5 answers
Julian
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
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When going into graphic design should I be looking to work for a company or sell my work to companies?
What is the best way to become a trusted graphic designer
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5 answers
Anastasiia Melnikova
Graphic Designer
5
Answers
Spring City, Pennsylvania
Updated
Anastasiia’s Answer
Hello Julian,
You have the exciting opportunity to participate in a contest as a graphic designer, view other creative works, and determine your next steps. Numerous graphic designers showcase their designs to clients and vie for the top spot on freelance sites. This is an excellent way for a budding designer like you to learn how to handle a brief, and if you emerge victorious, you'll receive a reward.
Here are some universal platforms you might find useful:
Upwork: This is one of the biggest freelance platforms globally, offering a plethora of projects, including those in graphic design. Its superb review and rating systems make it easy to find trustworthy clients.
Fiverr: This platform is renowned for its small, fixed-price projects. It's a fantastic choice for newbie designers or those looking for a quick cash influx.
Freelancer: This is yet another expansive platform brimming with contests and projects.
99designs: This platform is a niche one, focusing on design contests. Clients offer a brief, and designers like you compete for the win.
I embarked on my journey in a similar manner, participating in contests and building my initial portfolio based on them.
Best of luck to you!
You have the exciting opportunity to participate in a contest as a graphic designer, view other creative works, and determine your next steps. Numerous graphic designers showcase their designs to clients and vie for the top spot on freelance sites. This is an excellent way for a budding designer like you to learn how to handle a brief, and if you emerge victorious, you'll receive a reward.
Here are some universal platforms you might find useful:
Upwork: This is one of the biggest freelance platforms globally, offering a plethora of projects, including those in graphic design. Its superb review and rating systems make it easy to find trustworthy clients.
Fiverr: This platform is renowned for its small, fixed-price projects. It's a fantastic choice for newbie designers or those looking for a quick cash influx.
Freelancer: This is yet another expansive platform brimming with contests and projects.
99designs: This platform is a niche one, focusing on design contests. Clients offer a brief, and designers like you compete for the win.
I embarked on my journey in a similar manner, participating in contests and building my initial portfolio based on them.
Best of luck to you!
Amy Goegan
Lead Design
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Work for a company or sell your work to a company? If you are a junior designer it may be best to start working at a company so you can really see how the design process works, get feedback, and learn from more senior designers. There are design rules and systems that junior designers just do not know exist until they get more work experience. Selling your work to a company means you would work as a freelance artist. You are hired for specific projects and these projects may be more difficult to secure if you have no contacts in the industry and really do not have any work experience. You should see if there are any design guilds, or design communities in your area. If you are in school for graphic design, you should ask about internships and it would be a good idea to sign up to do one. Sometimes after an internship, a job offer is made and if not, at least you have a new contact and can tell them you would be interested in freelancing.
Jhanvi Bhatia
Product Deisgner
7
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Jhanvi’s Answer
Hey! I feel a mix of both works great for alot of people.
Deciding whether to work for a company or sell your work as a freelancer in graphic design depends on your goals, preferences, and circumstances. Here are some considerations for each path:
Working for a Company
Stability: A full-time job often provides a steady income, benefits, and job security.
Collaboration: Working within a team can enhance your skills through collaboration and mentorship.
Resources: Companies typically have access to better tools, software, and training opportunities.
Structure: A structured environment may help you develop a routine and work-life balance.
Selling Your Work (Freelancing)
Flexibility: Freelancing allows you to set your own schedule and choose projects that interest you.
Variety: You can work with different clients across various industries, which can keep your work exciting.
Independence: You have full control over your creative direction and business decisions.
Potential for Higher Earnings: With the right clients and workload, freelancing can be more lucrative.
Factors to Consider
Skill Level: If you're just starting, working for a company might help you build your portfolio and gain experience.
Market Demand: Research the demand for freelance designers in your area or industry to gauge potential success.
Networking: Consider how much you enjoy networking and client interaction, as freelancing often requires strong self-promotion skills.
Ultimately, you might explore a hybrid approach, freelancing while working part-time for a company, to find the best balance for your career goals.
Best,
Jhanvi
Deciding whether to work for a company or sell your work as a freelancer in graphic design depends on your goals, preferences, and circumstances. Here are some considerations for each path:
Working for a Company
Stability: A full-time job often provides a steady income, benefits, and job security.
