Side hustles for designers

As a designer, your creative skills and eye for aesthetics open up a world of opportunities beyond your day job. If you’re looking to supplement your income there are countless side hustles tailored to your design expertise. From freelance gigs and digital products to teaching and consulting, the side hustle landscape is rich with possibilities that can both challenge and inspire you.

Freelance and Contract Work

1. Freelance Graphic Design
   • What: Create logos, brochures, social media graphics, and other marketing materials.
   • How: Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and 99designs. Build a strong portfolio to attract clients.
2. Web Design
   • What: Design and develop websites for small businesses or individuals.
   • How: Offer services on platforms like Behance, Dribbble, or freelance sites. Build a portfolio showcasing your web design projects.
3. UI/UX Design
   • What: Design user interfaces and improve user experiences for apps and websites.
   • How: Network with startups or tech companies. Use platforms like Toptal or LinkedIn to find opportunities.
4. Print Design
   • What: Design print materials like posters, flyers, and business cards.
   • How: Partner with local businesses or print shops. Create an online portfolio and showcase your print designs.

Creative Products and Services

5. Sell Design Templates
   • What: Create and sell digital design templates for resumes, presentations, or social media.
   • How: Use platforms like Etsy, Creative Market, or Adobe Stock to sell your templates.
6. Custom Illustrations
   • What: Create bespoke illustrations for clients, such as for books, merchandise, or websites.
   • How: Market your work through social media or on platforms like Society6.
7. Ebook and Course Design
   • What: Design layouts for ebooks, online courses, and educational materials.
   • How: Partner with authors or educators. Use platforms like Gumroad to offer your services.

Teaching and Consulting

8. Design Coaching
   • What: Offer one-on-one coaching or workshops on design principles, software, or portfolio building.
   • How: Promote through social media, LinkedIn, or design communities.
9. Create Online Courses
   • What: Develop courses on specific design skills like Adobe Illustrator, web design, or branding.
   • How: Use platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or Teachable to create and sell courses.
10. Design Workshops and Webinars
    • What: Host workshops or webinars on design topics for groups or organizations.
    • How: Collaborate with educational platforms or industry groups to reach potential attendees.

Specialized Design Areas

11. Branding Consultations
    • What: Help businesses develop and refine their brand identities.
    • How: Network with startups and small businesses. Offer consultations on your website or through design communities.
12. Social Media Design
    • What: Design engaging visuals for social media platforms, including posts, banners, and ads.
    • How: Use platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to showcase your work and attract clients.
13. Packaging Design
    • What: Design packaging for products, including labels and boxes.
    • How: Reach out to local businesses or use freelance platforms to find packaging design opportunities.

Passive Income Streams

14. Stock Graphics and Assets
    • What: Create and sell stock graphics, icons, and vector illustrations.
    • How: Upload your designs to stock sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock.
15. Design Resources Subscription
    • What: Create a subscription service for design resources such as brushes, patterns, or fonts.
    • How: Use platforms like Gumroad or Patreon to manage subscriptions and deliver resources to subscribers.

Networking and Collaboration

16. Collaborate with Other Creatives
    • What: Partner with photographers, writers, or other designers on creative projects or joint ventures.
    • How: Network within creative communities, both online and offline.
17. Design Contests
    • What: Participate in design contests for fun and potential earnings.
    • How: Join platforms like 99designs or DesignCrowd where you can compete in design contests.

Each of these side hustles can help you leverage your design skills, build your portfolio, and generate additional income. Choose that align with your interests and goals!