How to Be a Freelance Graphic Designer in 2023: A 10-Step Plan

Do you have dreams of quitting your day job and becoming a full-time freelance graphic designer? Start putting your plan into action.

Most freelancers start out with graphic design as a side hustle, but with determination, business planning, and a solid work ethic, you can build as much business as you want to create a sustainable career.

Here are 10 steps to help you get started. (Trust me, I’ve tested them all in my decade of freelancing!)

Step 1: Start building a portfolio

A strong portfolio is a must if you intend to bring in clients on your own.

While it may be tempting to throw everything you’ve done recently into a portfolio, be selective. Only include projects and examples that are excellent examples of the kind of freelance work you want to do. (If you plan to focus on print, don’t pack your portfolio with digital projects.)

Use your portfolio as a showcase to sell your work to potential clients. You will quickly find that the type of work you showcase often results in similar inquiries for future projects.

Step 1a: Include passion projects in your portfolio. Even unpaid projects that you have a personal connection to can be part of your portfolio. Sometimes these pieces can show your depth of work and love for design more than commercial works. (They can also lead to more of the kind of work you want to do.)

Step 1b: Don’t be afraid to use other paid design work in your portfolio, such as a full-time job while you’re establishing yourself. You’ve done...