions about the project, and I'd love to address them with you.
Please give me on Monday morning, and we can chat about your concerns—and the next steps for our project. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best wishes,
Designers Project Delay Letter Example
Dear [client name],
I am writing to inform you that I will be unable to complete your project as scheduled due to an unforeseen project delay. The delay was caused by an unexpected change in my work schedule, and I have already begun working to resolve this issue. However, I anticipate that it will take at least 3 weeks before I am able to resume work on your project.
I apologize for any inconvenience this causes you. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you in the meantime.
Interview Questions for Designers
- What is your design process?
- Are you able to work in a collaborative environment?
- How do you handle deadlines?
- What do you love about design?
- What are you most proud of in your design portfolio?
- How would you describe your style?
- What do you think is the most important skill for a designer to have?
- How do you decide which tools to use when designing?
Freelancing Branding Templates
Elevator Pitch Example for Designers
What is an elevator pitch? It's a short, persuasive speech that gives someone who you just met all the information he or she needs about you and your services. It should be no longer than 30 seconds and contain:
- Your name and what you do
- How long you've been doing it (to prove credibility)
- Why clients should hire you instead of someone else
Hi, I'm [name] and I'm a freelance designer.
I've been working in the field for 10 years, and have experience in both print and digital design. My specialty is creating visually stunning designs that are also easy to use. I'm happy to work on whatever project you have that needs a designer's touch—from websites and logos to print ads and business cards.
Freelance Designers Narrative
Hi there! My name is [name] and I'm a freelance designer. After working for big companies for many years, I decided to start my own design studio—and it was the best decision I ever made. Now I get to work with clients all around the world who value the same things that I do: quality and detail-oriented work that's tailored to their needs.
I've worked with clients from startups to established companies on projects ranging from product design to web design, from logo development to print collateral. My favorite part about freelancing is that every project is different and has its own challenges, but they all have one thing in common: they're always interesting!
I love what I do because it allows me to express myself through design—and because it allows me to work with people who value creativity as much as I do!
Blog Ideas for Designers
- The best tools for designers
- The design community
- Designers who inspire you
- Design mistakes and how to avoid them
- Tips on How to Create a Strong Brand
