{"id":902,"date":"2019-10-16T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-10-16T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/articles\/how-to-become-a-freelance-graphic-designer\/"},"modified":"2025-05-22T13:19:53","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T13:19:53","slug":"how-to-become-a-freelance-graphic-designer","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-freelance-graphic-designer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to become a freelance graphic designer: a guide to starting your own business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re wondering how to become a freelance graphic designer here\u2019s our step-by-step guide \u2013 from the qualifications you need to actually starting your own business.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have you always had a creative side? A graphic design career is your chance to use those muscles. And as a freelancer you\u2019ll have the opportunity to work with a varied bunch of clients, meaning no two days will be the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whatdoesagraphicdesignerdo\">What does a graphic designer do?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Graphic designers develop visual ideas and concepts. You could work on large projects, like an advertising campaign or rebrand for a large organisation, right down to product packaging, brochures and magazines.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When working on projects, graphic designers use imagery, illustration and typography (among other things) and arrange these elements using computer programs like Adobe PhotoShop, InDesign and Illustrator.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll find graphic designers working in-house at organisations. Or they might work at a creative agency, which organisations often hire to do much of their marketing and advertising.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But lots of graphic designers work as freelancers. Being a freelancer means you get to be your own boss, choosing the clients you work for and setting your own daily rates.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whatgraphicdesignerqualificationsdoyouneed\">What graphic designer qualifications do you need?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are different routes into graphic design \u2013 you could choose to go to university, college, or work as an apprentice before going self-employed.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each of these routes requires good GCSEs, and in the case of university and college, A levels.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many clients will look for experience, too, so during (and after) studying you should build up a portfolio that shows your design skills. You could even <a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-create-a-business-website\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1424\" >build your own website<\/a>, to host all your work.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may be able to find work experience, internships or a junior design position before you go self-employed \u2013 letting you build your skills (and a list of contacts).<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"howmuchdographicdesignersearn\">How much do graphic designers earn?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As with any job, a graphic designer salary varies based on experience, location and the type of role or contract.<\/p>\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The National Careers Service give a range from <strong>\u00a316,000 a year for someone who\u2019s starting out<\/strong> to <strong>\u00a350,000 a year for someone who\u2019s experienced<\/strong>. But being self-employed, you\u2019ll set your own rates.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prospects.ac.uk say that freelancers can earn between <strong>\u00a3200 and \u00a3400 a day<\/strong> with experience, but add that with a good track record and recommendations, you could command more.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When setting your rates, you could do some competitor research to find out how much graphic designers are charging in your area.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"howtostartagraphicdesignbusiness5stepguidetogoingfreelance\">How to start a graphic design business \u2013 5-step guide to going freelance<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So you\u2019ve developed your skills and want to go freelance. You might even want to set up your own creative agency. Why not read our step-by-step guide to help you on your way?<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1chooseaspecialism\">1. Choose a specialism<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Specialising is especially useful in a heavily populated industry like design. Any differentiation and expertise you can offer will help you attract work and allow you to excel at the projects you take on.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might&#8217;ve naturally discovered your specialism during the experience you\u2019ve already gained. But if you haven\u2019t, is there an aspect of design you\u2019ve particularly enjoyed? Here are some niches you could focus on:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>visual identity<\/strong> \u2013 think branding, including logos, imagery, colour palettes and typography<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>packaging<\/strong> \u2013 product packaging can be beautiful even for simple products like bars of soap or juice cartons \u2013 and organisations need talented people to create the designs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>content marketing<\/strong> \u2013 designers working in a traditional marketing space can work across a range of projects, from digital guides and brochures, social media assets, to email marketing templates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are many more projects graphic designers might work on, so have a look at what\u2019s out there and choose your focus. And when you know your specialism be sure to use it to stand out from the crowd.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2startyourbusiness\">2. Start your business<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lots of freelance graphic designers work alone. But many want to start their own design agency too. Whatever direction you choose you need to treat what you\u2019re doing as a business, setting goals and having a plan for how you\u2019re going to get there.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>write a <\/strong><a href=\"\/knowledge\/strategy\/how-to-write-a-business-plan\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1199\" ><strong>business plan<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 it helps you answer important questions before you set out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>choose a business structure<\/strong> \u2013 work out whether you\u2019re going to set up as a <a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/sole-trader-vs-limited-company\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1532\" >sole trader or limited company<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>get to grips with the <\/strong><a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/self-employed-tax-changes\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1514\" ><strong>Self Assessment<\/strong><\/a><strong> process<\/strong> \u2013 you need to complete an annual tax return<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3developtherightbusinessskills\">3. Develop the right business skills<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While you may be experienced in the practical elements of design, running a business calls on different skills. Think about the following:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>winning clients<\/strong> \u2013 you need great communication skills to network with potential clients and win work. Building great relationships doesn\u2019t just help you find projects, it also helps you understand your client\u2019s aims and nail briefs. Happy clients are more likely to shout about you to other potential clients<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>pricing your work<\/strong> \u2013 this is tricky for freelancers to get right. There\u2019s no definitive answer to how much you should charge, but keep perceived value in mind \u2013 going too low, even when you\u2019re just starting out, risks minimising your expertise. Costs will vary hugely depending on the particulars of the project \u2013 and on the designer. Read more about <a href=\"\/knowledge\/freelance\/setting-a-freelance-hourly-rate-what-hourly-rate-should-i-charge\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"807\" >how to set a freelance hourly rate<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>building a team<\/strong> \u2013 having the skills to spot great talent is a must, especially if you\u2019re starting a design agency. You might be an expert in your specialism, but the truth is that everyone has limits to their abilities. If you have some gaps in your skillset, could you start hiring employees to help out? Bringing people in with fresh perspectives and different mindsets could help your business grow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>building a great culture<\/strong> \u2013 even if you\u2019re working on your own you can build a great culture around your business. Think about what you want to be known for. Clients will value reliability, consistency and transparency. As your business grows, it can scale around values like these that you\u2019ve already set in place<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>getting help<\/strong> \u2013 be sure to lean on support in the form of mentors \u2013 The Guardian say that industry bodies like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dba.org.