freelance graphic designer business plan

How to Be a Freelance Graphic Designer in 2024: A 10 Step Plan

Do you have dreams of ditching your day job and becoming a full-time freelance graphic designer? Start putting your plan in motion.

Most freelancers start with graphic design as a side hustle, but with determination, business planning, and a solid work ethic, you can build as much business as you want to create a sustainable career.

Here are 10 steps to help you get started. (Trust me, I’ve tested them all in my decade as a freelancer!)

The Ultimate Designer Toolkit: 2 Million+ Assets

Envato Elements gives you unlimited access to 2 million+ pro design resources, themes, templates, photos, graphics and more. Everything you'll ever need in your design resource toolkit.

Sans Serif, Script & More

Graphic Templates

Logos, print & mockups.

CMS Templates

Shopify, tumblr & more, step 1: start building a portfolio.

A strong portfolio is a must if you plan to bring in clients on your own.

While it can be tempting to dump everything you’ve done recently into a portfolio, be selective. Only include projects and examples that are stellar examples of the kind of freelance work you want to do. (If you plan to focus on print, don’t pack your portfolio with digital projects.)

Use your portfolio as a showpiece to sell your work to potential clients. You’ll quickly find that the type of work you showcase often results in similar inquiries for future projects.

Step 1a: Include passion projects in your portfolio. Even unpaid projects that you have a personal connection to can be part of your portfolio. Sometimes these pieces can show your depth of work and love for design more than commercial jobs. (They can also lead to more of the kind of work that you want to do.)

Step 1b: Don’t be afraid to use other paid design work in your portfolio, such as from a full-time job while you are establishing yourself. You did that work too, even if it wasn’t as a freelancer and it is acceptable to include it in your portfolio. Feel free to note that it was part of work as a paid employee for that company if you like.

Step 2: Establish a Personal Brand

You’ll need a strong personal and professional brand to make it as a freelance graphic designer. They might be the same (if you plan to do work under your name) or could include a business name that you represent.

Buy a domain, create an email address, and establish an online presence as a graphic designer. While you are doing this brand work, consider whether you plan to do freelance work under your name or create a business name. (You might want to do the footwork for both if you are on the fence.)

There are pros and cons to both options – using your name or creating another company name – making it a personal choice of how you want to do business as a freelance graphic designer.

I started doing small freelance projects under my own name nearly a decade ago. As my business and reputation grew, I incorporated the freelance business. This is a common path for many freelancers and shows how a strong personal brand can grow into and contribute to a business name or brand as well.

Step 2a: Claim everything out there you can with your business name, such as vanity URLs, social media handles, etc. Even if you don’t start using them right away, there’s a lot of brand value in owning your name – or business name – across the board.

Step 3: Get Online

Part of building your brand is to establish yourself as an authority in all things design, with a specific focus on the type of freelance work you want to bring in. That probably starts with a website as well as social media and portfolio sites.

Think of how new clients will look for you. It will likely start with a Google search – even for clients that come from referrals.

A strong online presence gives you credibility as a graphic designer and makes you “real” to potential clients. It can also provide a point of contact. So don’t forget to include a note that you are available for hire and how to get in touch.

Step 3a: Google yourself. Make sure that your online presence is clean and portrays you in the right manner. If not, it’s time to start link building to get the right things to show up about you in search. (Social media accounts can actually be a big help here!)

Step 4: Create a Business Plan and Goals

So much of becoming a freelance graphic designer isn’t creative at all. It’s laying a solid business foundation to facilitate future success.

If you plan to use freelance work as merely a side gig, a full business plan might not be necessary. But you still need to think about time, taxes, and the balance of revenue and expenses. (The goal is to make money, right?)

If you plan to enter into freelancing as a full-time job, you need a business plan and goals. How much income do you need to make it work? What about costs from healthcare to taxes to software and computers and marketing? What services and contractors do you need (legal, CPA, licenses, and insurance)?

Create measurable goals to help you figure out if your plan is working. And have a fallback plan if the freelance lifestyle ends up not being for you.

Step 5: Start Taking Clients

Start taking freelance clients.

While you are probably ready to jump in, it’s a good idea to start small. The first few clients and projects might take more time or work than you anticipate. From meetings to revisions to figuring out what exactly a client needs, you want to give yourself plenty of time to be successful (and not burn out right away).

Over time, you’ll get an idea of what client time looks like, how long certain projects take, and where you can focus on making the most money and getting creative fulfillment.

Step 6: Develop and Nurture the Right Networks

What does your ideal client look like? Where do you find them?

Spend some time putting yourself out there with intentional networking. If most of your business is local, attend meetups and networking events in your region. If client work comes from other sources, develop those networks.

Other networks might include contacts at agencies if you do a lot of sub-work, through design conferences if you have a wide network, or individual clients that send a lot of business your way.

Strong connections will help you generate the right type of business and not lead to problem clients or projects that aren’t a good fit.

Remember that networking happens in person, online, and through other channels such as guest blogging, referring clients, and attending industry-specific events or conferences.

Step 6a: Just as important as nurturing the right networks is knowing which ones to walk away from. Don’t spend time and effort with groups that aren’t providing benefits to you.

Step 7: Diversify Work and Clients

Don’t spend all your freelance time working for one client or on just one type of project. You never know when that business might dry up.

It’s a good idea to create a diverse client base.

The ideal mix? Aim for:

• A few regular clients with predictable needs
• A couple of big projects that you can complete and move on
• A few new clients or projects

Step 8: Create a Referral Network

There will come a time that every freelancer is maxed out. You just can’t take on another project because you are busy or need a little time off. And that’s OK.

Refer clients to other graphic designers that you trust. Creating a referral network that you can send clients to establishes your reputation and can work reciprocally when other freelancers refer clients back to you. Only send clients to other designers that you trust.

Have a conversation with designers that you might send clients to. These might be others that you work with regularly (or even contract work with) or designers from your extended network. Make sure they know you may send work their way. (It’s good for business in the long run.)

Step 9: Find a Niche Market

While it is good to have a mix of clients and projects, some freelancers can benefit from specialization. Do you do something that there’s a strong demand for and not a lot of people meet it? Specialization might be the key.

Before you jump into a niche market, do your homework. Is there enough work to support your business? Can you work efficiently in this area? Will you be satisfied with one line of design work? Is there a demand for the product, service, or design technique you are specializing in?

Just because you decide to specialize in something, it doesn’t mean you can’t take on other projects. The main benefit of working in a niche market is that you should be able to create a system and produce work quickly – you aren’t reinventing the wheel each time – and you have a strong familiarity with the work.

Niche markets include:

• Content or industry-specific design work
• Use of specific techniques, such as designing for voice or artificial intelligence interfaces
• Specialization by project, such as websites or print design, outdoor media, or product design
• Working with a specific type of client, such as small businesses in a certain region

Specialization doesn’t mean that you can’t change over time. Market and client needs change. Stay on top of your business and the industry. Evaluate your projects and clients periodically to make sure you are doing what’s best for your career.

Step 10: Pay Yourself a Salary

Now for the fun part – make sure to pay yourself!

Separate business and household money. Use different accounts, and credit cards, and keep track of everything. Operate the freelance work as a business to make everything more manageable in the long run. (Believe me, your accountant will thank you.)

Then from the business, pay yourself a salary. (Hopefully, you are doing enough business to pay yourself well.) Don’t pay household bills from your business accounts. Keeping business and personal accounts separate will make for easier, and less stressful accounting over time.

Step 10a: When you begin paying yourself, it might also be time to start paying some others to help you as well, including a payroll professional to ensure you are paying yourself the right way and managing taxes and fees appropriately. Giving yourself a salary is more than just writing (and cashing) a check; there are plenty of rules and regulations to consider based on where you live and work.

You can be a freelance graphic designer. It’s more than a dream, and in a growing gig economy worldwide, you can find a place in the creative industry on your own.

You will have to work at it. But if freelance graphic design is something you are interested in, you can use this plan to get started.

• Sample Business Plans
• Mobile Apps & Software

Graphic Design Business Plan

If you are planning to start a new graphic design company, the first thing you will need is a business plan. Use our sample graphic design business plan created using Upmetrics business plan software to start writing your business plan in no time.

Before you start writing your business plan for your new graphic design business, spend as much time as you can reading through some examples of  software-related business plans .

Reading sample business plans will give you a good idea of what you’re aiming for, and also it will show you the different sections that different entrepreneurs include and the language they use to write about themselves and their business plans.

We have created this sample graphic design business plan for you to get a good idea about what a perfect graphic design business plan should look like and what details you will need to include in your stunning business plan.

Graphic Design Business Plan Outline

This is the standard graphic design business plan outline which will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

• Business Overview
• Keys to Success
• 3 Year profit forecast
• Company Ownership
• Startup cost
• Funding Required
• Products and services
• Marketing share
• Target Market Segment Strategy
• Competition and Buying Patterns
• Marketing Strategy
• Sales Forecast
• Sales Yearly
• Detailed Sales Forecast
• Competitive Edge
• Website Marketing Strategy
• Development Requirements
• Average Salary of Employees
• Important Assumptions
• Brake-even Analysis
• Profit Yearly
• Gross Margin Yearly
• Projected Cash Flow
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Business Ratios

Say goodbye to boring templates

Build your business plan faster and easier with AI

Plans starting from $7/month

After  getting started with upmetrics , you can copy this sample business plan into your business plan and modify the required information and download your graphic design business plan pdf and doc file. It’s the fastest and easiest way to start writing your business plan.

Download a sample graphic design business plan

Need help writing your business plan from scratch? Here you go;  download our free graphic design business plan pdf  to start.

It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your graphic design business. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own.

Related Posts

Graphic Design Financial Plan

Web Design Business Plan

Business Plan Cover Page Design Process

Find Target Audience for Business Plan

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

Plan your business in the shortest time possible

No Risk – Cancel at Any Time – 15 Day Money Back Guarantee

Create a great Business Plan with great price.

• 400+ Business plan templates & examples
• AI Assistance & step by step guidance
• 4.8 Star rating on Trustpilot

Streamline your business planning process with Upmetrics .

Item added to your cart

Here is a free business plan sample for a graphic design services.

If you're passionate about graphic design and are considering turning your creativity into a career, you've landed on the perfect page.

In the content that follows, we will present you with a comprehensive business plan outline tailored for a graphic design venture.

As you might be aware, a strategic business plan is crucial for any aspiring entrepreneur. It serves as a roadmap, guiding you through establishing your brand, setting clear objectives, and outlining your approach to attract clients and grow your business.

To jumpstart your journey, you can utilize our graphic designer business plan template. Our team is also on standby to provide a free review and offer feedback on your completed plan.

How to draft a great business plan for your graphic design services?

A good business plan for a graphic designer must reflect the unique aspects of the creative services industry.

To start, it's important to provide a comprehensive overview of the design market. This includes current statistics and identifying emerging trends within the industry, similar to what we've incorporated in our graphic design business plan template .

Your business plan should articulate your vision clearly. Define your niche (such as logo design, branding, web design, etc.), identify your target market (startups, small businesses, large corporations, individual clients), and establish your unique value proposition (customized solutions, quick turnaround, specific design expertise).

Market analysis is a critical component. This means understanding your competitors, staying abreast of design trends, and knowing your potential clients' needs and preferences.

For a graphic designer, it's essential to showcase your portfolio. Detail the range of services you offer - from print to digital design - and demonstrate how these services can solve the problems or meet the needs of your target audience.

The operational plan should outline your work environment, whether it's a home office or a rented studio space, your hardware and software setup, and your process for managing projects and client communications.

Quality of work is paramount in graphic design. Emphasize your design process, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful designs.

Discuss your marketing and sales strategy. How will you build your brand and attract new clients? Consider your promotional tactics, networking strategies, and client retention plans.

Having a digital strategy, including a professional website and an active presence on platforms like Instagram or Behance, is crucial for showcasing your work and reaching potential clients.

The financial section is vital. It should cover your pricing model, sales projections, operational expenses, and the point at which your business will become profitable.

As a graphic designer, your income may vary based on project size and frequency, so it's important to have a clear financial plan. For assistance, you can refer to our financial forecast for graphic designers .

Compared to other business plans, a graphic design plan must focus more on intellectual property rights, portfolio development, and client acquisition strategies.

A well-crafted business plan will not only help you clarify your business strategy but also attract clients or secure financing.

Lenders and investors are interested in a solid market analysis, realistic financial projections, and a clear understanding of how you will manage your design projects and client relationships.

By presenting a detailed and substantiated plan, you show your professionalism and dedication to the success of your graphic design business.

To achieve these goals efficiently, you can fill out our graphic design business plan template .

A free example of business plan for a graphic design services

Here, we will provide a concise and illustrative example of a business plan for a specific project.

This example aims to provide an overview of the essential components of a business plan. It is important to note that this version is only a summary. As it stands, this business plan is not sufficiently developed to support a profitability strategy or convince a bank to provide financing.

To be effective, the business plan should be significantly more detailed, including up-to-date market data, more persuasive arguments, a thorough market study, a three-year action plan, as well as detailed financial tables such as a projected income statement, projected balance sheet, cash flow budget, and break-even analysis.

All these elements have been thoroughly included by our experts in the business plan template they have designed for a graphic designer .

Here, we will follow the same structure as in our business plan template.

Market Opportunity

Market data and figures.

The graphic design industry is a dynamic and evolving field with significant impact on various sectors.

Recent estimates value the global graphic design market at over $45 billion, with expectations for continued growth as businesses increasingly rely on visual content to communicate with their audiences.

In the United States alone, there are over 250,000 graphic design businesses, contributing to an annual revenue of approximately $15 billion for the industry.

These figures underscore the critical role of graphic designers in branding, marketing, and multimedia industries, highlighting their economic importance.

The graphic design landscape is shaped by several emerging trends and technological advancements.

Minimalism continues to dominate design preferences, with a focus on simplicity and clean lines. This is complemented by bold typography and vibrant color schemes that capture attention.

There is a growing emphasis on personalized and custom graphics, as businesses seek to stand out in a crowded marketplace with unique visual identities.

Advancements in design software and tools, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, are opening new avenues for immersive and interactive designs.

Additionally, the rise of social media platforms has led to an increased demand for engaging and shareable graphic content.

Environmental consciousness is also influencing design choices, with a push towards sustainable practices and materials in print design.

These trends reflect the graphic design industry's adaptability and its role in shaping how businesses and individuals communicate visually in the digital age.

Success Factors

Several factors contribute to the success of a graphic designer or design firm.

First and foremost, the ability to produce high-quality, innovative designs that effectively communicate a client's message is paramount.

Creativity and a strong understanding of design principles are essential for delivering compelling visual content.

Staying current with the latest design software and technologies can provide a competitive edge and enable designers to offer cutting-edge solutions.

Networking and building strong relationships with clients and other industry professionals can lead to referrals and repeat business.

Excellent customer service and the ability to work within deadlines and budgets are also critical for client satisfaction and retention.

Ultimately, a graphic designer's success hinges on their ability to adapt to industry trends, manage projects efficiently, and consistently deliver designs that resonate with target audiences.

The Project

Project presentation.

Our graphic design venture is tailored to cater to the increasing need for professional and creative visual communication solutions. Situated in a vibrant business district or operating online, this service will offer a comprehensive suite of graphic design services, including branding, logo design, marketing materials, web design, and more, all crafted with a keen eye for detail and contemporary aesthetics.

The emphasis will be on delivering bespoke, impactful, and visually compelling designs that resonate with the target audience and enhance our clients' brand identity.

This graphic design initiative aims to become a go-to resource for businesses and individuals alike, seeking to elevate their visual presence in a competitive market.

Value Proposition

The value proposition of our graphic design service is centered around providing innovative and personalized design solutions that effectively communicate our clients' brand message.

Our dedication to artistic excellence, strategic thinking, and customer satisfaction offers a transformative visual experience, while supporting the marketing goals and brand recognition of our clients.

We are committed to fostering a collaborative environment where clients feel understood and valued, and aim to educate them on the importance of professional design in achieving business success.

Our graphic design service strives to be a cornerstone for clients, delivering not just designs, but a visual language that speaks directly to their audience and distinguishes them from the competition.

Project Owner

The project owner is a seasoned graphic designer with a passion for visual storytelling and a knack for translating ideas into compelling design concepts.

With a background in graphic design and a portfolio that showcases a wide range of successful projects, they are poised to create a graphic design service that is renowned for its creativity, client-focused approach, and ability to deliver results.

Driven by a mission to empower brands through design, they are committed to staying ahead of industry trends and leveraging their expertise to provide clients with cutting-edge visual solutions.

Their dedication to the craft of design and their desire to make a lasting impact on clients' businesses are the driving forces behind this venture, aiming to set a new standard in the graphic design landscape.

The Market Study

Target market.

The target market for a graphic design business can be segmented into various groups.

Firstly, there are small to medium-sized businesses in need of branding, marketing materials, and digital design services to establish and maintain their market presence.

Secondly, individual entrepreneurs and professionals who require personal branding and promotional designs to enhance their visibility and credibility in their respective fields.

Additionally, the market includes larger corporations seeking to outsource creative projects, such as annual reports, corporate identity packages, and advertising campaigns.

Lastly, other potential clients include non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and event planners looking for design services for campaigns, events, and informational materials.

SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis for a graphic design business might highlight the following:

Strengths could include a strong portfolio showcasing a wide range of design skills, a well-established network of clients, and a reputation for creativity and timely delivery.

Weaknesses might involve the challenge of staying updated with the latest design software and trends, or the potential for workload fluctuations due to project-based work.

Opportunities could arise from the growing need for digital design with the increase in online businesses, as well as the potential to expand services to include web design and social media management.

Threats may include intense competition from other freelance designers and design agencies, as well as the need to continuously adapt to changing design technologies and client preferences.

Competitor Analysis

Competitor analysis for a graphic design business shows a diverse and competitive landscape.

Direct competitors include other freelance graphic designers and design agencies that offer similar services.

These competitors vie for clients by showcasing their design expertise, client testimonials, and portfolio quality.

Competitive advantages may be found in specialized design services, niche market expertise, strong client relationships, and a unique creative approach.

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of these competitors is crucial for carving out a unique market position and developing client acquisition and retention strategies.

Competitive Advantages

The competitive advantages of a graphic design business may revolve around personalized service and a unique design aesthetic.

Offering tailored design solutions that align with a client's brand identity and business goals can set a designer apart from competitors.

Additionally, staying abreast of design trends and incorporating innovative techniques can enhance the appeal of the services offered.

Building a reputation for reliability, effective communication, and exceeding client expectations can foster long-term relationships and lead to repeat business and referrals.

Transparency in the design process and clear pricing structures also contribute to building trust and satisfaction among clients.

