Discover the top 10 moonlighting jobs for graphic designers that can help you earn extra income and showcase your creativity beyond your regular job.
As a graphic designer, you have a unique set of skills that can be utilized beyond your day job. Whether you’re looking to earn some extra cash or simply want to explore new creative opportunities, moonlighting can be an excellent option for you.
From designing logos for small businesses to creating graphics for social media campaigns, there are plenty of ways for graphic designers to put their talents to work outside of the traditional 9-to-5 grind. We’ve contacted the folks from ThisMakesThat and used their suggestions to come of with ten of the best moonlighting jobs for graphic designers and offer tips on how to get started in each one.
So if you’re ready to expand your horizons and take your design skills to the next level, read on!
Freelance Graphic Designing
Freelance graphic designing is one of the most popular moonlighting jobs for graphic designers. With the rise of technology and online platforms, it has become easier than ever to find freelance work as a designer.
Freelancing allows you to have control over your schedule and choose projects that align with your interests and skills.
As a freelance graphic designer, you can work on various projects such as creating logos, designing websites or mobile apps, developing marketing materials like brochures or flyers, producing social media graphics or even illustrating children’s books. You can also collaborate with clients from different industries ranging from startups to established businesses.
However, freelancing requires self-discipline and time management skills since you will be responsible for managing your own workload while meeting deadlines set by clients. It is important to establish clear communication channels with clients regarding project scope and expectations before starting any work.
Freelancing offers flexibility in terms of working hours while allowing designers to showcase their creativity through diverse design projects across multiple industries.
Virtual Assistant for Marketing Agencies
As a graphic designer, you have a unique set of skills that can be applied to various moonlighting jobs. One such job is working as a virtual assistant for marketing agencies.
Marketing agencies are always in need of talented individuals who can help them with their day-to-day tasks, and this is where you come in. As a virtual assistant for marketing agencies, your responsibilities may include managing social media accounts, creating graphics and visuals for campaigns or presentations, conducting market research or competitor analysis reports.
Your expertise in design software like Adobe Creative Suite will come handy while designing visual content that aligns with the brand’s identity and message. You’ll also need excellent communication skills to work closely with clients on projects.
Working as a virtual assistant allows you to work from home at flexible hours while earning extra income alongside your full-time job as an independent contractor/freelancer without any long-term commitment required from either side!
Designing Custom Merchandise On Print-on-Demand Platforms
As a graphic designer, you have the skills to create stunning designs that can be printed on various merchandise. Print-on-Demand (POD) platforms like Redbubble and Society6 allow designers to upload their artwork onto products such as t-shirts, phone cases, mugs, and more.
This means that you don’t need to worry about inventory or shipping – the platform takes care of it all for you.
Designing custom merchandise on POD platforms is an excellent moonlighting job for graphic designers because it allows them to showcase their creativity while earning passive income. You can create designs based on your interests or current trends in popular culture and upload them onto different products.
The best part about designing custom merchandise is that there’s no limit to what you can create! Whether it’s a funny pun or an intricate illustration, there will always be someone who wants your design on a product they use every day. So why not turn your passion into profit by designing custom merchandise?
Creating Infographics and Data Visualizations for Businesses
As a graphic designer, you have the skills to create visually appealing and informative infographics and data visualizations. Many businesses are in need of these types of designs to showcase their data in an engaging way.
You can offer your services as a moonlighting job by creating custom infographics for companies’ websites, social media platforms or marketing materials.
Infographics are great tools for presenting complex information in an easy-to-understand format that is also aesthetically pleasing. They can be used to display statistics, comparisons between products or services, timelines and much more.
Data visualization is another area where graphic designers excel at creating compelling visuals from raw data sets. Businesses often require charts and graphs that accurately represent their sales figures or other important metrics.
By offering your expertise in infographic design and data visualization as a moonlighting job, you can help businesses communicate their message effectively while earning extra income on the side.
Teaching Design Courses Online
Teaching design courses online is a great way for graphic designers to earn extra income while sharing their knowledge and skills with others. With the rise of e-learning platforms, it has become easier than ever to create and sell your own online courses.
You can teach anything from basic design principles to advanced techniques in specific software programs like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
Not only does teaching online allow you to work from anywhere at any time, but it also gives you the opportunity to connect with students all over the world. Plus, as a teacher, you’ll be constantly learning and improving your own skills as well.