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Design Business Association<\/a> can help with information and advice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4gettherightinsurance\">4. Get the right insurance<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s a good idea to think about <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/graphic-designers-insurance\/\">designers&#8217; insurance<\/a> when you\u2019re starting out.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/professional-indemnity-insurance\/\"><strong>professional indemnity insurance<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 this is one of the most important covers for freelancers as it protects you if you make an error in your work, or you give faulty advice, which leads to a loss for your client<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\"><strong>public liability insurance<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 a key cover for businesses, this protects you if a member of the public gets ill, injured or suffers a loss and blames your business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/employers-liability-insurance\/\"><strong>employers\u2019 liability insurance<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 this is a legal requirement if you have staff, even temporary or part-time workers. It protects you if an employee gets ill or injured and blames your business<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5growyourbusiness\">5. Grow your business<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a designer, knowing how to market your client\u2019s services and products might come more naturally than knowing how to market yourself.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While lots of tips mentioned above, like being consistent, reliable and transparent, will help you deliver projects successfully, you should also shout about those successes.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So be sure to maintain your business website, update it with the latest projects you\u2019ve delivered and think about writing a blog to show your expertise.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And don\u2019t underestimate the importance of effective PR. Are there industry awards you can enter to help get your name out there? Could you push for speaking invitations to events and conferences?<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More small business guides and resources\n<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/freelance\/what-is-coworking-space\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1146\" ><strong>What is a coworking space?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/register-as-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1501\" ><strong>How to set up as self-employed with HMRC<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/self-assessment\/self-employed-expenses\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1511\" ><strong>What can I claim as self-employed tax-deductible expenses?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-start-a-side-hustle\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"17811\" ><strong>How to turn a hobby into a business<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/faq\/what-type-of-business-insurance-do-i-need\/\"><strong>What type of business insurance do I need?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-start-a-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1444\" ><strong>How to start a business<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Growing your business needs passion, drive and an entrepreneurial spirit \u2013 good luck!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"lookingfordesignersinsurance\">Looking for designers&#8217; insurance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">As one of the UK&#8217;s biggest <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\" >business insurance<\/a> providers, we protect lots of freelance designers from all over the UK. Why not build a quick, tailored <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/graphic-designers-insurance\/\">designers&#8217; insurance quote<\/a> today?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Want to become a freelance graphic designer? Read our guide to get the lowdown on qualifications, gaining experience and marketing yourself.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":26267,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"","sb_enable_content_gating":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[335,110],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[26],"class_list":["post-902","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-freelance","category-business-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to become a freelance graphic designer: 5-step guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Want to become a freelance graphic designer? Read our guide to get the lowdown on qualifications, gaining experience and marketing yourself.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-freelance-graphic-designer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to become a freelance graphic designer: 5-step guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Want to become a freelance graphic designer? Read our guide to get the lowdown on qualifications, gaining experience and marketing yourself.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-freelance-graphic-designer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Simply Business UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-22T13:19:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/how-to-become-a-freelance-graphic-designer.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"How to become a freelance graphic designer: a guide to starting your own business\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"Sam Bromley\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-freelance-graphic-designer\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-freelance-graphic-designer\/\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Sam Bromley\",\"description\":\"\\nSam has more than 10 years of experience in writing for financial services.\u00a0He specialises in illuminating complicated topics, from IR35 to ISAs, and identifying emerging trends that audiences want to know about.\u00a0Sam spent five years at Simply Business, where he was Senior Copywriter.\"},\"headline\":\"How to become a freelance graphic designer: a guide to starting your own business\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-10-16T00:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-22T13:19:53+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-freelance-graphic-designer\/\"},\"wordCount\":1375,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-freelance-graphic-designer\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2017\/06\/freelance.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Guides for freelancers\",\"Small business news\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-freelance-graphic-designer\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-freelance-graphic-designer\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-freelance-graphic-designer\/\",\"name\":\"How to become a freelance graphic designer: 5-step guide\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-freelance-graphic-designer\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-freelance-graphic-designer\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2017\/06\/freelance.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-10-16T00:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-22T13:19:53+00:00\",\"description\":\"Want to become a freelance graphic designer? 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