You can also read our articles about: - how to offer graphic design services: a complete guide - the customer segments of a graphic design services - the competition study for a graphic design services

The Strategy

Development plan.

Our three-year development plan for the graphic design business is designed to be dynamic and responsive to the evolving market.

In the first year, we will concentrate on building a robust portfolio and establishing a strong online presence to attract a diverse client base.

The second year will be focused on expanding our services to include branding packages, web design, and digital marketing, thereby offering a comprehensive suite of design solutions to our clients.

In the third year, we aim to collaborate with advertising agencies and corporate clients to secure larger projects and recurring contracts.

Throughout this period, we will prioritize staying ahead of design trends, investing in cutting-edge software, and continuously improving our technical skills to deliver exceptional value to our clients.

Business Model Canvas

The Business Model Canvas for our graphic design business targets entrepreneurs, small businesses, and corporations in need of professional visual content.

Our value proposition is centered on delivering high-quality, custom design work that effectively communicates our clients' brand messages.

We offer our services through various online platforms, utilizing key resources such as our design software, creative expertise, and a network of professional contacts.

Key activities include client consultations, design creation, project management, and ongoing client support.

Our revenue streams are generated from project-based fees, retainer agreements, and design service packages, while our costs are mainly associated with software subscriptions, marketing, and professional development.

Access a detailed and editable real Business Model Canvas in our business plan template .

Marketing Strategy

Our marketing strategy is built on showcasing our design expertise and building relationships with clients.

We plan to create a strong portfolio that demonstrates our range of skills and past successes. This will be complemented by testimonials and case studies to build credibility.

Networking events, social media marketing, and collaborations with influencers in the design community will help us reach a wider audience.

We will also offer free resources, such as design tips and templates, to engage potential clients and position ourselves as thought leaders in the industry.

Risk Policy

The risk policy for our graphic design business focuses on mitigating risks associated with client acquisition, project delivery, and data security.

We will implement clear contracts to define project scopes and deliverables, ensuring client expectations are managed effectively.

Regular data backups and adherence to cybersecurity best practices will protect our work and client information.

Cost management strategies will be in place to maintain financial stability, and professional indemnity insurance will cover any potential legal issues related to our design work.

Our commitment is to provide high-quality design services while safeguarding our business and our clients' interests.

Why Our Project is Viable

We are confident in the viability of our graphic design business due to the ever-increasing demand for professional visual content across all sectors.

With a focus on creativity, client satisfaction, and adaptability, we are well-positioned to capture market share and build a reputable brand.

We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to enhance our clients' visual communication strategies while growing a sustainable and innovative design business.

We remain flexible to industry changes and client needs, and we are excited about the future prospects of our graphic design venture.

You can also read our articles about: - the Business Model Canvas of a graphic design services - the marketing strategy for a graphic design services

The Financial Plan

Of course, the text presented below is far from sufficient to serve as a solid and credible financial analysis for a bank or potential investor. They expect specific numbers, financial statements, and charts demonstrating the profitability of your project.

All these elements are available in our business plan template for a graphic designer and our financial plan for a graphic designer .

Initial expenses for our graphic design business include investing in high-quality design software, powerful computing equipment to handle complex design tasks, setting up a professional website portfolio, acquiring licenses for stock images and fonts, and costs related to brand creation and launching targeted marketing campaigns to reach potential clients.

Our revenue assumptions are based on a thorough analysis of the market demand for graphic design services, considering the importance of strong visual branding for businesses and the increasing need for digital content.

We anticipate a steady growth in client acquisition, starting modestly and expanding as our portfolio and reputation in the graphic design industry strengthen.

The projected income statement indicates expected revenues from our design services, production costs (software subscriptions, design assets), and operating expenses (workspace rent, marketing, salaries for any support staff, etc.).

This results in a forecasted net profit essential for assessing the profitability of our graphic design venture over time.

The projected balance sheet reflects assets specific to our business, such as design software, hardware, and any pre-paid subscriptions, and liabilities including debts and anticipated expenses.

It shows the overall financial health of our graphic design business at the end of each period.

Our projected cash flow budget details incoming and outgoing cash flows, allowing us to anticipate our cash needs at any given time. This will enable us to manage our finances effectively and avoid cash flow problems.

The projected financing plan lists the specific financing sources we plan to use to cover our startup expenses.

The working capital requirement for our graphic design business will be closely monitored to ensure we have the necessary liquidity to finance our daily operations, including software subscription fees, marketing efforts, and any outsourced services or staff salaries.

The break-even point specific to our project is the level of sales needed to cover all our costs, including startup expenses, and start making a profit.

It will indicate when our business will become profitable.

Performance indicators we will track include the profit margin rate on our design services, the liquidity ratio to assess our ability to cover short-term financial obligations, and the return on investment to measure the effectiveness of our capital invested in the business.

These indicators will help us evaluate the financial health and overall success of our graphic design business.

If you want to know more about the financial analysis of this type of activity, please read our article about the financial plan for a graphic design services .

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

Graphic Design Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Graphic Design Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their graphic design businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a graphic design business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Graphic Design Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes research to support your business plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Graphic Design Business

If you’re looking to start a graphic design business, or grow your existing graphic design business, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your graphic design business in order to improve your chances of success. Your business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Graphic Design Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a graphic design business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for a graphic design business is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan. Venture capitalists will not fund a graphic design business. They might consider funding a graphic design business with a national presence, but never an individual location. This is because most venture capitalists are looking for millions of dollars in return when they make an investment, and an individual location could never achieve such results.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a graphic design company.

If you want to start a new graphic design business or expand your current one, you need a business plan in the proper business plan format . Below are links to each section of your graphic design business plan template:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of graphic design business you are operating and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of graphic design businesses.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the graphic design industry. Discuss the type of graphic design business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types of graphic design businesses:

• Publishing graphic design : this type of business creates eye-catching visual materials for books, magazines, and newspapers.
• Website graphic design : this type of business creates user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing website pages.
• Product graphic design : this type of graphic design studio creates illustrations and prototypes of various products.

In addition to explaining the type of graphic design business you will operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of client contracts, contract renewals, revenue generated, number of referrals, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the graphic design business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the graphic design industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating. 

Secondly, research can improve your strategy, particularly if your research identifies market trends.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your graphic design business plan:

• How big is the graphic design industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your graphic design business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your graphic design business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: business owners and entrepreneurs, bloggers, marketing professionals. 

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of graphic design business you operate. Clearly, entrepreneurs would want different service options and would respond to different marketing promotions than bloggers, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. You can find demographic information for various locations on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

Finish Your Graphic Design Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other graphic design businesses. 

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes low-cost freelance platforms and design tools like Canva. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone who needs graphic design will utilize a graphic design company.

With regards to direct competition, you want to describe the other graphic design businesses with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be graphic design businesses in the same niche.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of clients do they serve?
• What types of graphic design services do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior services?
• Will you provide services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to use your services?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a graphic design business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of graphic design business that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to graphic design, will you provide unlimited revisions, a dedicated project manager, or free mock-ups?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your graphic design company. Most likely, your graphic design business can be operated remotely, and you can serve several geographic locations at once. Mention how your remote graphic design business offers ample opportunities. 

Promotions : The final part of your graphic design marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s) or website. The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local websites 
• Social media marketing
• Local radio advertising

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your graphic design business, including project management, sales and outreach, and design work.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to work with your 100th client, or when you hope to reach $100,000 in revenue. It could also be when you expect to partner with a major brand or complete your first graphic design case study.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your graphic design business’ ability to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company. 

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing graphic design businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing graphic design companies or successfully running small businesses.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you work with 60 clients per year or 120? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your graphic design business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt. For example, let’s say an advertising agency approached you with a $75,000 contract to provide graphic design services for their clients on an annual basis. Let’s further assume the contract would cost you $75,000 to fulfill in terms of increased staffing costs. Well, in most cases, you would have to pay that $75,000 now for employee salaries, software, image licensing, etc. But let’s say the company didn’t pay you for 180 days. During that 180-day period, you could run out of money.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a graphic design business:

• Business build-out including website design and branding fees, hosting, advanced digital security and encryption, etc.
• Cost of equipment like design software, high-speed internet, project management platforms, etc
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your trademark or copyright information.  

Graphic Design Business Plan Template PDF

You can download our graphic design business plan PDF to help you get started on your own business plan.  

Putting together your own business plan for a graphic design business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the graphic design industry, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing strategy and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow your own graphic design business.  

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Graphic Design business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success. Growthink’s professional business plan consulting services can create your business plan for you.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Business Plan Template for Graphic Designers

• Great for beginners
• Ready-to-use, fully customizable Subcategory
• Get started in seconds

In the fast-paced world of graphic design, standing out from the competition is essential. But how do you create a clear path to success in such a creative and dynamic industry? That's where ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Graphic Designers comes in handy!

With our ready-made template, freelance graphic designers and design agencies can:

• Define their business goals and objectives to stay focused and motivated
• Develop effective strategies for attracting and retaining clients
• Create detailed financial projections to ensure profitability
• Craft targeted marketing plans to reach a wider audience

Whether you're a seasoned designer looking to level up your business or a new agency aiming to make a splash, our Business Plan Template will help you navigate the design world with confidence. Start planning your success today!

Business Plan Template for Graphic Designers Benefits

A business plan template for graphic designers is an essential tool for success in the competitive design industry. Here are some benefits of using this template:

• Provides a clear roadmap for achieving business goals and objectives
• Helps identify target clients and develop effective marketing strategies
• Enables accurate financial projections and budgeting for optimal resource allocation
• Guides the development of a compelling brand identity and unique selling proposition
• Facilitates effective communication with clients and stakeholders
• Ensures a professional and organized approach to running a graphic design business.

Main Elements of Graphic Designers Business Plan Template

ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Graphic Designers is the perfect tool to help freelance graphic designers or graphic design agencies stay organized and focused on their business goals. Here are the main elements of this template:

Custom Statuses: Keep track of your progress with statuses such as Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do, allowing you to easily see which tasks need your attention and which are already completed.

Custom Fields: Utilize custom fields like Reference, Approved, and Section to add important information to each task, such as reference materials or approval status, ensuring all necessary details are easily accessible within the template.

Custom Views: Access five different views, including Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide, to visualize your business plan from different perspectives. Whether you want to focus on specific topics, track task statuses, or view a timeline of your plan, ClickUp has you covered.

Project Management: Take advantage of ClickUp's project management features, such as task dependencies, time tracking, and collaboration tools, to ensure efficient workflow and successful execution of your business plan.

With ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Graphic Designers, you can streamline your planning process and achieve your business goals with ease.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Graphic Designers

If you're a graphic designer looking to create a solid business plan, you're in the right place. By using the Business Plan Template in ClickUp and following the steps outlined below, you'll be well on your way to establishing a successful graphic design business.

1. Define your vision and mission

Start by clearly defining the vision and mission of your graphic design business. What do you hope to achieve? Who is your target audience? Having a clear vision and mission statement will guide your business decisions and help you stay focused on your goals.

Use a Doc in ClickUp to brainstorm and articulate your vision and mission.

2. Identify your target market

Next, identify your target market. Who are the clients you want to work with? What industries do you specialize in? Understanding your target market will help you tailor your services and marketing efforts to attract the right clients.

Create tasks in ClickUp to research and identify your target market segments.

3. Define your services and pricing

Outline the services you offer as a graphic designer and determine your pricing structure. Be sure to consider factors such as your level of expertise, the complexity of the project, and the value you provide to clients. Setting clear and competitive pricing will help you attract clients and ensure you're compensated fairly for your work.

Create custom fields in ClickUp to track your services and pricing options.

4. Develop a marketing strategy

To attract clients and grow your graphic design business, you'll need an effective marketing strategy. Consider tactics such as creating a portfolio website, leveraging social media platforms, attending industry events, and networking with potential clients. Determine which marketing channels are most relevant to your target market and develop a plan to reach them.

Use the Calendar view in ClickUp to schedule and track your marketing activities.

5. Establish financial goals and projections

Setting financial goals and projections is crucial for the success of your business. Determine how much revenue you want to generate, as well as your desired profit margin. Consider factors such as operating expenses, taxes, and any investments you'll need to make in equipment or software. Creating a financial plan will help you stay on track and make informed business decisions.

Use Dashboards in ClickUp to monitor your financial goals and track your progress.

6. Monitor and adjust

Once your business plan is in place, it's important to regularly monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. Keep an eye on your financial performance, marketing efforts, and client feedback. If something isn't working, don't be afraid to pivot and try a new approach. Remember, flexibility is key to building a successful graphic design business.

Set recurring tasks in ClickUp to regularly review and update your business plan based on your evolving needs and goals.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Graphic Designers

Graphic designers can use the Business Plan Template in ClickUp to create a comprehensive and organized roadmap for their design business.

First, hit "Add Template" to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a successful graphic design business:

• Use the Topics View to outline and organize different sections of your business plan, such as goals, target audience, services, and marketing strategies.
• The Status View will help you track the progress of each section of your business plan, with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
• The Timeline View will allow you to set deadlines and visualize the timeline for completing different aspects of your business plan.
• The Business Plan View provides an overview of your entire business plan, allowing you to easily navigate and access each section.
• The Getting Started Guide View offers step-by-step instructions and tips to help you fill out each section of your business plan.
• Utilize the custom fields, such as Reference, Approved, and Section, to add additional information and categorize different elements of your business plan.
• Update statuses and custom fields as you make progress and receive feedback on your business plan.
• Monitor and analyze your business plan to ensure it aligns with your goals and objectives.
• Business Plan Template for Finance Department
• Business Plan Template for Jaguar Land Rover
• Business Plan Template for Broadband Service Providers
• Business Plan Template for Recreation Centers
• Business Plan Template for Structural Engineers

Template details

Free forever with 100mb storage.

Free training & 24-hours support

Serious about security & privacy

Highest levels of uptime the last 12 months

• Product Roadmap
• Affiliate & Referrals
• On-Demand Demo
• Integrations
• Consultants
• Gantt Chart
• Native Time Tracking
• Automations
• Kanban Board
• vs Airtable
• vs Basecamp
• vs MS Project
• vs Smartsheet
• Software Team Hub
• PM Software Guide

Don't bother with copy and paste.

Get this complete sample business plan as a free text document.

Graphic Design Business Plan

Start your own graphic design business plan

The Metolius Agency

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

The Metolius Agency is a Eugene, Ore. based graphic design and visual communications firm.  Metolius will be concentrating on corporate identity of established companies.  The targeted customer is a small- to medium-size company that has been established for five to 15 years.  The company has done well with the business so far, but they are in need of a new corporate identity to allow them to move to the next level.

Metolius will operate out of a small office in the downtown area.  For months one through seven, Kiev Lartiste will be the sole employee.  By month seven, Kiev will be hiring an assistant to help with design work as well as administrative details.

Metolius will offer companies a fresh perspective regarding corporate identity and visual communication.  Kiev has a unique background where he has business skills and creative skills.  Most firms come solely from creative backgrounds.  While this is useful for the crafting of logos and other devices of visual communication, it lacks the intuitive business mindset that Kiev brings to the firm.  This competitive edge allows Kiev to bring both an aesthetic design focus as well as a practical, quantitative mindset that adds value to the service offerings by creating solutions that have both creative elements combined with rational, business ideas.  This is useful since the clients are more business oriented.

Metolius will grow their customer base by providing clients with well-priced projects due to reasonably low overhead, creative, practical designs that add more value than competing graphical art firms, and superior customer attention.  The Metolius Agency will reach profitability by month nine and generate $27,347 in profits by year three. 

1.1 Objectives

The objectives for the first three years of operation include:

• To develop a start-up graphics agency that will grow to profitability within year two.
• To create a company whose primary goal is to exceed customer’s expectations.
• To create a firm that provides the target customers with valuable services and provides the owner with a flexible, creative, fun, and profitable business opportunity.

1.2 Mission

The Metolius Agency’s mission is to provide the customer with creative and practical graphic design work and visual communication services.  We exist to attract and maintain customers.  When we adhere to this maxim, everything else will fall into place.  Our services will exceed the expectations of our customers.

1.3 Keys to Success

The keys to success are:

• Professionalism
• Practical insight
• Enjoyment of the experience

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

The Metolius Agency is a start-up graphics firm that serves small- to medium-sized companies.  The firm will be based in Eugene, Ore. and will operate from a small, downtown office.

2.1 Company Ownership

The Metolius Agency is a sole proprietorship owned and operated by Kiev Lartiste.

2.2 Start-up Summary

The Metolius Agency will incur the following start-up costs:

• Assorted office furniture including two filing cabinets, two work desks, a couch and two chairs for the waiting area, a round table with chairs, and assorted fixtures for the office.
• Two computers, each with 21″ monitors, graphic tablet, black and white laser printer, inkjet color printer, scanner, CD-RW, and the following software: Illustrator, Freehand, Quark, Photoshop, Font Management Utilities, Traffic Office Manager (a scheduling and billing software), and Microsoft Project.
• Development of the website which will include design time by Kiev and implementation from a University of Oregon computer science graduate student.
• A current library of requisite magazines and journals.
• A DSL connection.
• Assorted office supplies.
• Stationary and brochures.
• Legal fees regarding business formation, creation of standard client contracts, and other general advice.

Please note that the following items which are considered assets to be used for more than a year will be labeled long-term assets and will be depreciated using G.A.A.P. approved straight-line depreciation method.

The Metolius Agency provides graphic design and visual communication services to established, primarily Eugene-based, companies.  Some of the services offered are corporate identity, marquees, logos, branding, and packaging. 

The pricing of the projects are typically estimated as a project-based cost.  The project cost will be estimated by the approximate number of hours needed to complete the project.  Generally, Kiev will be charging $75 an hour for his services.

The majority of services will be provided at The Metolius Agency’s office space.  This office will be modern, practical, and sleek.  This is very important because the office of a graphic designer is to a large degree a piece of their portfolio and reflects their work product.  Therefore, a decent amount of money will be used to develop a proper appearing business office.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

The Metolius Agency will be targeting small- to medium-sized companies.  What these companies have in common is they have started as a small company with a good idea and have grown into a larger, more mature company that must now decide if they are going to maintain the current business strategy, or reinvigorate the company, employ professional service providers, and move to the next level.

4.1 Market Segmentation

The Metolius Agency has two distinct customer groups which they will concentrate on:

• Small-size companies: typically five to 15 employees
• Medium-size companies: 15 to 40 employees

These companies started with a valuable concept and leveraged their original grassroots visual communication elements. Now that they have matured into a larger company, they can no longer rely on the original grassroots corporate identity. These companies are in need of a professional firm like The Metolius Agency to expand their identify and take them to that same level as their competitors and be able to compete.

