It’s now easier than ever before to learn the skills you need and access the tools required for DIY graphic design and start a graphic design side hustle.
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DIY Graphic Design
You might want to learn professional graphic design methods to help you with your own projects or offer your services to others as a graphic design side hustle. Here are the key basics that you need to make yourself a graphic designer from scratch.
1. Start by Learning Graphic Design Fundamentals
For DIY graphic design, many think they only need to become proficient in photo editing tools and other software to become as good at designing as the professionals.
But in fact, you need to have some degree of artistic flair and understand graphic design principles if you want your designs to look polished and professional.
So, begin by learning the fundamentals of graphic design. That includes learning which colors go together well, combining contrast and lighting, balancing an image through learning about the golden ratio, and using proportion in your work.
2. Take a Do-It-Yourself Graphic Design Course
You don’t need formal qualifications to become a designer. That said, you can grow your design skills quicker and enhance your professionalism by enrolling in a DIY graphic design course. You can also get a diploma in a related subject like illustration, visual communication, or product design.
You can also learn other helpful skills like how to create text editable files for your clients. And you have the option of completing an online course or learning at a brick-and-mortar educational establishment.
3. Learn How to Use DIY Graphic Design Tools
By completing a DIY graphic design course, you can learn how to use graphic design software and other design tools. You also have the opportunity of learning such tools by yourself in your own time. One of our favorites is Canva, which offers a free option as well as an inexpensive pro version that provides access to additional templates.
Once you have learned graphic design fundamentals, start playing around with different software and tools to become more proficient. Don’t stop learning until you have mastered how to use the most important elements of things like photo editing software.
The good news is some online image editing tools are simple to use. For instance, when you use BeFunky’s online editing and graphic design platform, you can quickly edit photos, create graphic designs, and make photo collages.
BeFunky also has multiple tools to make your graphic design projects look professional, such as a background remover, a touch-up tool, and a photo wrinkle remover.
4. Build a Graphic Design Portfolio
With the DIY graphic design learning out of the way, you can begin to come up with professional designs that will generate business for your graphic design side hustle.
Begin by playing around with tools and coming up with your own designs for different uses. This way, you can become familiar with using graphic design tools and you can develop your inner design skills.
If you’re looking to sell your graphic design services to others, you should then focus on building a body of work to use in your portfolio.
It’s a good idea to start with projects for your friends and family. You can then more easily move into providing graphic design services professionally.
Graphic Design Side Hustle
If you want to start a graphic design side hustle, the next step is to get your work seen. Build a website to showcase your work, get on social media platforms and freelancer sites, and network with other graphic designers.
You can then apply for jobs, approach potential clients, and accept work that comes to you. Make the world know you’re available and show off your best design work, and you will be able to build a professional graphic design career.
There are a few key ways to find clients for your graphic design side hustle:
1. Use Online Job Boards:
There are many online job boards that graphic designers can use to find work, such as Indeed, Behance, and Dribbble. To find graphic design-specific job boards, simply do a search on Google.
2. Network With Other Designers
Another great way to find graphic design clients is to network with other designers. This can be done in person or online, through forums, social media groups, or even LinkedIn.
3. Get Involved In the Community
One of the best ways to find graphic design clients is to get involved in the community. This can be done by attending local meetups, getting involved in online forums, or even starting your own blog or podcast.
4. Offer Free Work
Many graphic designers find work by offering free work, also known as pro bono work. This is a great way to build up your portfolio and get exposure to potential clients.
5. Cold Pitch Potential Clients
Finally, another great way to find graphic design clients is to cold pitch them. This involves reaching out to potential clients and pitching your services. This can be done through email, social media, or even in person.
Start a Graphic Design Business
If you’re interested in starting a graphic design business, but don’t know where to start, consider beginning as a side hustle using the tactics above. This can be a great way to get your feet wet and learn the ropes of the graphic design industry without quitting your day job. And, once you’ve built up a portfolio of work, you can start actively seeking out clients for your graphic design side hustle.
When you learn DIY graphic design, there are other several ways to get clients for your budding business. Network with other professionals in the field. Get involved with professional organizations and attend industry events. This will help you meet potential clients and build your credibility as a graphic designer.
Another way to get clients is to market yourself online. Use social media platforms and your website to showcase your work and attract potential clients. Make sure to include keywords that graphic design clients would be searching for, such as “logo design” or “web design.”
Finally, don’t forget the power of word-of-mouth marketing. Ask satisfied clients to write testimonials or give you referrals. This is one of the best ways to get more graphic design clients.
