As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle of building a successful business. You have a site to build, copy to write, and logo to design. But you don’t have to view your plate as half full — it’s half empty when you delegate some of the tasks to decrease your workload.
For example, investing in a graphic designer can reduce stress and free time to focus on other areas of running a business (like improving your product offer). But how can a graphic designer help and how do you find a graphic designer that’s right for your business? That’s what you’ll find out today.
What is freelance graphic design?
Freelance graphic designers are independent contractors who work on a project-by-project basis with clients vs. full-time with an employer. They’re digital artists businesses rely on to create illustrations, logos, websites, and other marketing materials.
Some graphic designers are all-around skilled, while others have niches, such as web design, packaging design, or logos.
Working with a freelance graphic designer allows you to tap diverse expertise without the long-term commitment.
Freelance graphic designer vs. in-house graphic designer
There are two ways to hire a graphic designer: as a freelancer or an in-house designer. Both have benefits and drawbacks to consider.
Here’s a quick look at the differences between the two so you can make an informed choice:
Freelance Graphic Designer
- Works for several clients
- Works on a contractual or per-project basis
- Bills by the hour or by project
Pros:
- Costs significantly lower than a full-time employee
- Ideal for quick, one-time projects
- Access to a wide and diverse set of talents and skills
Cons:
- Divides time between you and other clients
- Requires a detailed brand brief
- Risks of handing out company information to “outsiders”
In-House Graphic Designer
- Works exclusively for your company/brand
- Commits to a long-term full-time working relationship
- Paid using a monthly compensation plus employee benefits
Pros:
- Ideal for consistent and ongoing work
- Familiar with brand culture and identity
- Has the potential to grow with the company and contribute further
Cons:
- Easily bored if there’s not enough work available
- More costly to hire due to fringe benefits and overhead costs
- Can easily switch employers if no longer happy with the job
Whether you’re hiring an independent contractor or an employee, there will be legal obligations, such as taxes, that you should be aware of. Freelancers take care of their own taxes, but in some cases, like in the US, you still need to keep tax records, such as the Form W-9, if you are engaged with them.
How much does a graphic designer cost?
Graphic designer fees depend on the freelancer’s experience and the complexity of your design.
Less experienced artists demand lower fees since they’re still building their reputation. However, they’d also need more guidance as they hone their skills. More experienced artists demand higher fees, but you can expect more polished and better-looking designs.
For instance, you can get a basic Logo Design from a less experienced Seller for $50, while a more seasoned designer can charge $800 to create a unique logo and brand book.
Fiverr enables its users to filter the graphic design services offered by freelancers, and any other services, by seller level, and also allows to filter sellers who have been hand-vetted for quality and service.
Pro sellers will usually charge more for their services because of the higher quality work they provide.
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