Start Graphic Design | Earn $25 to $50 per hour

Are you passionate about creating eye-catching visuals and ready to turn that passion into a career from the comfort of your own home?

Get paid to design posters, ads & graphics for clients.

Discover how to start a successful graphic design career, what’s required to succeed in the industry, and how much you can earn as a home-based designer. Whether you want to make a change or are just starting out in a flexible, creative role, this guide will help you begin your journey as a graphic designer!

What Is Graphic Design?

Graphic design involves creating visual content with the purpose of conveying messages. Designers combine layout, color, font, and picture elements to craft compelling visuals that convey information or evoke emotions. From websites and social media visuals to logos and brochures, graphic design plays a critical role in how businesses and people showcase themselves to the outside world.

Making something visually pleasing is not the only goal of graphic design but also to ensure that it effectively communicates a brand’s identity, product, or message in a clear and engaging way.

What Is a Graphic Designer?

A graphic designer is a specialist in producing visual content for multiple types of platforms. They use design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to create digital and print materials, including logos, websites, business cards, advertisements, product packaging, and much more.

Graphic designers work with clients of differing backgrounds to understand their needs and bring creative concepts to life. They ensure that their designs not only look fantastic but also fulfill an objective by combining their artistic skills with strategic thinking—whether that’s promoting a product, building brand identity, or conveying a message.

Who Is a Graphic Design Career For?

A career in graphic design is great for individuals who:

• Have a passion for art and design: If you love creating visually appealing content and have a strong sense of aesthetics, graphic design offers the perfect opportunity to turn your passion into a profession.
• Enjoy problem-solving: Graphic design involves solving visual communication challenges. Whether it’s creating a user-friendly website layout or designing an attention-grabbing logo, you’ll need to think creatively and strategically.
• Seek flexibility: Many graphic designers work from home as freelancers, allowing for a degree of freedom with regard to working hours and location. Because of this, it’s a fantastic job option for individuals who want to balance creative work with a flexible schedule.
• Are detail-oriented: Graphic designers need to pay close attention to detail, from picking the appropriate colors and fonts to making sure a design is aligned with a brand’s guidelines.
• Love technology: Graphic design relies heavily on software like Adobe Creative Suite, so if you enjoy working with technology and learning new tools, this career will suit you well.

You could be a recent college graduate, or you could be seeking to switch careers, or an artist looking for new ways to express creativity; graphic design offers a rewarding career path that can be personalized to your goals and interests.

How Much Can You Make?

Graphic Design Pays: $25 to $50 per hour

Graphic designers can earn a range of income based on their level of experience, location, and whether you work freelance or for a company. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:

• Freelance graphic designers: Freelancers typically charge by the hour or by project. Beginners may charge $20 to $50 per hour, while experienced designers can charge $75 to $150 per hour or even more, based on how complicated the job is.
• In-house graphic designers: Entry-level in-house graphic designers working for a company usually earn between $40,000 and $50,000 annually. Designers with greater experience or those in specialized fields can earn $60,000 to $80,000 per year, and senior designers or art directors may earn $90,000 or more.
• Freelance project rates: For specific freelance projects, such as designing a logo, rates can range from $200 to $1,000+, while more extensive projects like website design or branding packages can bring in $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the scope and client.

The flexibility of freelance work allows graphic designers to take on multiple clients, offering the potential to increase earnings based on the volume and scale of projects. 

Where to Find Jobs

It doesnt matter if you are a seasoned designer or just starting out, the digital landscape offers numerous opportunities to showcase your creativity and earn from the comfort of your home. Let’s explore the top platforms connecting graphic designers with clients worldwide.

1. Upwork

Upwork is one of the largest freelancing platforms, offering a vast array of graphic design jobs ranging from logo creation to full-scale branding projects. Clients post jobs, and freelancers bid by submitting proposals. With a robust review system, building a strong profile can lead to consistent work.

Payouts: Typically $20–$75/hour; project-based rates vary widely.

Requirements: Strong portfolio, relevant skills, and the ability to write compelling proposals.

Regions Available: Global

How to Join:

1. Sign up at Upwork.
2. Complete your profile with work samples and skills.
3. Browse graphic design jobs and submit tailored proposals.

2. Fiverr

Fiverr allows freelancers to offer “gigs” starting at $5, but many graphic designers charge much more for premium services. It’s ideal for packaging your services (e.g., “I will design a professional logo”) and attracting clients directly.

