The Booming Graphic Design Industry: Opportunities for Freelancers

Creativity is often said to be a quality in which we British can claim to excel. And if visual design is your forte, you might be pleased to learn that in recent years, the graphic design industry has experienced remarkable growth, with demand for skilled designers soaring across various sectors. According to data from the Department for Culture, Media and Sports, the industry has grown by 17.8% in the last five years, reaching a market size of £3.6 billion in 2023. This growth has been fuelled by advertising agencies and businesses seeking to enhance their branding, web presence, UX and the quality of the apps they release.

This has led to the UK facing a shortage of graphic designers. This is not a guess - graphic designer is a job on the 2024 Shortage Occupation List, published by the Home Office (or "Skilled Worker visa: immigration salary list" as it is now known).

This shortage presents an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a career in graphic design or exploring freelancing options in this field. Graphic design offers a diverse range of specialisms, allowing professionals to work in areas such as illustration, typography, web design, advertising solutions, accessible design and heat-mapping. It is an ever-evolving profession, constantly adapting to new platforms, tools and skills, ensuring that designers remain in high demand.

Freelancing: A Flexible and Rewarding Path

Freelancing has become an increasingly popular choice for many graphic designers, offering greater flexibility and work-life balance. Of the UK's 4 million self-employed individuals, around 1.9 million are freelancers, contributing up to £139 billion to the UK economy, according to the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE). One of the advantages of freelancing is the ability to work from anywhere, opening up the possibility of securing clients globally. There are also 68 countries offering versions of the Digital Nomad visa. Digital nomad visas are permits that allow you to work remotely in a foreign country. The stipulation is usually that you have to work for an employer or company outside of your host country or have a business you can manage from anywhere in the world to qualify for this visa.

Flexibility of freelancing also makes it an attractive option for working parents, with a 55% increase in the sector since 2008 and a 4% increase since 2021. It's important to note of course that the freelancing sector has been impacted by IR35 reforms and government tax policies, which have affected freelancer income.

Getting Started as a Freelance Graphic Designer

While the traditional path to becoming a freelance graphic designer involves obtaining a graphic design degree, it is not the only way to enter the field. Colleges and universities are good places to get started but there are other ways to get educated and if you can prove you have the skills, you don't need to wait for a formal qualification. You should allocate time for continual learning since platforms, tools and skills are constantly evolving. Keep side projects on the go to hone your skills and boost your appeal. The basic skills of graphic design are fairly constant, so if you have a good eye, stay in close touch with some target industries and make yourself visible.

Building a portfolio and client base is crucial for freelance graphic designers. If you love the work and you have a few years' experience, then there’s a good chance you’ll make a success of i. One of the appeals of being self-employed is often that people expect it that it gives you flexibility with your working hours. But remember that there is no holiday cover, so if you're not working, you're not earning and many freelancers report a constant urge to work “just in case there’s nothing next month”.

Expanding Business Opportunities

Linked to graphic design is content creation, an area where businesses seek cost-effective solutions to maximise their marketing content across various platforms. Freelance graphic designers can capitalise on this demand by offering content creation services, a service for which they should be a natural fit. Since the work is sector non-specific and everyone wants it, content creation can be at minimum an enjoyable and inexpensive way to build an audience and potentially a good income-earner, with affiliate marketing or merchandise opportunities following on.

Additionally, businesses are increasingly recognising the importance of creating disability-friendly website content, such as Alt text, accessible PDFs and adjustable font sizes. By ensuring that they stay aware of both regulations and recommended practice, graphic designers can position themselves as experts in accessible design, helping businesses make their websites more inclusive.

Pricing and Business Models

The rates charged by graphic designers can vary significantly based on their specialty, experience and - let’s face it – desperation, or at least need to earn. An hourly rate can range from £20 to £100, while a mid-level graphic designer typically charges a minimum daily rate of £250. Alternatively, graphic designers can establish a design agency as a limited company, an option that should be explored if they plan to employ staff, or if they think that that paying corporation tax rather than income tax may be beneficial to them.

The Future of Graphic Design

While the graphic design industry presents numerous opportunities, there are concerns about the role AI will play in the field and the decline of print publishing, which was once a lucrative and secure option for designers. However, the global graphic design market is projected to grow from $57.5 billion in 2030 to $78.25 billion by 2030, indicating a promising future for those willing to adapt and innovate. And as with most AI applications, those that promise to speed up the design process, for example by re-working endless iterations on a basic design should be seen as offering help to designers rather than threatening their very existence.

In conclusion, as the demand for graphic designers continues to rise, those with a passion for visual design, creativity and a willingness to learn and evolve will find themselves well-positioned to thrive in this dynamic industry.

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