Freelancing as a Graphic Designer: Tips for Beginners

Published by Shikha Kumari on Jun 02, 2025

As the traditional office culture starts to fade away, freelancing is really taking off. If you’re a graphic designer, you don’t necessarily need a formal degree to dive into freelancing. To kickstart your journey as a freelance graphic designer, concentrate on creating a standout portfolio, gaining hands-on experience, and honing your skills through online courses, self-study, or workshops. Building a network, promoting yourself, and finding your unique niche can be key to thriving in this field. In this discussion, we’ll explore freelancing as a graphic designer and share some helpful tips for beginners.

What do freelance graphic designers do?

Freelance graphic designers are the creative minds behind stunning visuals for a wide range of clients, turning their concepts into eye-catching and effective designs. They might tackle projects like logos, websites, brochures, social media graphics, and much more, all while utilising design software and principles to nail that perfect look. One of the best parts about being a freelance graphic designer is the freedom to pick and choose projects, which lets them focus on specific areas of graphic design that they’re passionate about. But it’s not just about the creativity; these designers are also full-time entrepreneurs. They juggle everything from daily operations and finances to client meetings, marketing their services, and ensuring that projects stay on schedule; all on their own!

Freelance Graphic Designer Salary

Freelancers get a base pay averaging Rs 22K per month, which is decent for gigs but varies a lot based on project size, client, and skill level. The additional pay (tips, bonuses, extra gigs) is super inconsistent and can even be a couple of hundred bucks or a sweet Rs 21K if the stars align. This pay flexibility means freelancers juggle a lot; some months are fat while others can remain lean.  One must remain optimised for any circumstances.

In India, on comparing states, Kolkata leads with freelancers earning Rs 23,781 per month. Hyderabad and Chennai hold strong spots, balancing tech and creative gigs in growing markets. Mumbai and Bengaluru come in lower than expected, possibly due to saturation or high living expenses. Pune sits at the bottom with Rs 14,521, so as a freelancer there, you may need to work smart to make it work.

Freelance Graphic Design Jobs

Graphic design freelance work from home refers to offering graphic design services independently, rather than being employed by a company. Freelance graphic designers work on a project-by-project basis, designing visuals like logos, brochures, websites, and more from their homes.

Graphic design freelance websites are online marketplaces that connect graphic designers with clients seeking design services on a project-by-project basis. These platforms allow designers to showcase their portfolios, bid on jobs, and find clients, while clients can post project briefs and hire freelance designers.  Here are some platforms with freelance jobs and roles, along with the potential earnings you can make: