From selling digital arts to printables, graphic design course selling, and providing graphic design as a service, there are various ways a graphic designer can monetize his skills.

Graphic design is one of the oldest professions that is still paying high to date. In almost everywhere you look, from the billboard and logos to the package of your food products, you will see the beautiful work of a graphic designer. Graphic design is a skill and career that is always very much in demand, now it is easier to make 100k as a graphic designer with one good gig or a few gigs. There are people who make millions from graphic design jobs, and graphic designers who create logos for the most popular brands earn millions for their mind-blowing works of art. So, if you’re wondering how to make money as a graphic designer, this guide will help you, whether you’re just starting your journey or have already begun.

Whether you are looking for how to make money as a beginner graphic designer, or how to make money as a graphic designer in Nigeria or any other part of the world, you will find the following tips helpful even if you want to start to earn money by designing t-shirts online, logo making, and many more.

Thankfully, you don’t need a degree in graphic design from a university to get started. There are so many online platforms that can help you learn the secrets to becoming a successful graphic designer. Our Canva Graphic Design Course For Content Creators And Website Builders provides all the ingredients that will push you up the ladder in the graphic design industry.

Before we dive deep into the way you can earn money as a graphic designer, let’s first take a look at graphic design meaning to carry everyone along.

What Is Graphic Design?

What is a simple definition of graphic design? Graphic design is the practice of composing and arranging the visual elements to communicate a message to people. 

Wikipedia defines graphic design as a practice that involves creativity, innovation, and lateral thinking using manual or digital tools, where it Is usual to use text and graphics to communicate visually. 

Furthermore, Alina Wheeler a branding consultant and author said that “design is intelligence made visible.” 

Essentially, graphic design is finding visual solutions for a specific purpose, whether that’s to make someone want to purchase a product, watch a television show, or come to a large event. 

But before one can start a graphic,    one should At least know the essential graphics design tools necessary. Which will bring us to our next.

What kind of tools and software do graphic designers use?

It is common for people who are new to graphic design to ask questions such as what tool to use for graphic design, what graphic designers use to draw on, what equipment is needed to be a graphic designer and many other related questions. Graphic designers use a variety of tools to create visual content, ranging from traditional mediums to digital software including AI tools such as AI art-generating tools, mockup AI tools, and many more. Here’s a rundown of some common tools graphic designers use.

1. Photoshop

Photoshop is an industry-standard in the creative field and is widely used in various industries, including photography, graphic design, advertising, and digital art. Adobe Photoshop is a popular image editing and manipulation software used by professionals and enthusiasts alike. It offers a wide range of features and tools to enhance, transform, and create stunning visual content.

With Photoshop, you can:

• Edit and retouch images
• Create digital paintings and artwork
• Design graphics and logos
• Manipulate and combine images
• Add text and effects
• And much more!

Photoshop comes with a lot of prebuilt features and also allows the installation of plugins to enhance its functionalities.

2. Sketch

The Sketch tool is a digital design tool that allows users to create wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs for various projects, including websites, mobile apps, and user interfaces (UI). It’s a popular alternative to Adobe XD, Figma, and other design tools.

Sketch is specifically tailored for user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, offering features like:

• Vector editing: Create scalable vector graphics for crisp designs.
• Layers and symbols: Organize and reuse design elements.
• Prototyping: Create interactive designs for testing and feedback.
• Collaboration: Share and work with others in real time.
• Plugins and integrations: Extend Sketch’s capabilities with a wide range of plugins.

Sketch is widely used by designers, product teams, and businesses to create and refine digital products, and is particularly popular among Mac users.

3. Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is a powerful vector graphics editor used by artists, designers, and creatives to create stunning illustrations, logos, graphics, and icons. It’s an industry-standard tool for vector design, offering a wide range of features and tools to produce high-quality artwork.

Illustrator’s vector-based approach allows for scalable designs that remain crisp and clear at any size, making it ideal for:

• Print design (business cards, brochures, posters)
• Digital design (web graphics, social media assets, UI elements)
• Branding and advertising (logos, icons, billboards)

With Illustrator, you can:

• Create logos and brand identities
• Design icons and graphics
• Develop illustrations and artwork
• Create typography and text effects
• Edit and manipulate vectors
• Work with layers and masks
• Use advanced color and gradient tools
• Export and share designs in various formats

Adobe Illustrator is a versatile tool for creatives, offering a vast range of possibilities for vector design, illustration, and visual art. Its compatibility with other Adobe tools like Photoshop and InDesign makes it a fundamental part of the creative workflow.