To get started with teaching design courses online, consider creating a course outline that covers topics that are in high demand among aspiring designers. You can then use platforms like Udemy or Skillshare to host your course content and reach potential students through marketing efforts such as social media advertising or email campaigns.
Teaching design courses online is an excellent moonlighting job option for graphic designers who want flexibility in their schedule while sharing their passion for creativity with others.
Developing Icons and Illustrations for Mobile Apps
As a graphic designer, one of the most in-demand moonlighting jobs is developing icons and illustrations for mobile apps. With the rise of smartphones and tablets, app development has become a booming industry.
However, creating an app that stands out from the competition requires more than just great functionality – it also needs to have visually appealing graphics.
This is where graphic designers come in. By designing custom icons and illustrations for mobile apps, you can help developers create an engaging user experience that sets their app apart from others on the market.
To excel at this type of work as a moonlighter, it’s important to stay up-to-date with current design trends while also being able to think creatively outside-the-box. You’ll need strong skills in Adobe Illustrator or Sketch (or both) along with knowledge about how different icon styles translate across various platforms such as iOS or Android.
If you’re interested in pursuing this type of freelance work as a side hustle alongside your full-time job or other projects – start by building up your portfolio showcasing examples of your best icon designs and illustrations specifically created for mobile applications!
Offering Branding Services to Small Businesses
As a graphic designer, offering branding services to small businesses can be a great moonlighting job. Many small business owners are in need of professional branding but cannot afford the high prices charged by larger agencies.
By offering your services at an affordable rate, you can help these businesses establish their brand identity and stand out from competitors.
To get started with this type of moonlighting job, it’s important to have a strong portfolio showcasing your design skills and previous branding work. You’ll also want to network with local business owners and attend networking events in order to find potential clients.
When working with small businesses on their branding, it’s important to listen carefully to their needs and goals for the project. This will allow you to create designs that accurately represent their brand while also appealing visually.
Offering branding services is not only a great way for graphic designers to earn extra income but also provides valuable assistance for small businesses looking for professional design work without breaking the bank.
Licensing Designs to Stock Image Websites
One of the best ways for graphic designers to earn extra income is by licensing their designs to stock image websites. These websites allow designers to upload their work and make it available for purchase by individuals or businesses looking for high-quality graphics.
The great thing about this moonlighting job is that once a design has been uploaded, it can continue generating passive income over time without any additional effort from the designer. Many stock image websites offer competitive commission rates and provide exposure opportunities that can lead to more clients in the future.
However, it’s important for designers to carefully read through each website’s terms and conditions before uploading any designs as some may have exclusivity clauses or restrictions on certain types of content.
Designing Social Media Graphics As a Freelancer or In-house Designer.
As a graphic designer, one of the most in-demand moonlighting jobs is designing social media graphics. With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, businesses are constantly looking for eye-catching graphics to promote their products or services.
As a freelancer or in-house designer specializing in social media design, you can create visually appealing posts that will help increase engagement and drive traffic to your client’s website.
To excel at this job requires an understanding of each platform’s unique requirements for image sizes and formats as well as knowledge about current trends in design aesthetics. You’ll also need excellent communication skills to work with clients on their specific needs while still maintaining your creative vision.
Whether you’re creating static images or animated videos for Instagram stories or Facebook ads – there are endless opportunities available when it comes to designing social media graphics!
Creating E-book Covers, Posters, Brochures Etc
As a graphic designer, you have the skills to create visually appealing designs for various purposes. One of the best moonlighting jobs for graphic designers is creating e-book covers, posters, brochures and other marketing materials.
With more businesses going digital and online these days, there’s an increasing demand for eye-catching graphics that can help promote their products or services.
Creating e-book covers requires a good understanding of typography and layout design as well as knowledge on how to use software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Posters are another great opportunity where you can showcase your creativity by designing something unique that will grab people’s attention.
Brochures are also in high demand because they serve as an effective tool in promoting businesses at events such as trade shows or conferences. You’ll need to be able to create compelling visuals while keeping important information organized so it’s easy for readers to digest.
Creating marketing materials is one of the most lucrative moonlighting jobs available today if you’re a skilled graphic designer with experience in this field!
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