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

The market segments will be targeted in a number of different ways.  It must be noted that graphics firms generate visibility and sales not through advertising, but through networking and client referrals.  The methods used for the target market segment strategy will be:

• Networking. The networking will be based on leveraging Kiev’s personal and professional relationships that he has developed after spending years in the industry.  Ways of networking include sending out notecards to all acquaintances announcing the opening of The Metolius Agency, periodically meeting with people to catch up–as well to continue to network which means to find out who this person knows within the target companies that Metolius will try to turn into customers. 
• Client referral. A lot of business is derived through referrals.  Some of the referrals will come through the Chamber of Commerce, some of the referrals will come from customers.  Recognizing that referrals will be a good source of new customers, Kiev will be in constant contact with the Chamber.  In addition to being in contact with them, Kiev will investigate the possibility of doing a small project pro bono for the Chamber.  This will be done to let the Chamber view an example of The Metolius Agency’s work.  It will also provide a reason for the Chamber to recommend The Metolius Agency.  Kiev will work very hard to satisfy all of his customers.  By making sure that he exceeds their expectations, he will increase the likelihood that he will receive referrals from satisfied customers.
• Targeted customer acquisition. This is the researching and strategic formulation to attract a chosen company to become a customer.  Kiev will put together a list of 20-30 companies that would be excellent customers.  Once these companies have been identified, Kiev will devise a strategy to target these companies as customers by initially determining what value Metolius can offer them. Eventually, the goal is to be able to meet with the decision maker of the company and present them with a portfolio of Kiev’s past work as well as the proposed value Kiev can offer them.

4.3 Service Business Analysis

Within the last seven to 10 years, there has been a trend in the industry for the general advertising agencies, that previously only worked with advertising, to act as a full-service agency that not only prepares advertisements, but also does a lot of the creative work in-house instead of outsourcing it.  This trend toward full-service agencies has continued.  To a large degree it is occurring due to higher profit margins for the service providers.  The Metolius Agency will be bucking this trend and concentrating on their specific skill set.

4.3.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

The following are examples of the different types of competitors:

• Large advertising agencies: over the years these firms have increased their number of service offerings from selling media forms of advertising, to a full-service company that develops creative work in-house, working with companies to develop corporate identity, etc.
• Freelance designers: these competitors are similar to Kiev because they are typically a one-man operation, often operating out of their own home.  Often the freelance designers are just getting into the business and are trying to get experience, or they have left a firm in search of a more flexible lifestyle.  Some freelance designers are well experienced and can offer the same professional level of quality the large agencies offer.
• Kinko’s: while Kinko’s is not a true competitor, it is a substitute competitor that should be mentioned. Kinko’s stores do not have a true creative department, but for some of the larger accounts, it offers free creative services as a value-added feature to the larger customer.  These services are typically provided by an employee who has introductory or intermediate skills using graphic design software such as Quark or Freehand, and in a small amount of time can generate creative images for the client.  These services are typically not billed but used as a value-added benefit.  While the price is quite good, the customer must recognize the fact that these services are not on par with a professional agency.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

The Metolius Agency’s marketing and sales strategy will utilize networking and referrals to develop visibility for the company.  Prospective customers will be turned into qualified sales through a professional showing that displays Kiev’s portfolio of past work.  The portfolio is key for making a positive impression regarding Kiev which illustrates his skill set and capacity as a creative designer.

5.1 Marketing Strategy

As noted previously in the target market segment strategy, The Metolius Agency will rely on three activities in their marketing efforts.  These include:

• Networking: leveraging relationships to build more relationships within Eugene’s relatively intimate community.
• Client referral: by providing outstanding customer attention, current customers are more likely to become a long-term customer and are more likely to refer their friends.
• Targeted customer acquisition: the first step of this process is to target who the ideal customer is, determine how Metolius can offer them value, and then network to come into contact with the decision maker at that company.

5.2 Sales Strategy

The sales strategy will be to utilize Kiev’s portfolio of past work to qualify a sales lead.  Using a portfolio is very common within the industry to show past examples of work.  Kiev’s strategy will be the development of several different portfolios, each one customized to a specific type of work.  By having different portfolios, Kiev is able to better illustrate his proficiency with that specific skill set.  In addition to the use of the portfolio, Kiev will do research on the prospective company and their industry so that he has specific knowledge of the needs the company may have and solutions that he can offer.

5.2.1 Sales Forecast

The first month of operation will be used to get the office set up and ready for business.  Some of the time will be working with the interior designers to create a modern looking office space.

Months two through four will be somewhat slow as Kiev is developing clients. He is forecasted to take on some smaller projects.  By month five Metolius will have developed larger projects and will continue to grow steadily.

5.3 Milestones

The Metolius Agency will have several milestones early on:

• Business plan completion
• Office set up
• Establishment of the first major account
• Profitability

5.4 Competitive Edge

The Metolius Agency’s competitive edge is based on Kiev’s diverse background of business and creativity.  Typically, most creative agencies are staffed by right-brain creative types.  These people are extremely aesthetically oriented.  While this is certainly an asset in the field of graphic design, it can be limiting because while their work might be extremely creative, it might not “hit home” with non-creative types which make up a large portion in the business world.

Kiev’s background is based both in aesthetics and business.  While Kiev always had a creative streak that he would use, his education was business oriented. This competitive edge allows The Metolius Agency to offer similar creative services other firms can offer, but also provide a unique business perspective.

Web Plan Summary

The website will be used as a way to disseminate information regarding the firm, show past examples of work, provide the interested party will several ways of contacting The Metolius Agency.  In today’s day and age, a website is almost a given, a standard source of information regarding the company.

6.1 Website Marketing Strategy

The marketing strategy for the website will be based on inclusion of the Internet address in all materials that The Metolius Agency releases, as well as submission to popular websites.  Submission to search engines is an art in itself as different search engines work in different ways so a customized submission is most effective.

6.2 Development Requirements

A graduate student from the University of Oregon’s computer science department will be used for the development (writing the code, Kiev will be responsible for the creative work) of the website as well as the periodic maintenance of the site.  A graduate student will be used because of their expertise and typical below market rate.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

Upon graduation, Kiev went to work for Wieden & Kennedy in Portland.  This was a wonderful experience as Kiev was surrounded by very bright, creative people.  Kiev was given small projects, usually components of larger projects.  While this was a good experience, he was unable to leverage his business skills under these circumstances.

After three years Kiev moved to Eugene and took a position with (name omitted), a large full-service advertising agency.  The firm gave Kiev more management responsibility for his projects. After the third year, Kiev felt confident enough to entertain the idea of going out on his own and opening his own firm.  After market research and writing a business plan, Kiev gave notice and opened up The Metolius Agency.

7.1 Personnel Plan

Kiev will be the sole employee through month seven at which time he will hire an assistant to help out with design execution, as well as some of the administrative details.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

The following sections will outline important financial information.

8.1 Important Assumptions

The following table details important financial assumptions.

8.2 Break-even Analysis

The Break-even Analysis indicates that approximately $7,000 will be needed in monthly revenue to reach the break-even point.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

The following table will indicate projected profit and loss.

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

The following chart and table will indicate projected cash flow.

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

The following table will indicate the projected balance sheet.

8.6 Business Ratios

The following table compares standard business ratios with the Standard Industry Code #7336, Graphic Design Services.

The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

No thanks, I prefer writing 40-page documents.

Discover the world’s #1 plan building software

Freelance Graphic Design: An Introduction

Working independently as a graphic designer , offering design services to customers on a by-project basis is known as freelance graphic design. Freelance graphic designers have become more in demand in recent years due to the growing gig economy and technological advances.

This increase can be attributed to the flexibility and cost-effectiveness that freelancers offer businesses of all sizes. Advertising, marketing, web design and branding are some sectors where freelance graphic designers play an important role by bringing their creative talents and expertise to bear for businesses wishing effectively to communicate messages.

For example, let's say there's a start-up business requiring someone to create a logo for them; they could engage the services of a freelancer who specialises in this particular field – otherwise known as logo design – so they can come up with something unique and visually appealing which represents what they want their brand identity to convey. By working closely with clients at every stage, freelancers ensure that final designs align seamlessly with company values or target markets/stakeholders.

Table of Contents

What is Freelance Graphic Design?

Working independently and outside the confines of a traditional job, freelance graphic designers provide services to clients. They are not bound to a particular company like an in-house graphic designer, so that they can choose their schedule, projects and clients. Freelance graphic designers aren't tied down to one employer and can handle multiple assignments simultaneously.

For instance, on any given day, a freelance graphic designer might work on designing a website for a small business in the morning. They may create social media graphics for a marketing agency in the afternoon. And at night? Maybe collaborating with a publishing company on designs for book covers. The variety allows freelancers to expand their skills into different realms of creation.

Pros and Cons of Freelance Graphic Design

There are several advantages and disadvantages to freelance graphic design that you need to think about before deciding if this is the right career path for you.

Advantages:

Flexibility:  One of the most significant upsides to being a freelance graphic designer is the control it gives you over your working hours. You can choose exactly what projects you want and when and where to work on them. This could be from home while travelling or anywhere else that suits you.

Higher earning potential:  Depending on how experienced or in-demand your skills are, freelance graphic designers can earn much more than those who do not work for themselves. You will have complete control over your rates and how many clients/projects can be handled at anytime.

Wide range of clients:  Another advantage is that freelancers often get exposure to different types of projects across many industries, which enables them to gain experience with other sectors they may otherwise have not had such close contact with.

Skillset development:  When working within an agency, there tend to be experts in each field, but when freelancing, there is often only yourself, so this means getting involved in all areas, which helps improve your overall skillset whilst also learning new techniques/styles etc. from other people doing similar roles elsewhere.

Disadvantages:

Irregular income:  As mentioned above, being self-employed means that sometimes business can be quiet, resulting in periods where cash flow is less than expected. Therefore, any freelancer must have financial plans/contingency options if things don't go according to plan initially.

Client acquisition:  As a beginner or someone looking into going freelance, you will soon learn that finding and securing clients can be challenging! This area requires good marketing skills as well as presenting robust portfolio case studies to attract prospective customers. Also, building network connections and becoming a trusted supplier takes considerable time and effort.

Self-management:  It is the responsibility of a freelance designer to handle all aspects of their business, including marketing, client communication, taxes and other administrative tasks. Freelancers must be highly organised to manage projects, meet deadlines, and ensure client satisfaction. They must also cover their insurance if any issues affect their professional reputation.

Despite the challenges, freelancing graphic design can be a fulfilling career choice for those who enjoy working independently and have plenty of motivation.

Starting a Freelance Graphic Design Business

Starting a freelance graphic design business necessitates careful thought and planning. The following are some stages to assist you in getting started:

Ascertain Your Speciality:  Determine your area of expertise within graphic design. To differentiate yourself in the market and appeal to clients looking for specialist services, concentrate on one specific niche, such as web design , branding, or print design.

Register Your Business:  Choose a name for your company and register it with the appropriate authorities. Depending on where you live, you might also need to obtain any necessary licences or permits to operate lawfully.

Set Up a Workspace :  Establish an area dedicated solely to work conducive to creativity and productivity. Ensure you have all the necessary equipment and software for practical design work.

Formulate a Business Plan:  Develop an extensive business plan that covers your goals, target market, pricing structure, marketing strategies, and financial outlooks. A precise business plan will be a blueprint for your freelance graphic design company's future.

Create Professional Contacts:  Networking is crucial for freelancers because networking can help them expand their collaboration and referral possibilities. Attend industry events, join online designer communities and connect with professionals in related fields so you can establish connections—and gain visibility while doing so.

For example's sake, let's say your specialisation becomes logo design; what this means is that within different industries, there'll be businesses needing unique logos created just for them – i.e., by narrowing down which aspect of graphic designing you specialise in (in this case it would be creating unique/memorable logos) allows potential customers requiring such skills locate specifically someone like yourself who has positioned themselves as ‘the' logo guru!

Tips for Success as a Freelance Graphic Designer

To be a successful freelance graphic designer, consider the following suggestions:

• Keep Learning:  Graphic design constantly changes – new trends and tools always appear. Use online courses , workshops, and conferences to sharpen your skills. This will help you stay ahead of your competition and develop fresh solutions for your clients.
• Manage Your Time Well:  Good time management is critical when freelancing. Develop time-management skills to deliver projects on deadline while still having a life. Use productivity techniques or tools like Pomodoro to help you manage tasks effectively.
• Talk to Clients Regularly:  Good communication helps build long-lasting relationships with clients who will want to hire you repeatedly—and maybe even recommend you to their peers! Make a point of communicating clearly and regularly with clients so that misunderstandings don't creep up on you as deadlines loom.
• Get Yourself Online:  These days, it's essential for freelance graphic designers to have an online presence – preferably one that's pretty solid! Start by creating a professional-looking website where people can see examples of your work, find out what services you offer and how much they cost, read testimonials from happy clients…and contact you!
• Socialise (Online):  Social media isn't just for looking at pictures of cats—it's also great for letting potential customers know about your fantastic design talents! Share snapshots from interesting projects on Instagram; create “process” boards on Pinterest; start conversations on Twitter—there are plenty of ways to get noticed (in a good way)!
• A Little Bit Extra Goes Far:  If someone hires, recommends, or influences people in any way, there's nothing quite like delivering high-quality work and friendly service. Going above and beyond what they expect you to do equals someone who gets asked back lots and recommended lots. Get the idea?

Also, say you've just done an excellent job branding a café in your town, and they're pleased with your creative ideas and your conscientiousness about everything. If they're willing to put that into writing? That's a testimonial, like, “We liked working with Chris because she made our brand look brilliant!” You should put it on your website (if you have one) and share it on social media so other potential clients are like, “Yes! I want my brand to look brilliant too!”

It's not bragging IF SOMEONE ELSE SAYS IT ABOUT YOU!

Finding Freelance Graphic Design Jobs

Being new to the freelance graphic design market, it isn't easy to spot opportunities. Nonetheless, numerous strategies can be deployed to discover fresh projects:

Freelance Job Platforms:  Use frequently used freelancing platforms such as Upwork , Freelancer, and Fiverr . These platforms let you create a profile, display your portfolio and bid on suitable projects.

Networking:  Networking is an effective method for identifying new positions in freelance graphic design. Attend industry events, join online design communities and connect with professionals in similar sectors. You will gain access to potential job opportunities via referrals or collaborations by forging relationships with fellow designers, marketers and entrepreneurs.

Referrals:  Encourage satisfied clients to send more work by referring you to their contacts. Word-of-mouth recommendations offer a valuable source of new business leads. Going above and beyond by delivering outstanding service and top-quality work will boost the chances of receiving referrals.

To illustrate how networking works in practice, imagine you have joined a popular design community on social media where members regularly comment on each other's work or participate in lively discussions.

One day, another designer notices your skills and recommends you when one of his clients needs a graphic designer for an upcoming project.

This referral immediately creates a brand-new freelance job opportunity for you!

Building a Strong Graphic Design Portfolio

A commanding graphic design portfolio is crucial to display your talents and attract potential clients. These tips can help you create just that.

Pick Your Best Work:  Select the most incredible range of standout design projects to highlight your skills and expertise. Diverse formats and styles will emphasise versatility.

Get Organised:  Create a visually pleasing, user-friendly portfolio. Briefly describe each project's aims and results. Case studies, which offer detailed insights into your creative process, are worth considering.

Make It Personal: Tailor what you present to suit specific employers or clients – creating separate versions for different industries or specialisms might be necessary.

Go Beyond Design: Integrate satisfied client testimonials as an easy way to add credibility – they'll also humanise the content.

For example:

Let's say you've rebranded a tech start-up – producing a new logo, website design and marketing collateral. You might include concepts, final techniques and highlights from the subsequent campaign to demonstrate your complete skillset effectively.

Setting Freelance Graphic Design Rates

As a freelance graphic designer, setting the correct rates for your services is essential. Doing so is crucial to your financial success and how clients perceive your value as a designer. When figuring out what you should charge, keep in mind these key factors:

Do Your Research:  Conduct market research to see what other freelancers with similar experience and skills charge for their services. This will help you set competitive rates that reflect the value you bring to your clients.

Factor In Expenses:  Consider overhead costs and time investment when deciding how much to charge. Also, think about how much income you'd like to make from freelancing, which will be helpful when making pricing decisions.

Value-Based Pricing:  Determine your fees based on the value of what you're offering, considering factors such as the complexity of the project, expertise and client budget. Using design solutions (yours!) could positively impact the client's business or brand; this can help justify higher prices.

For example, say you have extensive experience creating custom illustrations for children's books – because this skill is quite specialised compared with being able to develop basic logos (for example) – it would likely mean setting relatively high prices for such work.

Freelance Graphic Design Contracts and Agreements

If you want to protect yourself and your clients, drafting comprehensive contracts and agreements is crucial. These are the key things to consider when drafting freelance graphic design contracts:

Scope of Work:  Clearly explain what work needs doing, what the deliverables will be, and how long everything should take; this helps prevent misunderstandings and “scope creep”. List the specific design services that will be provided – for example, logo design or website branding.

Payment Terms:  Set out exactly how much you'll get paid, when you expect payment (and whether you require an upfront deposit), and how clients can pay (cheque? or PayPal?).

Intellectual Property Rights:  Determine who has rights over your work once they've paid for it. For instance, many designers say they own their work until it's fully paid up but then transfer ownership rights over the final design so their client can use it completely. However, even if a client owns something outright, it doesn't mean you can't show examples of that piece in your portfolio.

Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure: If any sensitive information is tied up in a project – e.g., trade secrets or confidential business plans – make sure both sides agree in writing not to disclose that stuff elsewhere.

Dispute Resolution:  You could avoid going to court by specifying specific ways disputes must be sorted out, such as mediation or arbitration.

Here's an example of why getting these things on paper makes sense:

Let's say you're working with a start-up on branding material, including a new logo. In your agreement with them, clearly state that once they've coughed up funds in total – before delivery – ownership passes from agency/designer X to client Y. However! Include wording stating (… don't just assume) this won't stop designer X from displaying the finished item(s) “in perpetuity” as part of its portfolio/self-promotion mechanism.

Essential Tools for Freelance Graphic Designers

Being a freelance graphic designer, having the right tools can significantly boost your productivity and efficiency. Here are some essential tools for freelance graphic designers:

Design Software:  Get to know industry-standard graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes popular applications like Photoshop , Illustrator , and InDesign . These tools provide robust capabilities to create and edit various design projects.

Online Portfolio Platforms:  Use platforms like Behance, Dribbble or Squarespace to build and showcase your online portfolio. These platforms offer customisable templates and features that allow you to present your work professionally with visual appeal.

