“There are three responses to a piece of design – yes, no, and WOW! Wow is the one to aim for.” – Milton Glaser
Are you wondering how to start a graphic design business from home? If you love graphic design, and think it could be a fun home business that could also bring in a significant income, you’re right. This type of business can be done entirely on a computer, and full-time designers can make $40,000 to $45,000 a year. The overhead is very low, and you just need a love of art and computer design skills.
Graphic designers help individuals and companies by creating logos, websites, social media graphics and other products that align with their brands.
Supplies
Although graphic design can be done online, you still need some basic supplies to have a successful home business.
Consider these supplies as you build your business:
- Certification programs. You can find multiple programs online that will make you a certified graphic designer and give you credentials.
- Computer. You’ll need at least one computer to start your business.
- Many designers end up using several computers, but you can start with one and increase over time.
- Strong internet connection. Graphic design can require you to spend many hours online, doing research, finding images to use, getting information etc. so you need a strong connection.
- Landline or cell phone for business. Although you can run your business online, you may need a phone at some point.
- During an emergency or power outage, clients need to be able to reach you.
- A cell phone or landline separate from your family’s can make you look more professional.
- Sketchpad and pencils. Some graphic designers like to sketch out their ideas on paper first. Colored pencils are a popular choice.
- Graphic design programs. As you think about how to start a graphic design business, think about which software program you’ll use to edit, crop, and manipulate photos and create graphics. A program like GIMP can get you started for free, while Affinity Photo and Affinity Design are good programs in mid-range pricing. Just a P.S. I got started with GIMP and never did switch over to a different program. I purchased new software and tried to learn how to use it but it just seemed too hard to start over, so I recommend starting out with a program that you can stay with long-term.
- Camera. A camera can help you capture photos that you can use for your clients and business. For example, in working with gourd artist Sandy Uhrick, I took many photos- of gourds she’s embellished as well as photos of Sandy working in her studio. We used the photos in a magazine we created called Embellished Gourds and in a book that she published on Amazon called, Gourds of Christmas. I also posted the photos on her Facebook page.
- While it’s certainly okay to invest in a good camera, the cameras on smartphones keep getting better so it’s certainly possible to take high-quality photos with your phone.
- You may also want to use your camera to take pictures of information and sketches provided by your clients.
- Photos can be used in your designs or you can sell them to earn additional income for your business.
- Online data storage. It’s important to back up your work and graphic design takes up a lot of space, so you may want to use the cloud or other services to store data.
- Word processing software. Although you’ll be focusing on images, you may need this type of software for some jobs that require text, for example when you are writing ads or an article for a publication. I use a program called WPS Office.
- Digital pen and graphic tablet. Some designers like using a digital pen and tablet that connects to a graphic design program and the internet to help them make images faster. I purchased a graphic tablet and pen several years ago but never learned to like using it so I gave it to my daughter and at this point I do all my designing with a mouse.
- USBs. You’ll need an easy way to store, transfer and share files. You can purchase USBs in bulk to save money.
- Desk and comfortable chair. These are essential for working online for long hours. I experienced a lot of neck pain after being hunched over my laptop for hours on end. My chiropractor recommended putting books under my laptop to bring it up closer to eye level.
- Digital mouse. A digital mouse is easy to use and keeps you unhampered by cords.
- Time tracking apps. As you work on your designs, these apps will help you track your time.
- Invoicing apps or software. You’ll need a way to manage your client payments and expenses. These types of apps and software can be especially helpful during tax time since everything will already be organized.
A computer and internet connection are the most important tools for your online home business in graphic design. However, the other supplies are also important to help you establish your business and grow. For the second part of this article, go to How to Start a Graphic Design Business, Part Two
Free- Have you ever wondered how to use inspirational quotes and tips graphics to grow your business? Read this article by Alice Seba where she offers several good ideas: https://lorenebiz.com/GrowBiz
Also Free- And here are 10 free professionally designed social media graphics with hand-selected quotes on time management for you to use: https://lorenebiz.com/FreeGraphics