What does a Freelance Graphic Designer do?
Published 3 min read
A freelance graphic designer is someone who designs graphics for a living. They can work for themselves, or they can work for a company.
Freelance Graphic Designer job duties include:
- Meeting with clients to discuss project objectives, timelines, and budgets
- Conducting research and gathering information and images related to the project
- Developing concepts and designs based on the client’s needs and specifications
- Creating rough drafts and presenting them to the client for feedback
- Revising designs based on feedback from the client
- Creating final versions of the design files in various formats (PDF, JPG, PNG, etc.)
- Proofreading designs before sending them to the client
- Managing projects from start to finish within the agreed upon timeline and budget
- Keeping abreast of latest trends in graphic design and incorporating them into projects
Freelance Graphic Designer Job Requirements
There are no formal education requirements for becoming a freelance graphic designer, although a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field is often helpful. Many freelance graphic designers have previous experience working in advertising, marketing, or another creative field. Certification is not required, but many designers choose to pursue professional certification through the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) or other organizations. Strong computer skills and knowledge of graphic design software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, are also important.
Freelance Graphic Designer Skills
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- InDesign
- After Effects
- Premiere Pro
- Dreamweaver
- Acrobat
- Flash
- ActionScript
- HTML
- CSS
Related: Top Freelance Graphic Designer Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Freelance Graphic Designer
There are many ways to become a freelance graphic designer. One way is to take the traditional route and get a degree in graphic design from an accredited university. Once you have your degree, you can start working as a freelancer by finding clients and projects that fit your skillset.
Another way to become a freelance graphic designer is to start working on small projects for family and friends. Once you have some samples of your work, you can start marketing yourself to potential clients. You can also join online communities of freelancers and participate in forums and bidding sites to find work.
The most important thing for any freelance graphic designer is to build up a strong portfolio that showcases their skills and talent. Once you have a strong portfolio, you will be able to attract more clients and higher-paying projects.
Related: Freelance Graphic Designer Resume Example
Related: Freelance Graphic Designer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)