Time Tracking and Invoicing Tools: Use tools like Toggl, Harvest or QuickBooks to track your time spent on projects and create professional client invoices. These tools help you keep track of billable hours, send invoices and manage finances more efficiently.

Project Management Software:  Stay organised and manage projects effectively with tools like Asana, Trello or Basecamp . These platforms let you create project boards, set deadlines, assign tasks and collaborate with clients/team members.

Continuous Learning Resources:  Take advantage of online learning platforms such as Skillshare , Udemy or Linkedin to improve skills/expertise continually over time. Such platforms have various courses/tutorials on various design topics.

Here's an example scenario where these essential tools can come in handy – You're working on a web design project for a client. You use Adobe Photoshop for creating website mockups while using Adobe Illustrator to craft custom icons/illustrations. When managing the project efficiently, you utilise Project management software (say Asana) for setting tasks, tracking progress, and maintaining good communication with the client. By leveraging these essential resources/tools, you can not only deliver high-quality work but also streamline workflow at the same time!

For creative professionals, freelance graphic design presents many opportunities to establish a successful career. Freelance graphic designers can prosper in this field thanks to flexible hours, higher earning potential and a diverse pool of clients. Nevertheless, irregular income and client acquisition's drawbacks must be addressed. By adopting best practices, honing their skills and using the right tools, freelancers can overcome these challenges on their way to achieving personal goals. Fully embrace the potentials that come with freelance graphic design as you build a fulfilling and lucrative future in the sector.

Stuart Crawford

Need help building your brand.

Let’s talk about your logo, branding or web development project today! Get in touch for a free quote.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Trusted by businesses worldwide to create impactful and memorable brands.

At Inkbot Design, we understand the importance of brand identity in today's competitive marketplace. With our team of experienced designers and marketing professionals, we are dedicated to creating custom solutions that elevate your brand and leave a lasting impression on your target audience.

> > > Free Live Webinar: 3 Easy Steps Into Web Accessibility. Seats limited. Register now!

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals for Designers

Design Domination Podcast Episode #119: How to Start a Freelance Graphic Design Business: Complete Guide

Looking to work for yourself as a graphic designer? Find out how to start a freelance graphic design business, including what to think about with your branding, business type, insurance, financial considerations, networking and marketing, and more.

Music: https://www.bensound.com

Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links, and I’ll make a few bucks if you make a purchase after using them. It won’t cost you anything.

• Active Campaign
• Freelancers Union
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Episode 13: Are These Essentials in Your Design Contracts and Estimates?
• Episode 22: How Graphic Designers Can Leverage LinkedIn
• Episode 52: 17 Essential Elements for an Effective Portfolio Website
• Episode 66: How to Make Money on Upwork With Victor Ramirez
• Episode 68: 8 Tips for a Good Business Name for Your Design Business
• Episode 83: Responsibility and Revenue With Website Policies — Termageddon

In this episode of Design Domination, I’m getting into what you need to think about and what you need to do to start a freelance graphic design business. If you already have your own creative business, you may still get some good business tips . Stick around to get business tips, including legal and financial considerations, insurance and marketing and other tips.

A lot of graphic designers have asked me, and I’ve seen a lot of them asking online: what do they need to do, how do they start a freelance graphic design business.

To give you a bit of background, I actually started my business before I went full time in it. I worked a full-time job and freelanced for seven years before going out on my own full time. So it doesn’t have to be something where you flip a switch from full-time employee to full-time freelancer.

Step 1: Create Your Branding for Your Freelance Graphic Design Business

Let’s start with the fun stuff, creating your branding.

Business Name

The first thing to think about is your business name. Will you use your personal name or create a business name?

Now, you don’t have to create a business name to go into business for yourself, but it’s definitely something to think about.

I actually used my personal name at first, then I called my business something else before settling on Gratzer Graphics in the early 2000s.

It’s definitely helpful to think about early on because you want to make sure of a few things:

• that the domain is available,
• that the social media handles are available,
• that the business name you want to use is not already registered as a business or trademarked.

You want things to be named as consistently as possible across all platforms.

I went into a lot of detail and gave lots of tips for naming your freelance graphic design business in episode 68.

Logo and Typography

You’ll also want to design a logo and in all the various print and web formats. It’s going to be on all your marketing materials and social media accounts.

You may also want to choose typefaces that you can use in your print or PDF marketing materials and on your website. So you might consider open source fonts such as Google Fonts, which you can download and use online.

Otherwise, you can purchase web versions of fonts, if they’re available for that typeface, or find similar ones to use for the web.

Business Cards

You’ll need business cards—yes, printed business cards. They don’t have to be professionally printed at first. They could just be done on perforated business card paper that you print out on your home office printer.

You can hand them out at in-person meetings and networking events. But you can also mail them out with thank you cards or other correspondence.

It only helps you if clients have a tangible piece on hand. Plus, it’s also a way to stand out from other graphic designers, who no longer see the need for the business card.

You’ll need to design letterhead, which you can also use for your invoices, proposals and estimates, unless you’re going to pay for project management or proposal software, in which case you’re usually only able to upload a logo and modify fonts and colors.

Labels, Envelopes and Cards

This might seem minor, but I think it’s something to consider for sure—labels, envelopes and cards.

I like to send out thank you cards to not only potential clients after sending them a proposal but also to people who’ve referred clients. I also sometimes send checks with notes in the mail to subcontractors.

People really appreciate the extra time spent on sending a card. So it can have a lot of impact and make you more memorable. That makes clients more likely to contact you again, and subcontractors more likely to help you in the future. They all feel appreciated.

For labels, I buy the Avery labels that I can just print off as I need. They have templates you can download to set them up. But I just measure where they fall on the sheet and set up my InDesign file accordingly.

For envelopes, I use lime green envelopes that match my green brand color, instead of using white, so that they stand out in the mail.

Step 2: Create Your Website for Your Freelance Design Business

You’ll want to get your website up and make sure it’s always available to attract your potential clients.

In the very beginning, just set a page up with a few portfolio pieces and contact information. After that, you can spend more time on it. You don’t want to spend months perfecting your website design, which will just prevent you from taking action and getting clients.

Website Design

As soon as you can after that, make sure the design appeals to the potential clients you’re looking to attract. If you’re looking to attract legal and financial businesses, for example, the website design would have a different look compared to if you’re targeting crafters.

If you’re new to the graphic design world and you’re not yet at a point where you know who you want to work with or what industries you want to work with, then once you figure that out, you can modify your website to reflect that.

You want to show the types of work that you want to get and also show good work. Bad work will dilute the perceived quality of your work. It will also make it look like the quality of your work is inconsistent. Prospects may wonder if it will be a crap shoot getting quality work for their project.

You’ll want to include testimonials from prior clients you’ve worked with. If you haven’t had any clients before, then get testimonials from people you’ve worked with at your job—any comments that can speak to your design work, experience working with you or the results from the work.

Domain names

You’ll want to buy a domain name that is easy to remember. I like NameCheap  for buying domains. You may want to buy more than one domain name extension, such as .com, .net, etc.

You’ll also want to set it to auto-renew, so it doesn’t expire and you risk losing it. Someone could swipe it up and then charge big bucks selling it.

Web hosting

You’ll want a reliable web host with good uptime and support.

I like Pair , WP Engine and A2 . There’s also Siteground and Flywheel , among others.

You’ll want to include some legalese in the footer:

• The word “Copyright” and the year to give notice about your intellectual property,
• A linked terms of use page and
• A linked privacy policy page.

I talked about terms of use and privacy policies with Hans and Donata from Termageddon in episode 83.

E-mail list signup

If you can do this sooner rather than later, create an e-mail signup form, so you can start collecting e-mail addresses and building your list. You can then easily let prospects know when you’ve added a blog post or work to your site.

This keeps you top of mind, even if they don’t open or read your e-mail. They will see your name in their inbox.

The best way to get an e-mail address is to trade something of value for it, such as a lead magnet, which could be a free guide with tips that they might be interested in.

Some e-mail services offer a free account up to a certain amount of e-mail addresses.

I used MailChimp a long time ago. I’ve been using MailerLite for the past four years. I find it really easy to use.

There are more complex ones such as Active Campaign , which I’ve also used, but if you’re new to building your list and looking for something easy, I definitely recommend MailerLite.

Search engine optimization

I talked about the next few points in episode 52 in more detail, but you’ll want to optimize the SEO of your website to increase the chances of being found by prospects when looking for the types of services you provide.

Mobile-friendliness

Make darn sure your website is responsive and mobile friendly. Many potential clients may be viewing your site on a tablet or phone. If they have to pinch and pan or scroll to get around your website, that won’t be a good user experience. If you do web design, they may wonder if you would create a site that way for them.

You’ll want to make sure your website loads quickly, so that potential clients don’t get frustrated or leave your site waiting for it to load.

You can check this with GTmetrix and Pingdom .

For more details about what to include on your website, check out episode 52 on what designers need to put on their website and in their portfolio .

Step 3: Set Up Your Social Media Accounts for Your Freelance Design Business

Now onto social media accounts. You’ll want to set up social media accounts wherever your potential clients are.

They may more heavily use one platform over another.

Be sure all of your account images and post images look consistent, so you look professional and memorable.

Also, it’s showing you practice what you preach. If you tell clients their branding should be consistent, then yours should be too.

Step 4: Choose a Legal Business Entity for Your Freelance Design Business

OK, now for some of the not-so-fun but very important stuff to think about when creating your freelance business.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer or accountant, nor do I play one on the podcast. You should always consult a lawyer and accountant about your specific needs.

First, please understand that even if it’s just you as a freelancer and you’re using your personal name, you are still acting as a business.

So you may want to consider—at this point or in the future—creating a separate business identity whether you use your personal name or a different name for your business.

The reason for this is because forming a business separates your personal assets (house, car, etc.) from the business assets. It can provide protection in case you make an error in your work and someone comes after you.

But besides that, some potential clients may take you more seriously. It shows you think of yourself as a business, that you’ve made an investment for the long term and that you’re not a fly-by-night freelancer.

The most popular option is the limited liability company (LLC).

If you’re the only owner in the LLC, then you’d be a single-member LLC (what my business is).

For tax purposes, you’re seen as a disregarded entity. That means you file a personal tax return with your income on there.

You also file a personal property return, which is a misnomer, because that’s actually for your business. Your state usually charges an annual fee when you file this at tax time. In Maryland, I pay $300 per year.

You can form an LLC yourself or with the help of Legal Zoom or a lawyer. It’s typically not very expensive to do.

Forming an LLC in certain states may be cheaper. I have a few colleagues who have formed an LLC in Delaware rather than in their home state because it was cheaper or provided more benefits for whatever reason.

Incorporation

Another option is incorporation. I am not as familiar with incorporation as I am with an LLC, since I’ve had an LLC since 2003. But from what I understand, incorporating can cost more. There is also more paperwork involved apparently, which I believe has to be done throughout the year.

Business License

Depending on where you live, you may need to get a business license in order to conduct business. In the United States, this can vary from state to state.

Tax ID (EIN)

It’s also a good idea to get a separate tax ID number for your business. Clients will often send you a W-9 form (in the United States), which is a formal request for your tax identification number.

It can be uncomfortable sharing your Social Security number all the time. It also can be a security risk.

Clients will usually ask you to email back the filled out and signed W-9 form, and you might not think anything of it. But email is not secure. So you don’t want to be emailing your Social Security number all over the place.

To get a separate tax ID for your business, you would need to apply for an EIN , which stands for Employer Identification Number. Then you would use that instead of your Social Security number when filling out W-9s.

Bank accounts and credit card

It’s good to have a separate bank account and credit card for business purposes. If you form a business entity, you will want to have them in your business name.

This also applies to any Paypal , Stripe , Wise or Payoneer accounts you may open as a business as well.

You’ll want to create a contract. If you are offering graphic design, you may need only one contract. If you’re also offering web design, which involves a lot of other components, you may want to have a contract with additional terms.

I highly recommend investing in the services of a lawyer who understands design and intellectual property law to review your contractual terms in the beginning. That way, you’ll have peace of mind and protect yourself.

I talked about contracts (and estimates) in episode 13.

Step 5: Get Insurance for Your Freelance Design Business

You’ll also want to consider insurance—a few types.

One type is E&O, which stands for errors and omissions. It is also known as professional liability insurance. Although rare, some clients may require you to have it.

It may pay for the cost of a professional mistake, like if you made a mistake in a printed piece and it needed to be reprinted.

It is recommended that you not let E&O coverage lapse, so that you have continued protection. You may not be protected otherwise. I don’t know if you wouldn’t be covered for work you created during that lapse or if a claim was made at that time.

I get E&O insurance for $38 a month through Freelancers Union . I used to pay 10 times more for the same HISCOX policy through an insurance broker.

The other type of insurance is CGL or commercial general liability insurance.

If something were to happen to your computer equipment as the result of theft, fire, flood, hurricane or something, this insurance would be for that purpose.

Your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance may not cover equipment for business use, including freelancing. So be sure to check with your insurance carrier. It’s usually cheaper to get this type of insurance through them too.

It may also cover a financial loss if, say, a client comes to your home and trips and falls and gets injured and comes after you.

Check with them and you can also learn more in episode 56, where I talked about how to protect your freelance business from disaster .

Medical insurance

Medical insurance is something to consider if you’re going to be leaving a full-time job with benefits and don’t have insurance through a family member or spouse.

I covered various options for this in episode 56.

Backups are a different type of insurance.

Backups make sure you can work in case your computer equipment has a mechanical issue, gets stolen or something happens to it from a disaster.

You can back up to the cloud, but then you are reliant on an internet connection. With external hard drives, you don’t have to worry about that. You can even back up to both.

Whatever you do, just don’t skimp on backups!

Step 6: Figure Out the Financials for Your Freelance Design Business

The next thing you need to do is figure out the financials.

That includes the cost of all of the things I have mentioned so far and quite a few others that I will mention. You may want to put them into two buckets: one-time investment (such as forming an LLC) and ongoing expenses.

Business expenses

Ongoing expenses would be your Adobe CC subscription and E&O premiums. It may also be software for project management and for creating proposals, estimates and invoices.

You need to understand how much it costs you to just be in business.

Don’t forget about taxes. If you’re in the United States, you will want to pay estimated quarterly taxes , so that you don’t end up owing them all at once and you want to avoid penalties.

You’ll need to have an idea of what your pricing should be to make sure that you cover all of your business expenses, pay yourself and have profit left over.

If you’re trying to decide when to make the move from a full-time job to full-time freelancing, you’ll need to consider that a lot of your time will be spent managing the business and marketing.

You won’t be working eight hours a day on design work, and you may have some expenses that you didn’t have as an employee. So your rate will need to compensate for that. It should be higher than your hourly rate as an employee.

Step 7: Network and Market Your Services as a Graphic Designer

Of course, you’ll also now want to get out there and let people know about you.

LinkedIn networking

Make sure you are on LinkedIn and that your profile is up to date and shows some work samples.

I had a talk with LinkedIn expert Brynne Tillman about how designers can optimize their LinkedIn profiles in episode 22. Be sure to check that out.

You can also check out job boards for businesses looking for freelancers or subcontractors.

There’s also Upwork . I did an entire episode on Upwork tips .

Blog, social media and e-mail

You can also regularly post content to your blog, social media accounts and e-mail list.

I will post the entire piece on the blog, then I will have social media images that are teasers, which then lead to the blog page to read the full article.

In the e-mails I sent out, I put the image and only the first paragraph or a lead-in as to why they need to know about what I just wrote and link to the full article.

I will also sometimes include a new piece of work added to the portfolio and have it continue to that page.

The purpose of doing it that way is to get them to your website. The purpose of posting and sending out the e-mail is to keep you top of mind and to also demonstrate your expertise.

I hope this information has been helpful to you. If it was, would you do me a favor?

Help me out by sharing this content to help me reach more designers. I’m really trying to grow my audience.

Please comment on the episode page.

I’m going back to freelancing next year after contracting for 8 years 😐

Thanks for the reminders on how to get myself set back up.

You’re welcome, Jack! Is there a particular type of design or industry you’re going to focus on?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Join the Design Domination Community

Hang out and get advice from designers of all levels in our welcoming community of graphic designers on Facebook.

Join the group

WEBSITE ESSENTIALS

How to become a freelance graphic designer in 2024

• Eden Spivak
• Dec 27, 2023
• 10 min read

When becoming your own boss, you have the freedom to set your own rules. Here's everything you need to know on the journey to become a freelance graphic designer.

Starting a freelance career can unleash a wide range of emotions, from the terrifying to the empowering. While it might not be the easiest of professional paths, running your own graphic design business does guarantee a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, knowing your every cent was earned through your own hard work and skills.

To help you on your journey to self-employment, we’ve compiled a list of the most important things to keep in mind when becoming your own boss. Say hello to the complete checklist on how to become a freelance graphic designer, covering everything from creating a website , how to make a website and setting up a productive working station, to creating a graphic design portfolio , to demanding compensation from clients (on time, please!):

What is a graphic design freelancer?

A graphic design freelancer is a professional who offers graphic design services on a freelance basis. Instead of being employed by a specific company or agency, a graphic design freelancer operates independently and is self-employed. Freelancers in graphic design are typically hired on a project-by-project basis by clients who require design expertise for various visual communication needs.

Graphic design freelancers possess skills in visual communication, layout design, typography, color theory and the use of graphic design software or other design tools. They may work with clients from diverse industries, including marketing, advertising, publishing and web development.

How to become a freelance graphic designer

Make bureaucracy your friend (or at least try)

Personal branding is key

Eyes on the prize

Client better have my money

Juggling the perfect work-life balance

Spread the word

Illustration by Wix user  Jennifer Xiao

1. Make bureaucracy your friend (or at least try)

Becoming self-employed means, first and foremost, starting a business on your own. This requires a lot of hands-down, hardcore finances on your part. While it’s the job itself that you love most, know that freelancing is just as much about business and numbers as it is about design. Here is what you need to look out for in order to remain on top of your paperwork at all times:

– Open a business: Research the basic laws of owning a business in your location. Consult with your local authorities about the process, then register as a small business.

– Tax payments: Consult with a tax accountant and read up on tax laws for independent contractors – it’s important to know what fraction of your payout per assignment must be paid to the government.

– Work permits: Look into all relevant permits and permissions you might need to obtain. For example, some local authorities require specific permits for working from home.

– Bookkeeping: Set up a financial bookkeeping system that works for you and complies with the local filing laws. Note that there are many affordable online platforms that can benefit you with this. Get folders (physical, virtual or both) to file all invoices and payments.

Be as organized as you can with this – we recommend arranging all paperwork by month and year. Some freelancers choose (or are entitled by law) to hire an accountant to help them file paperwork. If you’re thinking of hiring an accountant, make sure the decision is financially plausible for you.

