So you’ve taken the brave step of becoming a freelance graphic designer: now all you have to do is find enough work to keep food on the table. Struggling to get your first gig? You’re not alone. Only the luckiest of designers get a break from an ex-client. Most have to start from scratch.
In this article, we’ll look at give job marketplaces where graphic design work is easy to come by. Don’t worry; once your foot is on the ladder, you’ll build a portfolio in no time.
1. 99Designs
Built for graphic designers and their clients, 99 Designs is a matchmaking site that pairs graphic design professionals with businesses around the world. The client posts their brief, then designers must compete in a mini contest to supply mockups. The client then selects their favourite.
The obvious danger of this process is that the client can rip off a design without paying for it, so there’s an element of trust involved. The competitive element also isn’t everyone’s bag. But if you’re fired up by the idea of a contest and a few extra bucks in the bank, give it a try.
2. Guru
Guru is a marketplace for freelancers, and it’s more general than 99Designs. If you’re a graphic designer, work is split into convenient categories for you to browse through: as well as a general design category, take a look at the illustration category too.
Work can be sporadic, and Guru certainly isn’t the busiest site on the block. But if you’re vigilant and keep checking the job boards, it’s a reasonably good resource for freelance gigs.
3. Freelance Alliance
Freelance Alliance is a UK website that lists freelance graphic designers, so it’s worth considering having your details listed. Users are given a small profile to make their mark, and they can also add a CV and portfolio.
Freelance Alliance is a paid directory, but it’s a good resource to use if you’re building your client base. You also don’t need to pay any commission, so your investment could be worthwhile if a big contract comes in.
4. Fiverr
Every job listed on Fiverr costs just $5, so if you need a quick way to make some cash, build a following. You can offer anything you like, from logo design to book artwork, Facebook page headers to Twitter backgrounds or something completely different and original.
Fiverr isn’t a site that promises a massive influx of work, and you will have to process a lot of orders to pay the bills. However, to build a portfolio, Fiverr could be just the ticket.
5. HireTheWorld
HireThe World is a logo design website where clients and designers come together. If you’re in need of freelance graphic design work, sign up and start making concepts based on the briefs you’re shown. Clients choose their favourite and are free to hire you directly next time around.
HireTheWorld has supplied clients with more than 100,000 designs to date, so there’s clearly work out there. But this is another site where you effectively have to supply work upfront, and you may not get paid for it. Worth the risk? You’ll have to make that call yourself.
Working as a Freelance Graphic Designer
Freelance working is always risky, but finding work is a lot easier thanks to the internet and the proliferation of online freelance marketplaces. Freelancing might not replace your day job right away, but if you build up a following, you could soon free yourself of the 9-5.
About the Author: Sam Wright is a journalist working with Brand Republic.
