The field of graphic design is highly active and has witnessed significant growth in recent years, thanks to the surge in digital marketing. With the introduction of various design programs, starting a career in graphic design has become more accessible than ever. However, finding high-quality, well-paying jobs in this competitive industry can be challenging. In this article, we will explore six lucrative career options that can supplement the income of graphic designers.
- Create Website Icons or Elements:
With over 200 million websites on the internet, website owners strive to differentiate themselves and attract more customers. As a graphic designer, you can play a vital role in this by creating imaginative website components or icons. These can include menus, buttons, headers, and various icons for websites. You can sell these components on third-party platforms like Freepik or Shutterstock, or create your own website to showcase and sell your collection.
- Graphic Novels and Comic Books:
The demand for comic books and graphic novels has been on the rise in recent years. As a graphic designer, you can capitalize on this trend by offering your services to established comics or graphic book publishers or by creating your own graphic novel or comic. Developing characters, plots, and consistently producing new material may be challenging, but with tools like Illustrator and other technologies, you can expedite the creation process. Building a team of marketers, content creators, and illustrators can also turn this project into a successful venture.
Graphic designers, regardless of the type of work they do, need designer insurance for several important reasons. First and foremost, insurance provides protection against potential liabilities that come to the fore during the course of their work. Whether it’s a client claiming copyright infringement, a design error causing financial losses, or a lawsuit related to intellectual property, having insurance safeguards graphic designers from costly legal expenses and potential damages. Additionally, insurance provides a sense of professional credibility, assuring clients that the designer takes their work seriously and is prepared to handle any unforeseen circumstances. Moreover, insurance coverage can extend to equipment and studio spaces, protecting valuable assets in case of theft, damage, or other unforeseen events. Overall, having insurance as a graphic designer offers peace of mind, financial security, and a solid foundation for building a successful and resilient career.
- Creating Stunning Colouring Books:
The adult colouring book industry, estimated to be worth millions of dollars, continues to grow in popularity. Designing intricate mandalas, beautiful landscapes, or captivating animal kingdoms can add value to this hobby. As a graphic designer, you have the ability to create extremely imaginative colouring books that appeal to both adults and children. This work allows for creative freedom and the chance to produce captivating colouring books.
- Creating New Fonts:
In the world of design, there is a constant demand for fresh and unique fonts. Times New Roman is no longer the only option. Many businesses now seek customized fonts for their branding and design purposes. As a graphic designer, you can modify existing typefaces or create entirely new fonts from scratch. Consider designing fonts for specific categories such as sports, travel, or cuisine. These fonts can be sold on various platforms catering to font enthusiasts.
- Making Emojis and Stickers:
Emojis have revolutionized how we communicate, and the demand for original emojis and stickers remains high. As a graphic designer, you can tap into this uncharted territory by creating your own emojis and stickers. Experiment with different styles, from basic yellow emojis to imitating popular animated characters. Creating stickers based on trending topics, news stories, or upcoming movies can be a lucrative strategy. You can sell these stickers or emojis to companies that develop customized keyboards or release them as packs.
- Free Printable Wall Art:
With the expanding home decor market, printed wall art is in high demand. Graphic designers can showcase their creativity by creating stunning digital art, ranging from movie posters to abstract patterns or vintage artwork. Design websites provide a platform where you can register and start creating printable wall art. This career path allows you to express your artistic skills and contribute to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of homes.
- Making Incredible GIFs and Memes:
The era of GIFs is currently in full swing, with their usage and acceptance increasing. The rising demand for GIFs makes them a valuable asset. Contrary to popular belief that graphic designers only work with static images, many designers are skilled in simple video editing, and creating GIFs can be a lot of fun. However, creating GIFs and memes should not be just a hobby, but rather a means to generate income. There are various platforms and digital channels where you can sell your GIF and meme creation skills.
- Establish a Design Blog Website
Many graphic designers find success by engaging with design blogs. These blogs offer valuable resources, such as the latest trends in graphic design, how-to guides, and tutorials. You can take a different approach and create your own design blog to provide similar tools and information. You can easily build a website from scratch or use free WordPress themes. Organize your blog into categories like design ideas, tutorials, resource lists, current design trends, and even sections where you can sell your own creations.
- Teach Graphic Designing
Senior graphic designers with extensive experience in design projects can turn their expertise into an interesting course. With more people having extra time due to the pandemic and remote work practices, there is a growing interest in learning graphic design. Take advantage of this market by creating courses ranging from introductory to in-depth topics like Photoshop or Illustrator. You can sell these courses on online platforms like Coursera or Udemy.
- Create a YouTube Channel
Creating your own YouTube channel is a great alternative to traditional graphic design classes. By producing high-quality videos on graphic design, you can earn money and reach a wide audience. You don’t need elaborate equipment; short 10-minute videos addressing graphic design challenges, such as creating font designs or removing backgrounds from images, can be highly valuable. As your YouTube channel gains a strong following, you can monetize it through advertisements and potentially expand into software or product reviews.
- Start Merchandising
If you want to diversify beyond graphic design, selling specific goods is a great option. Your design skills can be put to use in various ways, including printed wall art, T-shirts, and customized products. These items are in high demand, and there are numerous websites where you can sell them. You can also create your own website and products, partnering with local vendors to increase profit margins.
- Register with Freelancing Websites
Joining reputable freelancing platforms like Upwork, Designhill, Toptal, Fiverr, and others is a reliable way to secure a steady stream of income. Building a strong profile and showcasing your best projects is essential to attract clients. These platforms also provide payment protection, ensuring you receive compensation for your work.
Having multiple income streams is beneficial in any career, including graphic design. As the demand for graphic design continues to grow, digital marketing trends offer graphic designers more opportunities to develop their skills and increase their earning potential.