– Plan ahead: Even if you’re just starting your career, it’s not too early to plan ahead. In fact, when it comes to saving for your retirement, the earlier the better. Take the time to decide on your savings, whether it’s a pension fund or any other form of long-term savings, and make sure to contribute regularly.

2. Self-branding is key

Some newly-freelance graphic designers feel that their portfolio doesn’t align with the kind of jobs that they’re interested in getting. In those cases, it might be tempting to work on free personal projects before even looking for the first job, from book cover ideas to wedding invitations.

But if you’re as well-trained and professional as we know you to be, remember that your portfolio will grow with time and experience, and that’s fine. When starting out, it’s better to work on your personal branding rather than create new projects – and the job offers are sure to follow.

As with most branding projects, concentrate on a great website, strong logo and branded merchandise - including taking inspiration from some great general portfolio website examples.

– Online portfolio : A sharp online presence is a must for getting the clients and projects you want. Portfolio websites serve as the foundation for your branding efforts, and are a useful way to introduce yourself to potential clients. Approach making your online design portfolio just as you would any other design project. For some inspiration, check out these graphic design magazines to see what other designers are doing online.

Go for a website design that creates an experience and is also beautiful in its own right, showcasing you at your very best. Curating only your best and most representative work (around six to eight projects) is recommended. You can also use your portfolio website as an online store , enabling you to sell art online as an additional source of income. Take inspiration from these freelance websites.

Make sure to add an updated version of your graphic design resume, your contact information and social media links, so that clients can reach you easily. Also include a written summary explaining who you are and what it is that you do. Last but not least, remember to make your website mobile friendly.

– Personal logo: While a logo is not a must for graphic designers, it’s also best not to type your name in Arial font at the top of your paperwork or website. Whether it’s an actual logo, an icon or any other creative interpretation, make your skills stand out across all platforms. You can use a logo maker to create your own, or check out logo ideas to get inspired. Need a name first? Check our our design name generator for inspiration.

– Branded merch: The visual language and brand identity you’ve crafted for your business should be carried across to your stationery as well. Sprinkle some of your creative stardust on your official papers, helping you stay on brand every time you generate an invoice or write a check.

3. Eyes on the prize

Freelance work is much more fluid and dynamic than a nine-to-five job. You could be overloaded with work for several months on end, then scratching for any gig you can find soon after. One way to acknowledge that it’s common for work to come and go in cycles, and it’s nothing to worry about.

Some other ways to prepare for this include:

– Save for a rainy day: Keep track of your expenses and income. As self-explanatory as it may sound, make sure that your expenses don’t go over your earnings. When starting your own business, try to have a few months worth of living expenses saved up on the side, which could come in handy during the quieter periods.

– Make a yearly plan: Work out a personal annual budget, and be as realistic as you can with your forecast. Write down all major expenses that you anticipate to help you prepare in advance (Are you going on a holiday? Is your best friend getting married?). Making an annual business plan, rather than a monthly one, will enable you to navigate your finances knowledgeably and efficiently.

4. Client better have my money

Working with clients is a tricky art form of its own. Going into it, remember that your work is valuable. Your clients have a need, and you provide them with a solution – a service business that deserves compensation, with actual money. Follow these guidelines to ensure that you get what you deserve:

– Never work for free: No matter what credit they may promise, the crazy exposure you might receive or the esteem and prestige, design is your profession and you deserve to be paid for what you do. Unless you work for a nonprofit or an important cause that you’re truly passionate about, it really is as simple as that.

– Sign a contract: A design job is a business transaction. As such, it requires a contract to clearly detail each side’s obligations. A contract is an important method of protecting your rights and preventing major surprises from popping up down the line (such as the client suddenly asking for an animated GIF version of the logo on the day of the deadline).

The contract should also detail the work process, so that both sides know what to expect. Use mood boards to help you plan your work and make sure to specify how many optional designs you’ll be presenting to the client in the first stage (we recommend around three initial designs). You'll also want to specify the number of revisions you plan on doing from there.

This should prevent you from being dragged down the rabbit hole of never ending comments (“My cousin doesn’t like purple, please change”) and endless back and forth conversations (“Not too fond of orange, either”). Also, make sure that your contract protects your intellectual property rights.

– Payment terms: Before going into a project, agree on its payment terms and include those on your invoice. The standard is usually 30 days since terminating the project. In case a client is late on payment, enforce your right to be paid on time. You can also charge interest on late payments (look into legislation on this one, too). Just as you’re expected to meet your deadlines, the client should also meet payment deadlines.

– Payment stages: In long-term projects, you don’t have to wait until the very end to get the cash flowing. Before accepting the project, set payment stages so that you get paid as you go.

You can determine a schedule that includes a deposit to be paid upfront (before you begin working), followed by an extra payment stage midway, and finally the majority of the total to be paid at the end of the project. Define clear dates for each of the stages, and include those in your contract.

– Pricing done right: Deciding what to charge for a project is never an easy call. Therefore, always base your pricing on market research. Establish a minimum rate, so you know not to take on projects below that number.

Estimating how much you’ll charge per project can be done either according to an hourly rate, or according to the scope of the project. If you go for the latter, we recommend charging by the amount of assets included, with an added margin for modifications (usually about 30%).

5. Juggling the perfect work-life balance

Differentiating work from personal life is much easier when you leave the office at the end of a work day. But when home is also your office, and the success of your new business lies solely in your hands, it’s harder to tell the two apart.

Set your limits early on, so that you know when it’s okay for you to indulge in an extended late brunch, versus the instances in which work might overflow into the weekend.

– Working hours: When a client hires your services, it’s easy to feel like you owe them the world. But luckily, you don’t. Leave room for your personal life by setting daily work shifts and not going overtime.

Work for a total of eight to nine hours per day, but no more. Create a routine by sticking to regular start and end times for your day, with regular breaks (a few quick five to ten minute breaks and one that’s significantly longer).

– A room of one’s own: Freelance design work can be done almost anywhere, or more specifically wherever there’s WiFi, but productivity is a completely different matter. Create a working environment that puts you in the right mood, and be sure to keep distractions to a minimum in order to better manage your time. One rule of thumb we can vouch for: working in bed is never a good idea.

– What friends are for: Freelance life can sometimes get very lonely. Find people you trust and make a point of asking their professional opinion from time to time, or hop on a video chat. Creativity and inspiration often happen when people collaborate, so reach out when you’ve hit a creative block or could simply use someone to talk to.

– Just say no (sometimes): Being self-employed doesn’t mean that you have to accept all projects that come your way. Knowing when to say no to a job offer is part of the game, too.

Taking the wrong job can often lead to frustration, or clog up your schedule so that you’re unavailable for better offers that might be right around the corner. As you learn what’s right for you, don’t be afraid to turn down projects that you’re not excited about and that won’t take you in the right professional path.

6. Spread the word

Now that you’re ready to go, it’s time to land your first clients as a freelance graphic designer. Remember that finding clients will get easier with time. Once you have a few happy customers, they’ll do most of the word-of-mouth for you, so that things will eventually gain their own momentum and traction. But until you hustle your way to the top, here are a proactive few steps to get you started:

– Bring traffic to your site: Ensure that your portfolio website is optimized to be found on search engines like Google by upping your SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Add relevant keywords for your field and specialty to improve your chances of showing up in Google search results. Consider including your title or speciality as part of your domain name (for example, ‘yournamedesign.com’). Add metadata and alt text to your visuals, and include social links and buttons to your Pinterest design so people can easily share your work.

– Social media: Make the best out of social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Being knowledgeable on tips for Instagram design is also crucial, as Instagram is one of the best social platforms for designers to display their work. Reach out to your friends and followers online to announce your recent shift into freelancing. Referrals and work offers often come from people who already know and appreciate you. Be sure to also utilize more niche, professional social platforms like Behance, Dribbble and Vimeo.

– Network: Even if terms like ‘networking’ cause you to cringe, don’t worry. You needn’t be a pushy salesperson, shaking hands and passing out business cards. Just being yourself, keeping in touch with peers and getting to know people from the industry can help you form genuine connections that might prove themselves valuable. That being said, don’t shy away from networking opportunities like online classes and communities, design contests, and more, and if you decide you want them, you can always create business cards that really highlight your design identity.

– Focus on the client: When communicating with a client, try to focus the conversation around their needs and vision, and less on your skillset. Remember that freelance work is about providing service to a client. As a result, your work won’t be measured by how gorgeous your designs are, but by how well you’re able to solve your clients’ problems.

– Online job boards: Job boards such as the Wix Marketplace are a good opportunity to jumpstart your freelancing career as a professional designer . It’s also okay to accept some lower wage jobs when getting started – you just need to get on the right path.

Related Posts

How to make an eCommerce website: a complete guide for 2024

19 best coaching websites with templates and tips to get you started

9 steps to making a fashion portfolio, with examples for inspiration

Was this article helpful?

• See All Buying Guides »
• Best Art Supplies
• Best Computers
• Best Courses
• Best Headphones
• Best iPhones
• Best Keyboards
• Best Laptops
• Best Monitors
• Best Office Hardware
• Best Photography Gear
• Best Printers
• Best Scanners
• Best Smartphones
• Best Smartwatches
• Best Software
• Best Speakers
• Best Tablets
• Best Video Gear
• Work From Home Tools
• Top Gear for Designers
• Buying Guides
• Illustrator
• Logo Design
• Popular Articles
• Top Tools & Resources
• What is branding?
• How much for a logo?
• Free Branding Briefcase
• Our Services
• Brand Strategy
• Cricut & Craft
• Deals & Freebies
• Digital Art
• Guest Articles
• Graphic Design
• NFTs & Web3
• Photography
• Tools & Gear
• Videography
• Web Design & UX
• After Effects
• Premiere Pro
• All Adobe »
• Adobe Discounts
• Google’s Apps
• State of Brand Report
• Envato Elements: Unlimited Stock Offer
• JUST Sans Font
• Logo Package Express

Top 5 Business Models For Freelance Graphic Designers

• Adobe Deals
• Brand Builders Summit ’24

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process . If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

This article has been contributed by Alisa Taylor.

As a freelance graphic designer, there are a myriad of avenues you can explore to generate revenue, target customers, and build your brand .

sponsored message

However, to do it successfully, you need a business model that matches your goals.

What is a Business Model?

A business model is similar to a business plan in that it creates a blueprint for your operation, identifies revenue streams, and your customer base. Plus, it outlines your products and services, and all financial and financing details.

But not every business model is the same, especially in the freelance world. That’s why we’ve delved into the most popular business models for freelance graphic designers

How to Frame Your Freelance Business Model

1. the solo model.

This is what most people will think of when they imagine a freelance career — just you on your own, covering all aspects of the business.

You are the service provider (the graphic designer) as well as the marketer, the accountant, and the customer service portal. The buck starts and stops with you.

The reason that most people think of freelancing in this way is because that’s how most freelancers start out .

It gives you incredible flexibility as you’re only responsible for yourself, rather than a team. You also have higher profit margins because you aren’t sharing the income from work.

However, in the solo model, you’re limited to your time and capabilities, and growth can be tricky. There are only so many hours in a day, and you can only spread yourself so thin.

Yet this isn’t a downside if you prefer to operate alone and don’t want to grow beyond what you yourself can offer.

For graphic designers looking for a low risk, lower stress option, going solo is an excellent idea. There won’t be any need to seek out investors or spend a huge amount of money on overheads.

And if you enjoy freelancing but don’t enjoy all the admin that comes with it, you can outsource tasks like accounting, marketing, or social media management. This allows you to focus on designing without getting weighed down by all the other requirements.

The only pitfall is that outsourcing tasks pushes up your overheads. But if you take your hours of billable time and compare them to what you spend on outsourcing, you may well find you still come out ahead.

Sometimes, it’s worth paying someone who has the expertise to get the job done quickly and correctly, rather than learning how to do so yourself. This is especially true for accounting, as having an expert do your tax can save you huge sums of money both in the short and long term.

As a solo freelance graphic designer, all you really need is your computer, design software, and an internet connection.

Any other tools or equipment are an added extra and are not essential to getting your freelance business off the ground.

If freelancing doesn’t work out, or you don’t enjoy it, you won’t suffer huge financial losses.

2. The Gig Model

Once you’ve established yourself as a freelancer , it’s important to look at how you go about getting work and keeping income rolling in.

The gig business model for freelance graphic designers is great for those who don’t want to be tied to something repetitive, which can be a big creativity killer for a graphic designer.

With the gig model, you go from project to project and from client to client, working on new things all the time.

Think of it as if you were a live performer — performers get booked to perform at a specific venue or event, then get paid for the job, before moving onto the next performance.

As a graphic designer, you will focus on completing one project before you move onto the next — usually with a different client. You don’t have to commit to that client for any longer than it takes to finish the job.

The downside to this style of freelancing is that you need to be on the lookout for new clients constantly, and your marketing game must be on point.

While you get high flexibility, you also get low stability. For many graphic designers with a head for business and a flair for marketing, this isn’t an issue.

For freelancers who are great at finding new customers or can provide a top-notch quick turnaround service at a highly competitive rate, the gig model is an excellent choice. Quick turnaround times tend to lead to higher work volumes, and this improves your earning potential.

Graphic designers who offer a no-frills service or work on smaller jobs like logos , letterheads, event invites, or posters are going to have the edge here. Especially over those who take on large, multi-faceted design projects that can take weeks or even months to complete.

The gig model relies on being quick in and out, so you’ll need to be adept at tackling client briefs head on, delivering a quality product, and then tackling the next job.

Like the solo model, this business model is relatively low risk, and you won’t need to spend a large amount of capital getting yourself set up.

3. The Retainer Model

The retainer business model for freelance graphic designers offers you plenty of stability but can give you less freedom and flexibility.

The idea is to build up a strong relationship with one or more clients who then keep you on for the same number of hours or repetitive work each month.

Most graphic designers will work on a set number of hours per month, at a specific rate for a client. Other times, you can agree that you’ll complete a specific recurring job each month. For example, you’ll create a set number of social media images on a monthly basis.

Just ensure that you set out the parameters of your retainer clearly. Typically, retainers run for periods of six months or a year, and are renewed thereafter.

This gives you a definite idea of when it will end, and allows you time to look for new clients, or to extend your current agreement.

A well-drafted retainer agreement also makes expectations on both sides clear. If your agreement outlines the scope of work you’ll undertake, a client cannot increase your workload without increasing your pay.

You don’t want to be in a position where you’re locked into a retainer that’s no longer profitable. Or where the work you’re completing falls outside the initial agreement.

The benefit of this model is that you’re assured of consistent income , and you can budget set hours or days for completing this work.

Some creative freelancers don’t like this type of freelancing because it gets repetitive. It can also mean that you can’t take on a big project that’s all-consuming when you know you have other commitments.

However, the stability factor makes it very appealing, especially if you have many financial commitments you need to meet monthly.

For many graphic designers, the retainer model is the perfect middle ground. It requires decent admin skills and a high degree of responsiveness. If you possess these attributes, it’s likely the right fit.

4. The Contractual Model

This model falls in between the retainer and gig models. You work for clients on specific contracts, some of which can be recurring, and some of which can be once-off.

The contractual business model for freelance graphic designers can give you the best of both worlds in terms of stability and flexibility.

The trick to getting this model right is knowing how to charge. You don’t want to sign a contract that sees you doing five times more work than if you’d invoiced for billable hours.

You’ll need to know upfront what the job specs are, exactly what they entail, and build in some wiggle room for any design changes the client may request.

Making sure that your contract is 100% clear and concise and covers all eventualities is essential in ensuring you don’t end up out of pocket.

It’s great to know that you have guaranteed money coming in based on your contracts. This allows you to budget properly and to save too. If you’re keen on scaling your business up, then this model is a financially smart option.

Saving money to invest in your business will give you the opportunity to grow when the time is right, and you’ll have a buffer in case of emergencies too.

It’s good to know that you won’t always be working on the same content or clients again and again, month after month. You also won’t have to spend specific hours behind your desk, or need to complete work at specific times.

The danger with this in-between model is that you may suddenly lose a major contractual client, or a large contract comes to an end. You then need enough once-off work to tide you over until you secure a new contract, which isn’t always that simple.

You may not find a contract that pays as much, or that appeals to you in the same way. Or you have to secure a few smaller contracts to make up the same value.

This means you’ll need to put in extra legwork in onboarding clients and establishing a relationship. All this takes time, and may take away from your billable hours.

However, if you’ve saved money, you can rely on these funds to plug the gaps until you’ve signed a new client or clients on a contractual basis.

5. The Agency Model

To many, this is the natural progression of a successful freelancer. You’ll move from being a solo unit that sometimes collaborates with other freelancers, to being the boss of your own company .

Essentially, you have maneuvered your offering to clients into a situation where you need other designers and creative people to work for you to complete the jobs that clients are commissioning.

Whether opening an agency was your goal from the start of your freelancing career, or it’s just happened organically over time, it’s important to consider what your agency’s identity is before you launch. This can mean that you need to put time, effort, and money into branding your business .

By establishing a clear identity, you can target your niche clients. If you simply decide to open an agency without a strong brand, it may not be immediately obvious what you do.

Not only will your target market be unclear and your marketing strategy vague, but potential clients won’t know what you offer either. Without an identity, your venture could fail before it’s even begun.

If you’re aiming to follow the agency model, you should already have several core clients on contract, and plenty of leads to follow once you open your doors. Don’t rely on being busy once-off as an indication that it’s time to expand. Growth requires planning.

A clear business plan is important, as this is your road map to success. If you open an agency, the days of winging it are over. A business plan not only maps out how you’ll operate, it’s a crucial document for securing outside funding.

You’ll need capital to build your agency, and may need to seek funding from investors. Having a concrete business plan can help you secure the funds needed to get you going.

You’ll need to shift into a far less flexible mode of operating, because clients will expect regular business hours from an agency. You’ll lose the flexibility and freedom of freelancing, but you’ll be the boss.

In a nutshell, you must prepare for new responsibilities and a whole new way of working.

It’s not always the hope or aim of a freelancer to end up with their own graphic design or marketing agency. If you want to broaden what you can offer your clients without having to become an agency officially, you can try a combination of the solo model and the agency model.

Here, you will remain your own unit but will outsource work to other freelancers to complete a specific project.

These other freelancers may have a different skill set to you, allowing you to offer more services. Alternatively, they could also be graphic designers, allowing you to boost your capacity and get a job finished faster.

Choose Or Change Up Your Model

Each of these business models for freelance graphic designers is scalable, and you can adapt them to the way you want to operate. In time, you may want to switch to a different model, depending on the direction you want your business to take.