4. InDesign

InDesign is like a digital layout tool for making things like magazines and brochures look super professional. It helps designers arrange text and pictures nicely.

Some of the key features include:

• Text to Image: Create images from text prompts using Adobe Firefly models
• Transfer work: Import files from Photoshop and Illustrator into InDesign
• Modify type: Adjust kerning and tracking to format fonts and text
• Share work: Create a shareable link for collaborators to provide feedback
• Make accessible PDFs: Optimize documents for screen readers and assistive devices
• Publish documents online: Turn InDesign documents into interactive versions with buttons, slideshows, and animations

5. CorelDraw

CorelDRAW is a powerful vector graphics editor software used for creating graphics, logos, icons, illustrations, and artwork. It is a popular alternative to Adobe Illustrator and is widely used by graphic designers, artists, and professionals in various industries.

CorelDraw can be used for:

• Graphic Design: Logos, business cards, brochures, and other marketing materials.
• Digital Art: Illustrations, cartoons, and other creative artworks.
• Sign Making: Large-format designs for signs, billboards, and outdoor advertising.
• Fashion Design: Textile designs, patterns, and other fashion-related graphics.

CorelDRAW is a versatile and powerful vector graphics editor, ideal for various design needs. Its user-friendly interface, advanced features, and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice among graphic designers and artists.

Other graphic design apps include; Figma, Pixlr, Krita, After Effects, Adobe XD, GIMP, Canva, Inkscape, and many others. Some of the software for graphic design on the list supports mobile graphic designing while some require a laptop or desktop computer. While there exist free graphic design software, some offer premium features and can be accessed only by paid users.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the devices used by graphic designers;

Important graphic design equipment

• Pen and paper
• Computers
• Stylus and graphics tablets
• Storage devices.
• Camera.

Where to learn graphic design? 

Getting a college degree isn’t necessary to make money as a graphic designer. What really matters to companies and clients is your creative skills, not where you studied. They’ll judge your talent by looking at your designs. So, the most important thing is to focus on doing real projects and building an impressive design that showcases your abilities.

If you want to earn money as a graphic designer online, you need to be great at it because there are others out there so you need to make your graphics unique, i.e. you have to learn from the best to become perfect.  You should consider starting with an online graphic design course. The OctaDev Graphics Design Course is a great option because it’s affordable and teaches you how to use a modern-day online graphic design application to create mind-blowing designs.

If you are not result-orientated and do not care about time, you can spend more time surfing the internet for free graphic design tutorials and on platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and Quora where you can ask graphic design questions and get answers from community members.

The Best Ways To Make Money Online As A Graphic Designer

Now we have come to the main deal. After letting you know what software is used for graphic design and where you can learn graphic design for free, the next important thing is to show you how you can monetize your skills.

1. Showcase Your Design Portfolio To Attract High-Paying Clients

For graphic designers, having a well-organized online portfolio is essential to attract high-paying clients. We emphasize the importance of presenting a diverse range of projects that highlight your skills, creativity, and technical expertise. A professional portfolio serves as a visual resume, showcasing your best work and demonstrating your capabilities to potential clients.

Regularly updating your portfolio with new and high-quality projects keeps it fresh and relevant. It’s important to include a variety of work, such as branding, web design, illustrations, and any other areas of expertise you possess. This diversity shows potential clients that you can handle different types of projects and meet their specific needs.

Here at OctaDev, we suggest that you use a clean and professional layout for your portfolio, making it easy for visitors to navigate and find the information they need. High-resolution images, detailed descriptions, and case studies of your projects can provide deeper insights into your design process and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, including client testimonials and reviews can build trust and credibility because most people need social proof to take action.

Promoting your portfolio through social media, design communities, and professional networks can increase its visibility. By driving traffic to your portfolio, you increase your chances of attracting high-paying clients who are looking for top-tier design services.

2. Join Freelance Platforms

Freelance platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Behance provide graphic designers with access to a global market of clients seeking design services. These platforms are excellent starting points for finding a variety of projects and building a client base.

