Freelance Graphic Designer Job Description

Freelance graphic designers create designers for clients and are self-employed. Freelance graphic designers work in a variety of settings such as advertising agencies, design firms and large corporations. Freelance graphic designers set their own hours and work as much or as little as they wish. Since they are freelancers, they must keep track of their own taxes, pay their own health benefits and manage deductions.

Duties

Freelance graphic designers spend much of their time looking for new work. Staying in contact with prior clients and networking to find new clients is essential in finding new assignments. Freelance graphic designers design logos, letterheads, menus and publications for companies. Most freelance graphic designers have worked within an agency or business before, and know how to work with others.

Skills

A freelance graphic designer must be creative, know how to promote their skills and their work. Being motivated, self-directed and organized will assist the designer in getting new business. Balancing accounts and a basic understanding of math will help the designer keep track of their earnings. A graphic designer should be able to use PhotoShop, Illustrator and CorelDRAW.

Education

Besides being creative, most graphic designers have had some training in computer design. Most designers have worked for larger companies before going out on their own. Others may have primarily self-trained and have created a portfolio of their work to show potential clients.

Outlook

The job outlook for graphic designers is quite good with an expected increased of about 13 percent before 2018. There are no set numbers for freelancers because they independently keep track of their data. But considering that it is more inexpensive for companies to use freelancers, their outlook should be quite good.