The beauty of freelancing is that you’re the boss, and this gives you the flexibility and freedom to shake things up.

About the author: Editor at large and content monster, Alisa Taylor, shares awesome vibes and magic words wherever she drops her ink. She often focuses on business, graphic design, and education topics but is always looking to broaden her knowledge and expertise.

About Jacob Cass

Jacob Cass is a brand designer & strategist, educator , podcaster , business coach and the founder of JUST Creative, an award-winning branding & design consultancy that doubles as an industry-leading blog. Get in touch .

Meet our expert writers and contributors

Freelance Graphic Designer Business Plan: Creative Spark (2023 Fictional Example)

I. Executive Summary

Creative Spark is a freelance graphic design business that offers a comprehensive range of design services including branding, logo design, digital marketing visuals, and print designs. The business is initiated and operated by a seasoned graphic designer with a passion for transforming ideas into compelling visuals.

II. Market Research and Analysis

Industry overview.

The graphic design industry in the US has shown steady growth over the past five years with a projected annual growth of 3.5% to reach $15 billion in 2021, according to IBISWorld. The pandemic has escalated the demand for online visual content, opening new opportunities for graphic designers.

Market Trends

The growing number of businesses looking to enhance their online presence and the increasing importance of visual content in digital marketing are key factors driving the growth of the graphic design industry.

Competitor Analysis

While there is significant competition in the freelance graphic design market, Creative Spark stands out by providing personalized attention, high-quality designs, and quick turnaround times.

III. Business Model & Pricing Strategy

Business model.

Creative Spark operates on a project-based model, generating revenue through various graphic design assignments sourced from multiple clients.

Pricing Strategy

The pricing varies depending on the complexity and scope of each project. A standard rate card is maintained:

• Logo Design: $300 - $500
• Branding Package: $800 - $1,200
• Digital Marketing Visuals: $100 - $300 per image
• Print Designs: $200 - $400 per design

IV. Service Offerings

Creative Spark offers an array of graphic design services ranging from logo design and branding packages to digital marketing visuals and print designs.

V. Target Customers

Creative Spark targets small and medium businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs who need professional graphic design services to build and enhance their brand image.

VI. Marketing Strategy

Seo strategy.

Creative Spark will focus on targeting high-traffic keywords like "freelance graphic designer," "graphic design services," and "professional logo design." Given the industry average, a 2% conversion rate can be expected from approximately 4,000 monthly site visitors, resulting in 80 potential project inquiries per month.

Social Media Presence

A strong online presence will be maintained across platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Behance, showcasing the portfolio, sharing design tips, and engaging with the community. A sample content calendar could include:

• Monday: Showcase of recent design work
• Wednesday: Graphic design tips or tutorials
• Friday: Behind-the-scenes look at the design process
• Sunday: Inspirational design quotes

VII. Financial Forecasts

Revenue projections.

Assuming an average of 10 projects per month at an average cost of $400 per project, the estimated first-year revenue stands at around $48,000.

Expense Projections

The initial startup costs, including a high-performance computer, design software subscriptions, and initial marketing expenses, are estimated to be around $2,500. The recurring monthly expenses, including software subscriptions, marketing, and miscellaneous costs, are expected to be around $200.

VIII. Legal & Licenses

As a graphic design business, Creative Spark needs to ensure the legal use of fonts, images, and other design elements, in addition to a business license and professional liability insurance.

IX. Operations & Processes

Creative Spark operates from a home office, communicating with clients via email, phone, and video conferencing. All designs are delivered electronically, allowing the business to operate efficiently without the need for physical office space.

X. Conclusion

With a wide range of service offerings, a well-defined target market, robust marketing strategies, and a lean operational model, Creative Spark is well-positioned to succeed in the burgeoning market of graphic design.

Start your business journey, today.

Create your personalized 50-step business roadmap in under 1 minute.⚡

Bizway is brought to you by Landmark Labs Ltd.

©2024 Bizway Labs

Snap your idea, match colors, share.

10 freelance graphic design business tips for side hustlers

Do you have an eye for design and the ambition to become an independent graphic designer? Starting a freelance graphic design business can be an exciting and rewarding venture, even if you're working on it as a side hustle.

To get you up and running, here are 10 essential tips that will help you find success and start gaining clients.

From project management software to setting prices to content marketing, this article covers everything you need to know to get your freelance graphic design business off the ground.

1. Have a Plan

Running a freelance business is a serious undertaking, and it should be treated as such. Even if you're primarily interested in a side hustle, it's important to have a plan that covers the basics of what you want to do and how you will achieve it.

A good plan should include elements such as: how much time you can dedicate to the business each week, what services you will offer and at what rate, how you will market yourself and your services, and how you will track and manage income and expenses. Having a plan allows you to stay organized and prevents you from having to make decisions on the fly.

For example, let's say you want to start a freelance graphic design business. Make sure to consider a few key points in your plan: determine which graphic design services you will offer (logo design, web design, etc.), set a rate for those services, decide how you will market your services, come up with a bookkeeping system for tracking income and expenses, and consider which online platforms you will use to manage client relations. By having a plan and being organized, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and headaches in the long run.

2. Set Your Prices

As a freelance graphic designer side hustler, it’s important to determine the right prices for your services. This can be a tricky process, as you have to consider what your time is worth, what the market rate is, and what you are comfortable charging.

It’s important to research your local market to find out what other freelance graphic designers are charging for their services. This will help you to set a price that is competitive but still allows you to make a profit. When setting your prices, make sure to include things like travel expenses and hidden costs, such as purchasing software or materials. You will also want to consider what your time and skills are worth, and how that compares to the services you provide.

For example, if you charge an hourly rate of $50 per hour and you are working on a project that takes 8 hours, you would charge your client $400. This includes all expenses and materials needed for the project, as well as your time. This is an example of pricing your services fairly by evaluating the time and effort it takes to complete the project

When setting prices, also make sure to have different tiers of packages and services, as this will allow you to cater to different budgets. Having options like “ basic ”, “ standard ”, and “ premium ” services will allow clients to select the package that best fits their needs and budget.

Overall, it’s important to be aware when setting your prices as a freelance graphic designer side hustler. Research your local market, consider what your time and skills are worth, and offer different packages to cater to different budgets. This will help ensure that you are charging a fair rate for your services and will help you to be successful in your business.

3. Determine Your Target Market

As a freelance graphic designer, identifying your target market is an essential part of running a successful side hustle. What specific kinds of clients are you looking to attract? Understanding who your ideal customer is will help you to a create service offerings, plan marketing strategies, and design your website in a way that speaks directly to them.

For example, maybe your niche is corporate branding and web design. You can then create a portfolio page on your website that specifically highlights your experience and capabilities in this area. Additionally, you can focus your marketing efforts on engaging potential clients who may be looking for this kind of service.

It’s also useful to think about who your top competitors are and how you can differentiate yourself from them. Ask yourself what makes you unique and how you can use that to your advantage when it comes to marketing and design.

By researching and understanding your target market, you will be able to focus your efforts and create an effective plan to attract the right clients. This will ensure that you’re making the most of your freelance graphic design business.

4. Build a Professional Brand

Whether you’re a freelancer or a side hustler, a professional brand is essential to build your graphic design business. Start by creating a logo, wordmark, and website that reflects your creative style. This will serve as the foundational visual identity for your business. If you’re just starting out, skimping on branding won’t do you any favors, so be sure to invest in a quality logo and well-designed website. In addition, create social media profiles for your business and use them to promote your design work.

To give an example, when I started my freelance graphic design business, the first thing I did was create a professional logo, business website, and social media accounts on Instagram and Twitter. I used these channels to promote my work, share tips, and engage with potential clients. Before long, I was able to expand my freelance side hustle in a way I would have never expected.

Creating an effective and polished brand is an important step in setting yourself up for success as a freelance graphic designer. With a distinctive identity, you’ll be able to showcase your portfolio and skills, and attract the attention of potential clients.

5. Build an Online Presence

It’s critical to establish an online presence as a freelance graphic designer. Not only does this serve as a way to showcase your portfolio and examples of your work, but it also serves as a source to reach new clients and promote your services.

First, consider designing a website for your business . This is an excellent way to showcase your work and show potential clients what you are capable of. Make sure to include a portfolio of work that you have completed and a bio that serves as an introduction to you and your skillset. Consider offering a contact form where potential clients can easily get in touch with you.

Another important tool to use is social media . This is where you can really start to promote yourself and your business in a more organic way. Create professional profiles on the major social media networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Post updates regularly and involve yourself in conversations related to graphic design. This will help you to establish yourself as an expert in the field and let people know that you are open for business.

For example , Kate is a freelance graphic designer who has been in the business for just two years. She decided to create a website that showcases her portfolio and also wrote a blog to become a trusted source for graphic design tips and tricks. She also regularly posts on social media accounts to promote her services and has had a steady stream of freelance projects since she launched her business.

These are just a few examples of how you can establish an online presence as a freelance graphic designer. Doing so will not only help to showcase your skills, but it will also make you more accessible to potential clients. Put yourself out there, and you will start to see the rewards.

6. Find Clients and Network

Finding clients and networking are key for freelance graphic designers trying to build their business. As a side hustler, the challenge is even greater since you have less time for marketing and outreach. Fortunately, there are ways to make the most of limited time.

The first step is to create a professional portfolio of your work and make sure it is easily accessible and visible. You can also promote yourself on social media, such as Instagram and LinkedIn, to let potential clients know you are available. You can join communities and forums related to graphic design and actively interact with their members. Additionally, you can attend networking events and introduce yourself to other professionals in the industry.

In order to maximize the amount of time you put into networking, it’s important to create clear value propositions that emphasize how you can help your potential clients. For example, if you specialize in logo design, you can make sure to explain how you can help a business create a unique and memorable logo that reflects their brand identity.

By taking the right steps to connect with potential clients and demonstrate the value you offer, you can greatly increase your visibility as a freelance graphic designer. Through these efforts, you can build a successful business that allows you to turn your side hustle into something more.

7. Utilize Project Management Software

For those looking to get ahead with their freelance graphic design business, project management software is an excellent tool. This software will help keep track of deadlines, tasks, and clients. Plus, it allows freelancers to ensure that their clients are satisfied with the work they produce.

Project management software is essential to any graphic design business, as it helps freelancers keep their clients up to date, run efficient projects, and complete projects on time. There are a variety of project management tools available, and freelancers should consider which one best meets their needs. Some of the more popular options include: Wrike , Asana , Monday.com, Trello , and Basecamp . All of these solutions provide a range of features to help freelancers succeed in their business.

For example , Wrike is an all-in-one project management software that allows freelancers to assign tasks, track time, and collaborate with clients. This enables freelancers to stay on top of tasks and deadlines, while also giving them the flexibility to communicate with their clients quickly and efficiently.

Graphic designers should also consider using project management software to streamline their processes . By using software like Wrike , Asana , Monday.com, Trello , and Basecamp , freelancers will be better equipped to keep track of their projects and deadlines. This will enable them to focus on creating quality work and delivering it to their clients on time. Additionally, it will help them spend less time managing projects and more time being creative.

Overall, project management software is a great tool for graphic designers looking to get the most out of their freelance business. By taking advantage of these solutions, freelancers will be able to stay on top of their projects, collaborate with their clients, and complete their projects on time.

8. Establish Clear Boundaries With Clients

When you’re working as a freelance graphic designer, you’re offering a service, and as such, it’s important that you set clear boundaries with your clients.

For example , when you take on a project, agree on the scope of the work and timeline before you start . This gives your client a proper idea of the work involved and when the project will be delivered. It also ensures that you’re both on the same page and clears up any confusion or surprises that may come up.

Also, make sure that you clarify what kind of work you’re doing and who will own the rights to the design. For most projects, you’ll own the copyright to the design and your client will typically have the right to use it for certain purposes. Additionally, you should specify how much feedback you will accept from your client so that you can stay on task.

Finally, have a process for payment and invoicing . Establish when payment is expected and what happens for late payments. You can include language about late payments in your contracts to protect your interests. Most importantly, make sure that you are compensated for your work and that the terms of payment are clearly stated to your client.

By establishing clear boundaries with your clients, you ensure that they know exactly what to expect and that you are fairly compensated for your work. This will help ensure a successful work relationship and keep you both happy.

9. Promote Your Services Through Content Marketing

Content marketing is a great way for freelance graphic designers to market their services and reach a wider audience. Content marketing involves creating and sharing valuable and engaging content, such as blog posts, videos, podcasts, and infographics, that are tailored to the target audience. This content helps to establish the graphic designer’s industry knowledge, build relationships with potential clients, and showcase their services.

When creating content, freelance graphic designers should focus on providing helpful information that is relevant to their target audience. They should also share their content on their website and on relevant channels, such as social media, forums, and online magazines. By investing in content marketing, freelance graphic designers can build their reputation as a reliable and trustworthy service provider.

For example , a freelance graphic designer can create a blog post about the importance of branding for a small business. In this post, they can provide their clients with helpful tips and guidelines for creating a successful branding strategy. By creating content such as this, the graphic designer is demonstrating their knowledge and expertise in the industry, which can help to attract potential clients.

Content marketing is an effective way for freelance graphic designers to market their services and reach a wider audience. Investing in content marketing can help to establish the graphic designer’s industry knowledge, build relationships with potential clients, and showcase their services.

10. Invest in Yourself and Your Business

As a freelance graphic designer, you are a one-person business. As such, there are certain investments that you need to make in order to succeed. This could mean investing in the right software and hardware , taking classes, or hiring a coach.

Having the right tools is essential in your profession. Investing in quality design software such as Snapied and a powerful computer will help you work more efficiently and develop the highest quality designs. You will also need a reliable printer, camera, and scanner. Investing in these will help ensure that you are able to produce work that stands out.

In addition to investing in the right tools, you should also invest in yourself. Taking classes and workshops related to graphic design is an excellent way to stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques. This will help you remain competitive and increase your value.

You should also consider hiring a coach or mentor. A coach or mentor can help guide you in the right direction, giving you personalized advice and feedback. Having someone with experience in the field to help you can be very beneficial in your journey as a freelance graphic designer.

For example, a mentor can help you identify potential clients or projects and develop a business plan to reach your goals. This can be invaluable advice that can help you succeed and take your business to the next level.

By investing in yourself and your business, you can set yourself up for success. With the right tools, education, and mentoring, you can become a successful freelance graphic designer and develop a successful side hustle.

Starting out as a freelance graphic designer can be intimidating. However, with the right plan, pricing strategy, and mindset, it can be an extremely rewarding side hustle.

By having a plan and setting your prices, you can establish a clear understanding of what you can offer, who you can serve, and how much income you can realistically generate. Additionally, by building your own professional brand, creating an online presence, networking, utilizing project management software, and promoting yourself through content marketing, you can create a steady stream of clients to work with.

Most importantly, investing in yourself and your business can help position you for long-term success. With these 10 tips in mind, you can start and build a profitable freelance graphic design business.

• Graphic Design

Related Posts

A look into the history of graphic design

The role of color theory in design

The Do's and Don'ts of Logo Design - Expert Advice to Perfect Your Logo

• Request Free Consultation
• 954-361-5284
• [email protected]

Keegan Edwards

Creating a Solid Business Plan for Freelance Graphic Designers

Introduction to freelance graphic design

Freelance graphic design is a growing field that offers creative professionals the opportunity to work independently and showcase their artistic skills . As a freelance graphic designer, you have the freedom to choose your clients, projects, and working hours. Connecting face-to-face with clients and understanding their design needs is an essential part of building successful relationships. It allows you to gather detailed information, provide personalized solutions, and ensure client satisfaction. Additionally, freelancing provides the flexibility to work from anywhere, which is particularly beneficial for those who prefer a remote work environment.

Benefits of creating a business plan

Creating a business plan is crucial for freelance graphic designers as it provides a roadmap for success. A well-crafted plan helps you define your goals and strategies , identify potential challenges, and plan for growth. It allows you to analyze your target audience and competition , understand market trends, and develop effective marketing and promotion strategies. By having a solid business plan in place, you can maximize your earning potential and stand out in a competitive market. Additionally, it helps you make informed decisions, manage resources effectively, and build a strong brand identity . With the right plan, you can establish yourself as a reliable and professional graphic designer, attracting clients and expanding your business .

Key components of a business plan

A business plan is a crucial tool for freelance graphic designers to outline their goals, strategies, and financial projections. It serves as a roadmap for success and helps in securing funding or attracting clients. The key components of a business plan include:

• Executive Summary : A concise overview of the business.
• Company Description : Details about the freelance graphic design business.
• Market Analysis : Research on the target audience, competition, and market trends.
• Services and Products : Description of the services offered and the unique selling proposition.
• Marketing and Sales Strategies : Plans for promoting the business and attracting clients.
• Operational Plan : Details about the day-to-day operations and resources needed.
• Financial Projections : Forecasts of revenue, expenses, and profitability.

By including these key components in their business plan, freelance graphic designers can effectively communicate their vision, strategies, and potential to investors or clients.

Setting Goals and Objectives

Defining your long-term vision

Once you have decided to pursue a career as a freelance graphic designer , it is important to define your long-term vision. This will serve as a roadmap for your business and guide your decision-making process. Keegan Edwards , a successful graphic designer, emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision for your freelance business. He suggests that you take the time to think about where you want to be in the future and what you want to achieve. By setting a clear vision, you can align your goals and objectives to ensure that you are working towards your desired outcome. It is also helpful to regularly revisit and refine your vision as your business evolves.

Setting SMART goals

Once you have defined your long-term vision, the next step is to set SMART goals . SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Setting SMART goals ensures that your objectives are well-defined and actionable. It helps you focus on what needs to be accomplished and provides a clear roadmap for success. When setting SMART goals, it is important to consider the needs and preferences of your target audience, as well as the competitive landscape. By aligning your goals with the market trends and analyzing the competition, you can position yourself effectively and attract small businesses that require graphic design services.

Identifying key objectives

Once you have defined your long-term vision and set SMART goals , the next step is to identify the key objectives that will help you achieve those goals. These objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. They serve as the stepping stones towards your ultimate vision. Some common objectives for freelance graphic designers include building a strong client base, increasing revenue, expanding services, and improving skills. By clearly defining your objectives, you can create a roadmap for success and track your progress along the way.

Market Research and Analysis

Identifying target audience

Once you have a clear understanding of your target audience , you can tailor your marketing efforts to reach them effectively. Conducting thorough market research will help you identify the demographics, interests, and needs of your potential clients. By knowing who your audience is, you can create a customer persona that represents your ideal client. This will guide your decision-making process and ensure that your marketing messages resonate with your target audience. Additionally, understanding your audience will allow you to position your freelance graphic design services in a way that sets you apart from your competitors. By offering unique value propositions and addressing the specific pain points of your target audience, you can attract and retain clients. Keegan Edwards , a successful freelance graphic designer, emphasizes the importance of identifying and understanding your target audience in order to build a solid business plan.

