You may find that being a graphic designer and having a regular 9 to 5 job does not cut it for your financial situation. Moreover, there might be days when you finish work assignments faster than anticipated and have free time on your hands.
If you feel like starting a side hustle is one of the best ways to fill out those free hours, then why not do so and improve your financial situation at the same time? Here are some ideas to help you get started.
Idea #1 – Start a Print on Demand Business
A print on demand business can be a lot of fun, especially when you have the creative freedom to produce all kinds of designs. At the same time, you also have an option to work for an already established business and help them with their custom product line.
It may seem simple, but not everyone knows how to put your brand name on the mug to make it look good. Colors, size, shape, font, and other elements can make or break a design. If a brand is serious about offering only the best to their customers, they will not hesitate and hire a professional designer.
Idea #2 – Edit Photos
Do not think that every photographer enjoys editing pictures that they take. The work is monotonous and time-consuming, so hiring a pair of helping hands is not a far-fetched idea.
Experience in graphic design means that you should be more than capable of adding the missing photo elements, find the most optimal spot when zooming in or out, and remove unnecessary spots and other hindrances.
Idea #3 – Design Logos
Logos are one of the most important elements of a brand. You will find businesses use their logos on social media profile pictures, products and packaging, business cards, email signatures, invoices, and websites.
Given the prominence of logos, it is no surprise that brands want the best they can get. Even renewing an old logo is popular nowadays, especially when brands aim to keep up with the most recent trends, such as minimalism.
You can find gigs for designing logos on freelancer platforms, such as Fiverr and UpWork, social media groups, and designer-oriented websites, like 99designs DesignHill.
Idea #4 – Create Social Media Content
Social media content revolves around visuals these days. Videos, infographics, and survey results are just a few examples.
Brands pay good money to get solid content pieces, and they want to have something prepared regularly, like once per day. To produce enough quality content for social media requires graphic design skills, and that is where you come in.
Get in touch with businesses on social media and offer them your service. And be sure to have a portfolio when they ask for proof of your skills.
Idea #5 – Create Book Covers
There is no need to bother with traditional publishing agencies if you want to write and sell a book. Amazon has a self-publishing program, which makes things easier for writers.
Even if they say that you should not judge a book by its cover, people still do. And when they browse through available e-books on Amazon, covers are the first to catch the attention of potential readers.
Designing a persuasive book cover is not easy, and most writers seek professional help. Since you are professional, why not advertise yourself as someone who can help writers create eye-catching book covers?
Idea #6 – Write a Blog
A blog can start as a hobby, but you can turn it into a passive income source. Graphic designers have an advantage over those who lack designing skills when it comes to blogging.
Just like on social media, visual content is more likely to get more attention than plain text. Combine your articles with infographics, interactive imagery, and other visuals.
You can monetize the blog by publishing sponsored content, creating a crowdfunding page, running ads, or promoting digital products, such as e-books and online courses.
Idea #7 – Stream on Twitch TV
Twitch TV is an excellent platform to showcase your graphic design skills and make money while interacting with an audience. Donations, sponsorship deals, subscriptions, and highlights on YouTube are the most common ways to make money as a streamer.
Idea #8 – Create Video Tutorials
Professional graphic designers can share their experience with the rest by creating online courses. You can sell your knowledge on platforms like Skillshare and Udemy, or launch a YouTube channel and start a tutorial series where you cover the ins and outs of being a graphic designer, learning the craft, and making money.
Idea #9 – Look for Gigs on Freelancer Platforms
Freelancer platforms have various gigs that you can bid on and expect to hear from an author of the post. However, it may be challenging to break through because some freelance designers will have the edge over you because of the positive feedback on their profiles.