Collaboration: Working within a team can enhance your skills through collaboration and mentorship.
Resources: Companies typically have access to better tools, software, and training opportunities.
Structure: A structured environment may help you develop a routine and work-life balance.
Selling Your Work (Freelancing)
Flexibility: Freelancing allows you to set your own schedule and choose projects that interest you.
Variety: You can work with different clients across various industries, which can keep your work exciting.
Independence: You have full control over your creative direction and business decisions.
Potential for Higher Earnings: With the right clients and workload, freelancing can be more lucrative.
Factors to Consider
Skill Level: If you're just starting, working for a company might help you build your portfolio and gain experience.
Market Demand: Research the demand for freelance designers in your area or industry to gauge potential success.
Networking: Consider how much you enjoy networking and client interaction, as freelancing often requires strong self-promotion skills.
Ultimately, you might explore a hybrid approach, freelancing while working part-time for a company, to find the best balance for your career goals.
Best,
Jhanvi
Tamara Jean
Digital Marketing Manager
4
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tamara’s Answer
Hey! It’s awesome that you’re diving into graphic design!
When deciding whether to work for a company or freelance, it really comes down to what suits you best. Working for a company gives you stability and valuable experience, while freelancing offers the freedom to choose projects you love. Many designers start with a job and then explore freelancing, so you can definitely do both!
To become a trusted graphic designer, focus on building a solid portfolio. You can use free tools like Canva or Adobe Express to showcase your work, including school projects or volunteer designs. Getting feedback from friends or online communities can help you improve and show you value input. Networking is key too—join design meetups or connect with other creatives on Instagram or Behance. And always communicate well with clients and meet deadlines to build a strong reputation.
If you're feeling a bit unsure, maybe take a career or personality quiz to discover your interests or work style! You’ve got this!
When deciding whether to work for a company or freelance, it really comes down to what suits you best. Working for a company gives you stability and valuable experience, while freelancing offers the freedom to choose projects you love. Many designers start with a job and then explore freelancing, so you can definitely do both!
To become a trusted graphic designer, focus on building a solid portfolio. You can use free tools like Canva or Adobe Express to showcase your work, including school projects or volunteer designs. Getting feedback from friends or online communities can help you improve and show you value input. Networking is key too—join design meetups or connect with other creatives on Instagram or Behance. And always communicate well with clients and meet deadlines to build a strong reputation.
If you're feeling a bit unsure, maybe take a career or personality quiz to discover your interests or work style! You’ve got this!
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
25
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
It depends on where you are in your career and your wants and needs. The important part is to get work samples that you can share with potential employers or clients, as well as testimonials and references.
When I was a student, we were encouraged to try to find volunteer graphic design opportunities to build our professional portfolios. I designed a mark and logo for a nonprofit women's clinic in Minneapolis that they used for a long time. I contacted the clinic and explained briefly that I was a commercial art student and had gotten excellent care there and wanted to give something back, so it was a really nice exchange for both of us. Are you interested in any social issues or small businesses? You could start there.
As for the "trust" piece, you become trusted by showing up: do what you say you're going to do, and do your best. Give your clients what they want; let them know you're listening to them and doing your best to help them. Learn to anticipate their needs and recommend ways they can save money, for instance. Learn how to manage your time and estimate turnaround times accurately. And again--start building your portfolio, asking for endorsements, and seeing if anyone you know has referrals. Remember: you're the expert--that's why they hired you.
When I was a student, we were encouraged to try to find volunteer graphic design opportunities to build our professional portfolios. I designed a mark and logo for a nonprofit women's clinic in Minneapolis that they used for a long time. I contacted the clinic and explained briefly that I was a commercial art student and had gotten excellent care there and wanted to give something back, so it was a really nice exchange for both of us. Are you interested in any social issues or small businesses? You could start there.
As for the "trust" piece, you become trusted by showing up: do what you say you're going to do, and do your best. Give your clients what they want; let them know you're listening to them and doing your best to help them. Learn to anticipate their needs and recommend ways they can save money, for instance. Learn how to manage your time and estimate turnaround times accurately. And again--start building your portfolio, asking for endorsements, and seeing if anyone you know has referrals. Remember: you're the expert--that's why they hired you.