Analyzing competition

When analyzing the competition in the freelance graphic design industry, it is important to consider various factors. One key factor to look for is whether the competitors’ websites are mobile-friendly . In today’s digital age, having a mobile-friendly website is crucial for reaching a wider audience and providing a seamless user experience. Additionally, it is essential to assess the competitors’ pricing strategies, services offered, and customer reviews. By thoroughly analyzing the competition, freelance graphic designers can gain valuable insights and identify opportunities to differentiate themselves in the market.

Understanding market trends

Understanding market trends is crucial for the success of freelance graphic designers. By staying up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry, designers can identify new opportunities and tailor their services to meet the changing needs of their target audience. For example, with the rise of e-commerce, freelance graphic designers can focus on creating visually appealing and user-friendly websites for retail stores . Additionally, understanding market trends can help designers anticipate shifts in consumer preferences and adjust their marketing and promotion strategies accordingly. By keeping a pulse on the market, designers can stay ahead of the competition and position themselves as leaders in the industry.

Marketing and Promotion Strategies

Creating a brand identity

Once you have defined your target audience and analyzed your competition, it’s time to create a brand identity that sets you apart. A strong brand identity is crucial for establishing your presence in the market and attracting potential clients. Start by designing a logo that represents your unique style and values. Ensure that your brand elements, such as color palette and typography, are consistent across all platforms. Additionally, make sure your website is mobile-friendly to cater to the increasing number of users accessing the internet through their smartphones. This will enhance user experience and make it easier for potential clients to navigate your site and view your portfolio. Finally, consider creating a brand style guide that outlines the visual and verbal guidelines for your brand. This will help maintain consistency in all your marketing materials and communication channels.

Developing a marketing plan

Once you have created a strong brand identity , the next step in developing a marketing plan is to focus on maximizing online presence . In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for freelance graphic designers to reach a wider audience and attract potential clients. This can be achieved through various strategies such as creating a professional website, optimizing social media profiles, and utilizing online advertising platforms. By maximizing online presence , freelance graphic designers can showcase their portfolio, promote their services, and engage with their target audience effectively. Additionally, it is important to regularly analyze and track the effectiveness of online marketing efforts to make necessary adjustments and improvements.

Utilizing online and offline channels

When it comes to marketing and promotion strategies, freelance graphic designers have a wide range of options to choose from. Online channels provide opportunities to reach a global audience through social media platforms, websites, and online advertising. On the other hand, offline channels such as print media, networking events, and word-of-mouth referrals can help establish a local presence and build personal connections. By utilizing a combination of online and offline channels, freelance graphic designers can effectively reach their target audience and promote their services.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How To Create a Freelance Graphic Design Business Plan: Checklist

By henry sheykin, get full bundle.

Related Blogs

• Starting a Business
• KPI Metrics
• Running Expenses
• Startup Costs
• Pitch Deck Example
• Increasing Profitability
• Sales Strategy
• Rising Capital
• Valuing a Business
• How Much Makes
• Sell a Business
• Business Idea
• How To Avoid Mistakes

Are you a freelance graphic designer looking to turn your passion into a thriving business? Look no further! In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of writing a business plan for your very own freelance graphic design agency. With a checklist of nine essential steps, you'll be well on your way to success in no time.

But first, let's take a look at some industry statistics to give you a better understanding of the opportunities that lie ahead. The graphic design industry is experiencing tremendous growth, with an estimated market value of $46.57 billion in 2021. This growth is fueled by the increasing demand for creative services in various sectors such as advertising, marketing, and digital media.

Step 1: Conduct market research

Before diving into the world of freelance graphic design, it's crucial to understand the market landscape. Conducting thorough market research will help you identify your target audience, competition, and potential growth opportunities.

Step 2: Define your target audience and niche

Identify who your ideal clients are and what specific design services they require. By honing in on a specific niche, you can differentiate yourself from competitors and cater to a specific market segment.

Step 3: Identify your unique selling proposition

Determine what sets your freelance graphic design agency apart from others. Whether it's your creative approach, quick turnaround times, or exceptional customer service, highlighting your unique selling proposition will help attract clients and differentiate your agency in a crowded market.

Step 4: Determine your pricing and financial projections

Calculating your pricing structure and financial projections is essential for sustaining and growing your business. Consider factors such as your expenses, desired income, and market rates to establish competitive pricing and ensure profitability.

Step 5: Create a branding and marketing strategy

Developing a strong brand identity and marketing strategy will help you establish credibility and attract clients. Consider creating a compelling logo, defining your brand voice, and utilizing various marketing channels to reach your target audience.

Step 6: Outline your services and offerings

Determining the specific services you'll offer is crucial for setting client expectations and delivering quality results. Whether it's logo design, website development, or social media graphics, clearly articulate your services to potential clients.

Step 7: Develop a portfolio of previous work

Showcasing your previous work is vital for gaining the trust and confidence of potential clients. Build an impressive portfolio that highlights your skills, creativity, and versatility as a graphic designer.

Step 8: Set up a website and online presence

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is non-negotiable. Create a professional website that showcases your portfolio, provides contact information, and demonstrates your agency's unique selling points.

Step 9: Secure necessary equipment and software

Invest in the necessary equipment and software to ensure smooth operations and high-quality deliverables. This may include graphic design software, computers, printers, and other tools that align with your agency's specific needs.

Now that you have a comprehensive checklist, it's time to turn your dreams into a reality. By following these nine essential steps, you'll be well-equipped to establish a successful freelance graphic design agency. So, get ready to unleash your creativity, connect with talented designers, and make a name in the design and media industry!

Conduct Market Research

Conducting thorough market research is essential for the success of your freelance graphic design agency. It allows you to gain a deep understanding of the design and media industry, identify potential gaps in the market, and determine your target audience's needs and preferences. Here are some important steps to follow:

• Identify your competition: Research and analyze the existing graphic design agencies in your target market. Understand their strengths, weaknesses, pricing structures, and the types of clients they serve. This will help you position your agency effectively and identify opportunities for differentiation.
• Identify target clients: Define your target audience and understand their specific design needs. Determine what industries and businesses are likely to require your services, and consider factors such as company size, location, and market positioning. This will help you tailor your services and marketing efforts to attract the right clients.
• Understand market trends: Stay updated on current design trends, industry developments, and emerging technologies. This knowledge will enable you to offer innovative solutions and stay ahead of the competition.
• Assess market demand and pricing: Understand the demand for graphic design services in your target market and determine the competitive pricing range. This will help you set appropriate pricing for your services and ensure they align with market expectations.
• Gather customer feedback: Engage with potential clients to gather feedback on their experiences with graphic design agencies. This will give you insights into their pain points, expectations, and preferences, allowing you to tailor your services and marketing strategies accordingly.
• Utilize online surveys and questionnaires to gather information from target clients.
• Participate in industry events, webinars, and conferences to network and gain insights from industry professionals.
• Join relevant online communities and forums to engage with potential clients and stay up-to-date with industry discussions.

Define Your Target Audience And Niche

Defining your target audience and niche is essential for the success of your freelance graphic design agency. It helps you understand who your ideal clients are and allows you to tailor your services and marketing efforts accordingly. Here are some important steps to take when defining your target audience and niche:

• Identify the industries: Start by identifying which industries you want to focus on. Consider industries that have a high demand for graphic design services, such as technology, e-commerce, fashion, or hospitality. By narrowing down your focus, you can position yourself as an expert in that specific industry.
• Research your competition: Analyze your competitors who are already serving your target audience and niche. Look at their offerings, pricing, and branding strategies. This research will help you identify gaps in the market and find a unique selling proposition that sets you apart from your competitors.
• Understand client pain points: Dive deep into understanding the pain points and challenges that your target audience faces. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your services to address these issues and position yourself as a solution provider.
• Build buyer personas: Develop detailed buyer personas that represent your target audience. These personas should include demographics, interests, behavior patterns, and goals. This will help you create targeted marketing messages and design services that resonate with your ideal clients.
• Consider geographic location: Determine whether you want to serve clients locally, nationally, or internationally. Your target audience's location can influence your pricing, communication methods, and availability.
• Stay up to date with industry trends and changes to ensure your design services remain relevant and competitive.
• Continuously gather feedback from your target audience to improve your services and better meet their needs.
• Consider offering specialized services or packages tailored to specific niches within your target audience to further differentiate and attract clients.

Defining your target audience and niche is an ongoing process that requires constant evaluation and adjustment. By understanding who you want to serve and tailoring your services and marketing efforts accordingly, you can position your freelance graphic design agency for success in the competitive design and media industry.

Identify Your Unique Selling Proposition

Identifying your unique selling proposition (USP) is crucial for setting your freelance graphic design agency apart from your competition. Your USP is what makes your agency unique and valuable to potential clients. It showcases what sets you apart and why businesses should choose your agency over others in the market.

To identify your USP, you need to thoroughly understand your target audience and their needs. Research the design and media industry in the US to find out what services are in demand and what gaps exist in the market. This will help you determine what unique value you can offer to your clients.

Here are some important points to consider when identifying your USP:

• Specialization: Consider specializing in a specific area of graphic design, such as logo design for tech startups or branding for healthcare companies. This expertise will make you highly sought after in your niche.
• Quality: Emphasize your commitment to delivering high-quality designs that exceed client expectations. Showcase your expertise, skills, and attention to detail to build trust and credibility.
• Quick Turnaround Time: If you can offer fast turnaround times without compromising quality, highlight this as a key selling point. Many businesses value quick results, and this can be a significant advantage in a competitive market.
• Collaborative Approach: Emphasize your willingness to collaborate closely with clients, grasping their vision, and incorporating their feedback to create designs that truly reflect their brand.
• Competitive Pricing: Consider offering competitive pricing compared to traditional design agencies by leveraging the cost-effectiveness of remote freelance graphic designers. Highlight the value and savings this can provide to potential clients.
• Research your competition to see what unique selling points they are using and find ways to differentiate yourself.
• Survey potential clients to understand what they value most in a graphic design agency and tailor your USP to match their needs.
• Regularly revisit and refine your USP as your agency grows and the market evolves.

Determine Your Pricing and Financial Projections

Setting a clear pricing structure is crucial for the success of your freelance graphic design agency. It not only determines your profitability but also attracts potential clients. To determine your pricing, consider factors such as your experience, level of expertise, the complexity of the project, and the market rates.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Research the Market: Conduct thorough market research to gain insights into the current rates and pricing models in the graphic design industry. This will help you determine competitive and fair pricing for your services.
• Consider Pricing Strategies: There are various pricing strategies you can adopt, such as hourly rates, project-based pricing, or retainer models. Each has its pros and cons, so choose the one that aligns with your goals and client expectations.
• Factor in Costs: Calculate your costs, including expenses related to software licenses, equipment upgrades, marketing, and overheads. Ensure that your pricing covers your expenses and allows for a reasonable profit margin.
• Value Your Expertise: Do not undervalue your skills and expertise. Consider the value you bring to your clients and the impact your designs can have on their businesses. Charge a fair and competitive rate that reflects your experience and quality of work.
• Offer Pricing Options: Provide clients with various pricing options that cater to different budgets and needs. This can help attract a wider range of clients and increase your chances of securing projects.
• Regularly evaluate and adjust your pricing strategy based on market trends, demand, and the value you deliver.
• Consider offering discounts or incentives for long-term or repeat clients to encourage loyalty.
• Keep track of your financial projections, including revenue, expenses, and profit margins, to measure the financial health of your agency and identify areas of improvement.

By carefully determining your pricing and financial projections, you can ensure that your freelance graphic design agency remains competitive, profitable, and sustainable in the long run.

Create A Branding And Marketing Strategy

A solid branding and marketing strategy is crucial for the success of your freelance graphic design agency. It sets you apart from competitors and helps attract your target audience. Here are key steps to create an effective branding and marketing strategy:

• Define Your Brand Identity: Determine the unique qualities and values that define your agency. This includes your brand name, logo, tagline, and overall visual identity. Ensure that your brand identity reflects your agency's professionalism, creativity, and expertise in graphic design.
• Identify Your Target Audience: Clearly define who your ideal clients are and understand their needs, preferences, and challenges. This will help you tailor your marketing efforts to reach and engage with them effectively.
• Develop a Compelling Value Proposition: Clearly articulate the unique benefits and value your agency brings to clients. Highlight what sets you apart from others, such as your quick turnaround times, high-quality designs, or specialization in a particular industry.
• Create a Marketing Plan: Outline your marketing objectives and the strategies and tactics you'll use to achieve them. Consider incorporating both online and offline marketing channels, such as social media, email marketing, content marketing, networking events, and collaborations with complementary businesses.
• Build a Strong Online Presence: Establish a professional and visually appealing website that showcases your portfolio, services, and client testimonials. Optimize your website for search engines to improve visibility. Additionally, maintain a presence on relevant social media platforms to engage with potential clients and demonstrate your expertise.
• Consistency is key. Ensure that your branding and messaging remain consistent across all marketing channels and materials.
• Focus on building relationships. Networking and establishing connections with potential clients and industry influencers can lead to valuable opportunities.
• Utilize online platforms and communities. Participate in online forums and communities that cater to your target audience to increase your visibility and establish yourself as an industry expert.

By creating a strong branding and marketing strategy, you'll position your freelance graphic design agency as a reputable and sought-after choice in the competitive marketplace. Consistency, targeted messaging, and building relationships are the pillars of a successful branding and marketing approach.

Outline Your Services And Offerings

When it comes to running a successful freelance graphic design agency, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the services and offerings you will provide to your clients. This not only helps you streamline your operations but also enables you to effectively communicate your value proposition to potential customers.

First and foremost, you need to define the scope of your services. Are you going to focus solely on logo design, or will you also offer branding, website design, social media graphics, and print collateral? By outlining your services, you can provide a comprehensive range of options to your clients and position yourself as a one-stop solution for their design needs.

Next, it is crucial to clearly communicate the benefits and features of each service you offer. For example, if you specialize in logo design, emphasize how your designs can help businesses establish a strong brand identity and create a lasting impression on their target audience.

Additionally, providing a breakdown of your service packages and pricing options is essential. This allows potential clients to understand the different tiers of services you offer and choose the one that best fits their budget and requirements. Be sure to clearly outline what each package includes and any additional options or add-ons available.

As you outline your services and offerings, consider conducting thorough market research to understand the demand for each service in your target industry. This will help you tailor your offerings to meet the specific needs of your target audience and differentiate yourself from competitors.

• Regularly review and update your services and offerings based on market trends and customer feedback.
• Consider offering optional add-on services or bundles to provide additional value to your clients.
• Highlight any unique or specialized services you can provide that set you apart from other freelance graphic design agencies.

By outlining your services and offerings in a clear and detailed manner, you can attract clients who are specifically looking for the services you provide. This helps establish your agency as a trusted and reliable source for high-quality graphic design services, ultimately leading to long-term success and client satisfaction.

Develop A Portfolio Of Previous Work

Having a compelling and diverse portfolio is crucial for showcasing your talent and convincing potential clients of your capabilities as a freelance graphic design agency. A well-curated portfolio not only demonstrates your skills and creativity, but it also serves as a powerful marketing tool that can help you attract and retain clients.

To develop an impressive portfolio, consider the following steps:

• Include a variety of design formats, such as logos, brochures, websites, and social media graphics, to showcase your versatility.
• Consider creating case studies for some of your projects, outlining the problem, your solution, and the results achieved. This can demonstrate your strategic and analytical thinking.
• If you're just starting out and don't have many previous clients or projects to showcase, consider creating mock projects or volunteering your design services to gain experience and build your portfolio.

Your portfolio should act as a visual representation of your skills, creativity, and ability to meet client objectives. By carefully curating your portfolio and continuously updating it, you can effectively present your expertise and attract potential clients to your freelance graphic design agency.

Set Up A Website And Online Presence

As a freelance graphic design agency, having a strong online presence is crucial for attracting clients and showcasing your work. Setting up a professional website is the first step towards establishing your online presence. Your website should be visually appealing, user-friendly, and informative, providing potential clients with a clear understanding of your services and capabilities.

To create your website, you have several options. You can either hire a web developer to build a customized website or use website builders like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace that offer templates and easy-to-use tools. Choose a website builder that aligns with your needs, budget, and technical expertise.

When designing your website, pay attention to the following key elements:

• Clear Navigation: Ensure that visitors can easily navigate through your website and find the information they are looking for. Use intuitive menus and organize your content into logical sections.
• Compelling Visuals: Display a portfolio of your previous work prominently on your website. Use high-quality images and consider using interactive elements like sliders or galleries to showcase your designs effectively.
• Strong Branding: Incorporate your branding elements, such as your logo, color scheme, and typography, consistently throughout your website to strengthen your brand identity.
• Contact Information: Make it easy for potential clients to get in touch with you by including your contact information on every page. Consider adding a contact form to provide a convenient way for visitors to reach out.

Tips for setting up a website and online presence:

• Optimize your website for search engines by conducting keyword research and incorporating relevant keywords into your website content.
• Include testimonials or reviews from satisfied clients to build trust and credibility.
• Integrate social media buttons on your website to encourage visitors to follow and share your content.
• Regularly update your website with fresh content and the latest examples of your work to keep it engaging and informative.

In addition to your website, it's important to establish an active online presence on social media platforms relevant to your target audience. Create business accounts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter, and regularly share your designs, industry insights, and other engaging content. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, participating in relevant discussions, and connecting with potential clients or industry influencers.

By setting up a professional website and maintaining an active online presence, you will enhance your visibility, credibility, and reach as a freelance graphic design agency, ultimately attracting more clients and growing your business.

Secure Necessary Equipment and Software

As a freelance graphic design agency, it is essential to have the right equipment and software to enable you to deliver high-quality designs and stay competitive in the industry. Here are some important considerations when securing the necessary equipment and software for your business:

• Computer and Accessories: Invest in a reliable computer with sufficient processing power and memory. Additionally, consider purchasing a high-quality monitor, keyboard, mouse, and graphics tablet to enhance your productivity and improve the accuracy of your designs.
• Graphic Design Software: Choose industry-standard graphic design software that suits your specific needs. Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, is widely used in the graphic design industry and offers a range of powerful tools and features.
• Fonts and Stock Images: As a freelance graphic designer, having a diverse collection of fonts and access to high-quality stock images is essential. Consider subscribing to font libraries and stock image platforms to ensure you have a wide range of resources at your disposal.
• Backup and Storage: Protect your work by setting up a reliable backup and storage system. Invest in external hard drives and use cloud-based storage services to ensure the safety and accessibility of your files.
• Communication Tools: Effective communication is crucial when working remotely. Invest in tools like email clients, project management software, and video conferencing platforms to streamline communication with clients and team members.