Payouts: $5–$1,000+ per gig; Fiverr takes a 20% commission.

Requirements: Create service listings with clear descriptions and samples.

Regions Available: Global

How to Join:

1. Register at Fiverr.
2. Set up your seller profile.
3. Create and publish your graphic design gigs.

3. Dribbble

Dribbble is a community of graphic designers showcasing their work. Its job board features remote opportunities from companies seeking top-tier design talent. Building a strong presence here can attract clients directly.

Payouts: Varies widely; many jobs are high-paying and project-based.

Requirements: High-quality portfolio and active engagement on the platform.

Regions Available: Global

How to Join:

1. Create an account at Dribbble.
2. Upload your design portfolio.
3. Browse and apply to remote design jobs.

4. 99designs

99designs connects designers with clients through contests and direct hiring. It’s a great platform to gain exposure and work on diverse projects.

Payouts: Contest winnings range from $100–$2,000+; direct projects vary.

Requirements: Submit to contests or be invited for direct projects; strong portfolio recommended.

Regions Available: Global

How to Join:

1. Sign up at 99designs.
2. Complete your profile and portfolio.
3. Participate in contests or accept direct project invitations.

5. Toptal

Toptal is a platform for the top 3% of freelancers. It offers access to high-quality clients and projects, but requires passing a rigorous screening process.

Payouts: Premium rates; often $60–$150/hour.

Requirements: Extensive experience, portfolio, and passing multiple screening stages.

Regions Available: Global

How to Join:

1. Apply at Toptal.
2. Complete the screening process, including interviews and tests.
3. Once accepted, start receiving project invitations.

6. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour connects clients with freelancers for hourly or project-based work. It’s popular in Europe and offers a variety of design jobs.

Payouts: Varies; freelancers set their rates.

Requirements: Profile approval, portfolio, and proposal submissions.

Regions Available: Global

How to Join:

1. Register at PeoplePerHour.
2. Submit your application for approval.
3. Browse jobs and send proposals to clients.

7. DesignCrowd

DesignCrowd offers design contests and projects in various categories. It’s suitable for designers looking to compete and showcase their skills.

Payouts: Contest winnings and project fees vary; platform takes a commission.

Requirements: Sign up, complete profile, and participate in contests or projects.

Regions Available: Global

How to Join:

1. Sign up at DesignCrowd.
2. Complete your designer profile.
3. Enter contests or accept project invitations.

8. We Work Remotely

We Work Remotely is a job board featuring remote positions across various fields, including design. It’s frequented by companies looking for remote talent.

Payouts: Varies by job; typically full-time salaries or fixed project rates.

Requirements: Depends on the job; usually requires a strong portfolio and relevant experience.

Regions Available: Global

How to Join:

1. Visit We Work Remotely.
2. Browse available design jobs.
3. Apply directly through the job postings.We Work Remotely

9. Behance

Behance is a platform to showcase creative work and discover job opportunities. Its job board lists freelance and full-time positions from various companies.

Payouts: Varies; depends on the employer and project scope.

Requirements: Strong portfolio hosted on Behance.

Regions Available: Global

How to Join:

1. Create an account at Behance.
2. Upload your portfolio projects.
3. Browse the job list and apply to suitable positions.

10. Remote.co

Remote.co specializes in listing remote jobs across various industries, including graphic design. It’s a valuable resource for finding remote-friendly companies.

Payouts: Varies by position; includes both salaried roles and freelance projects.

Requirements: Depends on the job; typically requires relevant experience and a portfolio.

Regions Available: Global

How to Join:

1. Visit Remote.co.
2. Browse graphic design job listings.
3. Apply directly through the job postings.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on a freelance graphic design career from home is more accessible than ever. These platforms offer a variety of work from home opportunities to match your skills and preferences.

Want to Start Your Own Business?

If you would like to start this career as a business, it is essential to know that the success of your graphic design business starts with you having an online presence. Your audience should be able to find you online, and a website is exactly what you need….But what if you don’t know how to create one? Well, creating a website with no coding experience is easier than you think with SiteGround. SiteGround is our recommended easy-to-use web design platform that gives you free domain names, email addresses, web design templates, and website hosting. Set up your domain and web hosting in minutes!

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