On Upwork, you can create a profile that highlights your skills, experience, and portfolio. You can then bid on projects that match your expertise. Maintaining a high rating and positive reviews on Upwork can help you stand out to potential clients. The platform offers flexibility, allowing you to choose projects that fit your schedule and interests.

Fiverr operates on a gig-based system where you can offer specific services at set prices. This platform is ideal for offering design packages, such as logo design, social media graphics, or business card creation. By creating compelling gig descriptions and delivering high-quality work, you can build a strong reputation and attract repeat clients.

Behance is a platform specifically for creatives to showcase their portfolios. By creating a visually appealing profile and uploading your projects, you can attract clients who are looking for talented designers. Behance also allows you to connect with other professionals in the industry, which can lead to collaboration opportunities and further exposure.

3. Create And Sell Custom Designs On Products Like T-Shirts And Mugs

Print-on-demand (POD) services provide graphic designers with a unique opportunity to create and sell custom designs on various products without having to manage inventory or handle shipping. Platforms like Redbubble, Teespring, and Printful allow you to upload your designs and sell them on products such as t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more.

To get started, you need to create an account on a POD platform and set up your online store. Upload your designs and choose the products you want to sell. The platform handles production, shipping, and customer service, allowing you to focus on creating new designs and marketing your products.

Promoting your store through social media, email marketing, and online advertising can help drive traffic and increase sales. By creating unique, high-quality designs that resonate with your target audience, you can build a loyal customer base. Offering limited edition products or seasonal collections can also create a sense of urgency and encourage more purchases.

The beauty of print-on-demand is that it provides a source of passive income. Once your designs are uploaded, they can generate sales without additional effort from you. This allows you to continue creating new designs and expanding your product offerings while earning money from existing products.

4. Teach Graphic Design Skills Through Platforms Like Octadev, Udemy Or Skillshare

If you have expertise in graphic design And wish to make online as a graphic designer,  teaching online courses can be a lucrative way to share your knowledge and earn income. Our platform and other e-learning websites like; Udemy and Skillshare provide the tools and audience needed to create and sell courses on various design topics, from beginner tutorials to advanced techniques.

To create a successful online course, start by identifying a topic that you are passionate about and that has a demand in the market. Research your target audience to understand their needs and preferences. Plan your course content by breaking it down into manageable sections and creating a detailed outline.

Recording high-quality video lessons is crucial for engaging your students. Invest in good equipment and software to ensure clear audio and visuals. Include practical exercises, downloadable resources, and quizzes to enhance the learning experience. By providing valuable and comprehensive content, you can attract positive reviews and ratings, which are essential for attracting more students.

Promoting your course through social media, email marketing, and collaborations with other educators can help increase enrollments. Offering discounts or free previews can also entice potential students to enroll. Additionally, engaging with your students through Q&A sessions, discussion forums, and feedback can create a sense of community and improve the overall learning experience.

Teaching online not only generates income but also enhances your reputation as an expert in the field. It can lead to additional opportunities, such as speaking engagements, consulting work, or book deals. By continuously updating your courses and creating new ones, you can build a sustainable income stream.

5. Sell Templates, Icons, And Design Elements

Selling digital products such as templates, icons, and design elements can provide graphic designers with a steady stream of passive income. Marketplaces like Creative Market, Envato, and Adobe Stock allow you to upload and sell your digital creations to a global audience.

To succeed in selling digital products, focus on creating high-quality, versatile designs that meet the needs of other designers and businesses. Popular digital products include website templates, social media graphics, logo kits, icon sets, and presentation templates. Research current trends and customer preferences to ensure your products are relevant and in demand.

When creating your products, pay attention to detail and usability. Provide multiple file formats and ensure that your designs are easy to customize. High-resolution images, clear instructions, and consistent branding can enhance the appeal of your products.

FAQs

Conclusion

Graphic design is so lucrative that there are so many ways to earn a living as a graphic designer, the more means you know, the more money you will make in the graphic design industry, and most importantly, your creativity is what keeps your clients coming. Always learn a brand’s story and what they want, schedule delivery and deliver your job as promised, this way you can build trust and earn the stage to showcase your talent to the world and earn more through recommendations.

In your journey to monetizing your graphic design skills, incorporate social media platforms as a place you showcase your work and if you want to build more authority consider building a portfolio website for graphic design where you will also showcase your work and testimonials This will be very beneficial in helping you get leads from search engine result pages.