The first step in earning extra cash as a graphic designer is to build up multiple income streams. Graphic design is a profession suited for freelancing, but you will need to master time management skills. To make the most of your spare time, you could set up your website or online shop, or try out one of the following 10 sites. Listed below are some of the most popular options for graphic designers looking to make extra money.

Selling your prints:

If you’re a graphic designer, you might want to consider selling your prints as a way to make a little extra cash. While it requires a bit of investment and marketing, selling your prints could result in a healthy side income. Here are some of the options available. Here are a few ways to make money selling your prints as a graphic designer:

If you’re a graphic designer and are interested in selling your designs, the most traditional way is by selling them yourself. You can sell your wallpaper patterns or pure illustrated work, and apply it to several different products. Some websites let you upload your design and have it applied to a range of products. These opportunities are extremely lucrative and can result in a nice little side income for you.

Up work:

If you have a background in design, you can use Upwork to make extra cash as a graphic designer. You can upload your portfolio and get work from hundreds of clients. This online freelance site provides limited project management and customer support, which can help you find the right designer for your project. You can also purchase one of the two Upwork support plans, the pro and the enterprise, to help you set up your projects and find great designers. If you are a large company with ongoing freelancing needs, you should consider purchasing an enterprise plan.

Selling your graphics:

One of the most lucrative passive income opportunities for graphic designers is to design stock graphics. The market for custom graphics is vast, and you can make extra money by uploading your graphics to stock marketplaces. Many stock marketplaces operate on the Contributor account model, where you upload your content and earn a percentage of the item price every time someone downloads your graphics. However, it’s important to note that Envato will charge a fee when you sell your designs, so be sure to do your research.

Affiliate marketing is another way to make money as a graphic designer. You provide links to other businesses and collect a percentage of the profits when people buy. The bigger your fanbase, the higher your income will be. It’s important to be selective with your affiliate partners, however, because referring people to inferior products could ruin your reputation as a graphic designer. Besides, a successful affiliate partner will be willing to pay you a certain amount to advertise their product.

Cold visits:

One way to increase your income as a graphic designer is through cold visits. This tactic involves approaching local businesses in your area with a promotional packet containing your design portfolio and print samples. Drop off the samples and mention that you are a new graphic design service. These business owners prefer face-to-face interaction over online communication and appreciate the personal touch that a graphic designer offers. This tactic will give you a leg up over other online designers.

Social media graphics:

As social media continues to grow in importance, you may want to consider a side gig as a social media graphic designer. While this job may be easier than it looks, it isn’t for everyone. Some people have trouble with it, while others may have an in-house graphic designer. If you are unsure of whether you can make enough money from social media design, try watching some YouTube videos and reading blogs. If you don’t know how to use Photoshop, there are free programs available such as Canva.

Author Bio:

Miguel Gabriel is a research-based content writer. He has worked in various industries, including healthcare, technology, and finance. He is currently working as a writer in Research Prospect famous for dissertation writing services and Report writing services. When Miguel is not writing or researching, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also loves travelling and learning about new cultures.