4 answers
Zoey
Student
Copperas Cove, Texas
1
Question
Updated
437 views
How practical is freelance graphic design?
I'd like to be a designer, and freelance work sounds nice, but I don't know if that is my best option if I want to make enough money to live.
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4 answers
Candelaria Cresta
Product Design
9
Answers
Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Updated
Candelaria’s Answer
Hi Zoey, hope you're doing good!
Freelance graphic design has a lot of great perks! You can manage your own time and schedule, and many people make a living from it... But the income can be inconsistent, especially when you’re just starting out.
One approach that I think works well in the beginning is mixing freelancing with something more stable. For example, having a part-time job in a creative studio gives you a predictable baseline income and also the opportunity to get feedback on your work, learn from senior designers, develop critical thinking and teamwork . Then you can take freelance projects on the side and slowly build a reliable client base. Once that base is solid, you’re in a much better position to go fully freelance if you want to.
I freelanced for a few years myself, and while it was flexible and interesting, I found it stressful not knowing exactly how much I’d earn each month. Working in a company feels more secure to me because I always know my income and can plan my budget. Still, I like to keep one or two side projects going to stay creative.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on what kind of work style and level of stability you prefer :)
You’ve chosen a great field
Best,
Candelaria
Freelance graphic design has a lot of great perks! You can manage your own time and schedule, and many people make a living from it... But the income can be inconsistent, especially when you’re just starting out.
One approach that I think works well in the beginning is mixing freelancing with something more stable. For example, having a part-time job in a creative studio gives you a predictable baseline income and also the opportunity to get feedback on your work, learn from senior designers, develop critical thinking and teamwork . Then you can take freelance projects on the side and slowly build a reliable client base. Once that base is solid, you’re in a much better position to go fully freelance if you want to.
I freelanced for a few years myself, and while it was flexible and interesting, I found it stressful not knowing exactly how much I’d earn each month. Working in a company feels more secure to me because I always know my income and can plan my budget. Still, I like to keep one or two side projects going to stay creative.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on what kind of work style and level of stability you prefer :)
You’ve chosen a great field
Best,
Candelaria
✨ Danuta Chapin, MFA
Designer and Art Director
17
Answers
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Updated
✨ Danuta’s Answer
Hello Zoey, Freelance graphic design can be a great career path, but its stability depends on your skills, network, and ability to manage the business side.
Full-Time vs. Freelance
Full-Time
Income: Stable salary, predictable.
Benefits: Employer-provided benefits.
Flexibility: Fixed hours, less autonomy.
Career Growth: Promotions, structured career path.
Freelance
Income: Potentially higher if you secure steady clients, but inconsistent.
Benefits: No health insurance, paid leave, or retirement unless you arrange and pay for them yourself.
Flexibility: Choose projects, set a schedule, and work remotely.
Career Growth: Build a portfolio across industries; entrepreneurial opportunities.
Pros:
- Flexibility to choose clients and projects.
- Potential for high earnings.
- Creative independence.
Cons:
- Income instability—months of high earnings may be followed by slow periods.
- You must handle software and hardware, taxes, contracts, marketing, and client acquisition.
- Benefits like healthcare and retirement require your personal planning.
Tips
Start part-time: Build a client base while working a stable job.
Network: Strong relationships and referrals are key to consistent work.
Set clear rates: Use pricing guides, adjust based on project complexity, and be flexible.
If your concern is financial stability, consider starting with a full-time design role and freelancing on the side. Once you’ve built a steady client base and savings, transition to freelance.
When I freelance, I tend to hoard jobs and get overwhelmed.
Best of luck to you!
Full-Time vs. Freelance
Full-Time
Income: Stable salary, predictable.
Benefits: Employer-provided benefits.
Flexibility: Fixed hours, less autonomy.
Career Growth: Promotions, structured career path.
Freelance
Income: Potentially higher if you secure steady clients, but inconsistent.
Benefits: No health insurance, paid leave, or retirement unless you arrange and pay for them yourself.
Flexibility: Choose projects, set a schedule, and work remotely.
Career Growth: Build a portfolio across industries; entrepreneurial opportunities.
Pros:
- Flexibility to choose clients and projects.
- Potential for high earnings.
- Creative independence.
Cons:
- Income instability—months of high earnings may be followed by slow periods.
- You must handle software and hardware, taxes, contracts, marketing, and client acquisition.
- Benefits like healthcare and retirement require your personal planning.
Tips
Start part-time: Build a client base while working a stable job.
Network: Strong relationships and referrals are key to consistent work.
Set clear rates: Use pricing guides, adjust based on project complexity, and be flexible.
If your concern is financial stability, consider starting with a full-time design role and freelancing on the side. Once you’ve built a steady client base and savings, transition to freelance.
When I freelance, I tend to hoard jobs and get overwhelmed.
Best of luck to you!
Eloy Costa
Learning Experience Designer
5
Answers
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Updated
Eloy’s Answer
Hi Zoey! Freelance graphic designer here. What can I say? I love the flexibility to work with different companies/clients solving very different needs. It keeps my creative juices flowing in a way traditional 9-5 work can't, where you mostly work in the same industry, product, realm, etc. It's great to be able to consult and learn from multiple businesses and industries. It has helped me become a more creative, and overall well-rounded full stack generalist designer, which has its perks. Overall, very recommended, but like most things, it is a tradeoff. So you have to ask yourself what is really important for you, and that answer may even change in the future, so keep asking that question often, keep realigning, and don't be afraid to switch from time to time. I've done that myself, and when stability was needed, I made sure I was working as a full-time employee. Then back to freelancer, contractor, or consultant.
Mike Cefaratti
Digital Designer
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hello! I've spent 30 years as a freelance and full-time designer in NYC, and I'd love to offer some advice. Freelancing used to offer more opportunities, but with the rise of AI, these gigs might become less common. So, focusing on full-time positions could be a smart move. As you gain experience, you can specialize in an area you love. Remember, a solid education is key—it helps you stand out. Investing time in building a strong portfolio upfront is crucial. If you can start with some freelance work, that's excellent, as it showcases a range of your skills. Many new designers sometimes take shortcuts, which affects the quality of their work. Avoid this mistake, and you'll do great. I hope this helps!