Equipment and Software Tips:

• Research and compare different options before investing in equipment and software to ensure you choose the most suitable and cost-effective solutions for your business.
• Consider renting or leasing equipment and software if you have budget constraints or are unsure about long-term requirements.
• Stay updated with the latest software versions and industry trends to maintain your competitive edge and provide clients with innovative design solutions.
• Join online communities or forums where graphic designers share tips and recommendations for equipment and software.

By securing the necessary equipment and software, you are setting yourself up for success as a freelance graphic design agency. Remember to periodically reassess your needs and update your equipment and software to stay ahead in the ever-evolving design industry.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, creating a solid business plan is essential for the success of a freelance graphic design agency. By following these 9 steps, you can ensure that you have a comprehensive roadmap for starting and running your business. From conducting market research to securing necessary equipment, each step plays a crucial role in setting up a successful agency.

Remember to define your target audience and niche, identify your unique selling proposition, and determine your pricing and financial projections. Additionally, developing a strong branding and marketing strategy, outlining your services, and creating a portfolio of previous work will help attract clients and showcase your skills.

Setting up a website and online presence is crucial for reaching a wider audience, while connecting with talented freelance graphic designers and securing necessary equipment and software will ensure the smooth operation of your agency.

Overall, by carefully planning and executing each of these steps, you can establish a thriving freelance graphic design agency that offers high-quality design services, meets client expectations, and builds a strong reputation within the industry.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

This post may contain affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure for more.

Freelance Business Plan Template + Guide

Rhonda Page

Rhonda is an international speaker and published author. She began as a graphic designer and evolved to brand strategist and business development professional, bringing hundreds of thousands in new business to the various design firms she worked with. She's worked with the biggest global brands such as Kraft and Coca-Cola and been client side too.… Learn more »

Adam Wright

Adam Wright is the Content Manager at Millo, in addition to running his own graphic and web design business, Adam Wright Design. When he's not working on his business, you can find him watching hockey or just about any type of racing. Learn more »

Step-by-Step Freelance Business Plan

What is a freelance business plan, who needs a freelance business plan, benefits of a freelance business plan, now, go make yours.

BIG NEWS! We just released The Freelance Files , a collection of professional done-for-you email scripts, contracts, invoices, and more for smarter freelancing. The first 50 customers, save 50% with this link .

A freelance business plan is the ideal way to make quick progress as a freelancer.

Sure, you already feel like you know exactly what you need to do — find more clients, deliver high-quality work within deadlines, send invoices and recover payments. But freelancers who want to grow their business understand the importance of a freelance business plan.

A well thought out and structured freelance business plan helps to craft your strategic and tactical approach, defines tasks and budgets that you can track, and increases your chances of success.

So today, I’ll share my 14-point freelance business plan template along with a guide for creating your ideal freelance business plan.

Let’s dive right in, then we’ll cover some of the basics after. My freelance business plan template for you consists of 14 questions.

Take some time off work when you are working on the freelance business plan for the first time, and try not to take calls until it’s done. You could review your plan every week and this will only take a few minutes. You could also do a monthly review when you enter your revenue and expense figures of the month, but this should not take too long either.

Let’s take a look at the freelance business plan steps below and the guidelines for answering the 14 questions. Download a copy of the template below and follow along as you fill yours in.

1. Company name

We start with the company name – pretty straightforward.

Question 2 is about your purpose , or why you started your company. It may seem that every business starts with profit as a motive, but when you really think about your own motivation you will find a purpose above profit. Did you start your brand design business because you are passionate about helping entrepreneurs create a distinct identity? Or did you start a video content studio to help more brands get the power of video easily?

3. Target Market

We now come to your target market . If you are in the B2B market then you should define the profile of organizations that you target as well as the specific roles within those organizations who make decisions to purchase from you. If you have done a user persona exercise, you could describe the personas here. If you’re not sure about who your target audience is, The Magic of Choosing a Target Audience will be helpful here.

4. Location

The fourth point refers to the geographical areas where you operate.

5. Products/Services

Next we come to a description of your products or services. Do you work on a project basis – with the scope defined by the client? Or do you have any standard products or packages? What is included in your offer? For example, do you offer freelance video creation as a service, and price depending on the scope of each project? Or have you created some standard packages, such as $350 for a 30 second video, with a 200 word script and incorporating 2 rounds of customer reviews?

6. Competitors

The sixth question is about your competitors . You should research before you answer this question because competitors are not always those who provide similar products or services, rather they are those who help users to solve the same problem. This means that your competitors could be from completely different product categories. You will find these insights by speaking to current and potential users.

7. Differentiation

Question 7 is about your differentiation . If you have not articulated this before, then it’s an excellent outcome of working on your business plan. As you clearly write your differentiation, you will be able to communicate it much more strongly during sales pitches or in your marketing material.

8. Problems

Now we come to the problems that you solve for your users. What were they doing before they started using your products or services? This knowledge helps you to find more users with similar challenges. What’s keeping them up at night? They may not say that it’s graphic design or creative needs, and you need to understand how your work helps them. My course is helpful here.

9. Benefits

Question 9 is about the benefits that your product or services deliver. It is extremely useful to articulate this and lends clarity to sales and marketing communications.

10. Marketing

Next we come to Marketing . How does your target audience get to know you? Are you doing anything to reach out to potential customers? You can mention meetups, events, social media, advertising, email campaigns, SEO, or anything else that’s working for you, here.

The next question is about your business goals for the next 6 months. I have suggested 3 goals but you can make a longer list if you want. One of your goals could be related to the new business that you want to generate. You may also have the goal of adding a revenue stream. Goals could be related to expansion, for example, launching in new geographies or adding new products. You may have sales or marketing goals such as creating a branding package , or a product to sell online. You may also have operational goals such as implementing a project management tool or better bookkeeping.

12. Milestones

In point 12, list the weekly milestones that you must complete in order to achieve your goals. You should review this every week, and refine as needed.

13. Targets

Question 13 is to define your monthly revenue targets . I have said 3 months, but you can set targets for a longer-term if you want. This is a good time to consider, are you charging enough to reach your goals? If you charge $1,000 for a logo, how many logos do you need to do to meet your revenue goal?

14. Expenses

Question 14 asks you to put down your budget for expenses . This helps you to be more conscious of how you are spending, and when you think about revenue targets and expenses together, you can manage your profitability better. It’s all about profitability. If your expenses are higher than your sales, you’ve got a problem!

Let’s back track for a quick minute. A freelance business plan is a document that lists your business objectives, targets, milestones, timelines, and budgets. Think of it as a roadmap that provides direction to your efforts, shows you the landmarks along your route and helps you avoid roadblocks.

Every business needs a business plan but most freelancers never get around to creating one. I have worked with many, many creative freelancers, and I know that some of them are aware of what a business plan is, but believe that only large businesses need it, while others are just not fully aware of the advantages of having one.

A freelance business plan is created with the specific requirements of freelancers in mind. I strongly believe that the template of the plan should be simple and should not consume too much of your time when you need to create, update or modify it.

Business plans of shorter timeframes say 3 to 6 months, are usually most suitable for freelancers. The work environment for most freelancers is just too dynamic to be able to plan ahead for the next few years.

I’ll share my preferred template for a freelance business plan here, and take you through the steps. But first, let’s see who needs a freelance business plan and what are the benefits of creating one.

Is a business plan essential for all freelancers? Maybe not, so take a look at the list below and decide whether you need one.

You will benefit from having a business plan if:

1. Freelancing is your main source of income

A plan may not be important for someone who has a job or another primary source of income and is freelancing as a side gig. But if you depend mainly on your freelance business, then the business plan should be a high priority for you.

2. You want to grow your business

If you have the ambition to grow your business, possibly planning to create more bandwidth when you get busy or build a team , then a business plan will help you to achieve that growth.

3. You plan to seek external advice or funding

If you are considering discussing your business with potential mentors, investors or consultants, a business plan is a good starting point.

The time and effort that you invest in creating your business plan will yield a variety of benefits.

Clearer direction and focus

The process of listing your goals and the steps that you must take in order to achieve them brings tremendous clarity and a sharper focus to your efforts. You will consciously pursue business relevant to your goals rather than respond to every opportunity that comes your way.

Prioritize better

If your working days are a blur of meetings, deliveries, and firefighting, chances are that you don’t have the time to do tasks that are important rather than urgent. Once you list these tasks down as weekly milestones that must be achieved for your goals to be realized, you are much more likely to make time for them. Maybe you need to attend networking events in your vicinity in order to attract talent, or maybe you need to spend time creating marketing collateral. Putting these tasks down in the plan makes it much more likely that they will get done.

Track your financial performance

Your business plan helps you track whether you are achieving your revenue targets and keeping expenses within control, or in other words, manage your profitability.

Builds the confidence of external stakeholders

When you need to discuss your business with investors, mentors or other external stakeholders, the business plan will inspire confidence in them and show them that you have thought things through.

Although my template is a little longer than some others, I have seen that it works really well for freelancers. It takes some time when you do it for the first time, then regular reviews and updates are pretty quick. I’m confident that you will find this time well worth it, for the direction, focus, and clarity that you gain from your freelance business plan.

Keep the conversation going...

Over 10,000 of us are having daily conversations over in our free Facebook group and we'd love to see you there. Join us!

Best Freelancing Growth

Written by Rhonda Page

Contributor at millo.co.

Rhonda is an international speaker and published author. She began as a graphic designer and evolved to brand strategist and business development professional, bringing hundreds of thousands in new business to the various design firms she worked with. She's worked with the biggest global brands such as Kraft and Coca-Cola and been client side too. Her  Business Accelerator Program  teaches freelancers how to spend less time on pitches and close new business more easily.

Rhonda's Articles

Reviewed & edited by Adam Wright , Editor at Millo.

At Millo, we strive to publish only the best, most trustworthy and reliable content for freelancers. You can learn more by reviewing our editorial policy .

Designing A Freelance Business Plan: 5 Visuals You Must Include

You’ve decided to start a freelance business and if you think you can just “take it as it comes”, you’re mistaken. The first thing you should do is write a business plan.

Even though business plans might seem tedious to write, they are an important part of starting a business because they provide direction and drive growth. 

“It’s a tool for understanding how your business is put together. You can use it to monitor progress, hold yourself accountable, and control the business’s fate,” states an Entrepreneur article , while emphasizing the importance of having a business plan.

5 Visuals You Must Include In Your Freelance Business Plan

Whether you’re creating a business plan for internal purposes or to attract investors, you should consider using visuals to design one that engages readers and inspires action.

Let’s take a look at five visuals you must include in your freelance business plan to communicate better and keep readers invested.

1. Present your target clients with persona guides

When you’re just starting out, it’s common to think you’ll take every client that comes your way. In the process, you end up wasting time on clients you should be avoiding or taking projects that are not your specialty. 

The right way to go about it is to define an ideal client. This will help you focus your efforts and attract the right type of clients .

Start with developing detailed personas of your target client. You can consider aspects such as their:

• Demographics
• Income level
• Motivations and goals
• Pain points

It’s a good idea to present this information visually in the form of a persona guide. This will give you a better understanding of the kind of clients you need to target. 

Here’s an example of a persona guide. It paints a clear picture of the ideal client while including all the essential elements to guide your marketing and growth strategies.

2. Differentiate yourself with a SWOT matrix

No business plan is complete without a competitive analysis. After all, how will you differentiate your freelance business if you don’t know who your competitors are?

Take a moment to evaluate the industry, identify your competitors, and assess their strengths and weaknesses. 

You can use LinkedIn and freelance marketplaces to find other freelancers in your niche to see the kind of clients they’re working with and what they’re doing right.

It’s a good idea to summarize your findings in a SWOT analysis:

• Strengths: What are you doing well?
• Weaknesses: Where are you struggling?
• Opportunities: Are there any gaps in the market you could address?
• Threats: What are your competitors doing well?

Use a SWOT matrix to present this information and get a clearer picture of where you fit in the competitive landscape. 

Here’s an example of a SWOT analysis matrix you can use. It clearly presents the four quadrants and lists the findings in bullet points.

3. Introduce your team with an organizational chart

We can all agree that people make the business which is why you should present your team structure in your freelance business plan.

It doesn’t matter if you have a small team. What’s important is showcasing the different people involved while highlighting their individual responsibilities. 

The best way to present this information is by using an organizational chart . Not only does it give a better understanding of the team structure to internal and external parties but it also helps you identify skill gaps as your business expands. 

Here’s an example of a simple organizational chart template for businesses with little or no middle management or supervisory roles. One glance at it is enough to understand how the company is structured.

4. Create a roadmap to communicate marketing strategy

Now that you’ve set the foundation for your freelance business , you need to talk about how you plan to market and grow it. 

The thing about strategy communication is that it tends to get complicated owing to the number of layers involved. The question is: how do you communicate strategy without overwhelming readers?

A visual tactic you can use is creating a marketing roadmap to explain your long-term marketing strategy. Start by listing down your small business marketing ideas such as creating a website, starting a blog , developing lead magnets, building a social media presence, podcasting , etc.

You can then rank them as per priority, categorize them into different months, and set measurable goals for each quarter. This organized way of working helps you track progress while improving team communication .

Here’s an example of a marketing roadmap. Notice how it mentions the focus areas for every month in a straightforward and visual manner. 

5. Outline budget allocation with a flowchart

The good news is that most freelance businesses don’t require much initial capital. However, this doesn’t mean you overlook the financial section of your business plan.

It’s important to create a business budget that takes into account your business’ finances along with the fixed and variable costs you will incur. This helps you streamline finances , manage spends, and work towards meeting your financial goals. 

One good way to present budget allocation is by using a flowchart . It lets you break it down into smaller spending categories, making it easier for people to get a quicker overview.

Here’s an example of a flowchart that visualizes the breakdown of a budget. It uses icons to represent every category and make the information easily identifiable:

The Takeaway: Design An Engaging Freelance Business Plan

Every business needs a strong business plan to thrive and sustain. 

Considering the amount of complex information that goes into them, using these five visuals will help you design a freelance business plan that is not only pleasing to the eye but is also functional in its communication.

Simki Dutta

Simki Dutta is a content marketer at Venngage, a free infographic maker and design platform. She writes about all things marketing and communications. Find her on Twitter and LinkedIn.

You may also like

Shift is a browser built for how you actually use the internet

In today’s digital age, our professional and personal lives are overwhelmingly online and increasingly complex. You jump between multiple apps, tabs, accounts, and inboxes daily.  Creatives, freelancers, and business owners, especially, are...

Presentation Designer Job Description

Powerful presentations can make or break a deal, captivate an audience, and leave a lasting impression. To achieve this impact, you need a skilled Presentation Designer on your team. But how do you attract the perfect candidate to translate your...

16 Top Graphic Design Trends in 2024: A Guide for Creatives

Design is all around us. It defines culture, and by understanding contemporary design we build our understanding of contemporary culture. Design has always been everywhere - and so it’s no surprise that trends we see today are steeped in a long...

Find freelance jobs with top global clients

Get paid work across 150 different specialisms for creatives , developers , marketers . Learn more .

Browse freelance jobs

• 3D Animator jobs
• Animator jobs
• Digital Marketer jobs
• Graphic Designer jobs
• Illustrator jobs
• Mixing Engineer jobs
• Motion Graphic Designer jobs
• Music Composer jobs
• Music Producer jobs
• Photographer jobs
• SEO Expert jobs
• Social Media Freelancer jobs
• UI Designer jobs
• UX Designer jobs
• Video Editor jobs
• Videographer jobs
• Vocalist jobs
• Voiceover Artist jobs
• Web Designer jobs
• Web Developer jobs

Recent Posts

How Much Does It Cost to Produce a Podcast?

Podcast Production Hourly Rates

How Much Does Content Creation Cost?

Content Creator Hourly Rates

• Hire a Freelancer

Need a business plan? Call now:

Talk to our experts:

• Business Plan for Investors

Bank/SBA Business Plan

• Operational/Strategic Planning
• L1 Visa Business Plan
• E1 Treaty Trader Visa Business Plan
• E2 Treaty Investor Visa Business Plan
• EB1 Business Plan
• EB2 Visa Business Plan
• EB5 Business Plan
• Innovator Founder Visa Business Plan
• UK Start-Up Visa Business Plan
• UK Expansion Worker Visa Business Plan
• Manitoba MPNP Visa Business Plan
• Start-Up Visa Business Plan
• Nova Scotia NSNP Visa Business Plan
• British Columbia BC PNP Visa Business Plan
• Self-Employed Visa Business Plan
• OINP Entrepreneur Stream Business Plan
• LMIA Owner Operator Business Plan
• ICT Work Permit Business Plan
• LMIA Mobility Program – C11 Entrepreneur Business Plan
• USMCA (ex-NAFTA) Business Plan
• Franchise Business Planning 
• Landlord Business Plan 
• Nonprofit Start-Up Business Plan 
• USDA Business Plan
• Cannabis business plan 
• eCommerce business plan
• Online Boutique Business Plan
• Daycare business plan
• Mobile Application Business Plan
• Restaurant business plan
• Food Delivery Business Plan
• Real Estate Business Plan
• Business Continuity Plan
• Buy Side Due Diligence Services
• ICO whitepaper
• ICO consulting services
• Confidential Information Memorandum
• Private Placement Memorandum
• Feasibility study
• Fractional CFO
• How it works
• Business Plan Templates

Graphic Design Business Plan Template

Published Jan.30, 2018

Updated Apr.23, 2024

By: Noor Muhammad

Average rating 3.8 / 5. Vote count: 4

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Table of Content

Do you want to start graphic design business?

Are you planning to start your own company of graphics designing ? Well, if you are creative and also have the ability to bring your creativity to the table then this is definitely the right business for you.

Graphic designing is probably one of the skills which are needed in nearly every other business. If you are not convinced, just look around you and you will see graphics everywhere. Graphic designing is needed in branding, posters, print advertisement, product packaging, publications (newspapers, books, magazines etc.), handbills, billboards, websites, in short nearly all areas. This business has undoubtedly a lot of market potential and a need for continuously emerging new and innovative minds.

The biggest benefit of starting this business is that it requires the least capital investment as compared to many other businesses. You can start this business in a small office with a small team and a little inventory comprising of laptops, and a few office and stationery products. The second benefit is that this business starts yielding a profit as soon as it is launched and has the least amount of risk associated with it, provided that you are creative and plan your business effectively.

So, before you move on to starting this venture, you will have to prepare a comprehensive graphics design business plans which will establish the basis of your company’s future operations and decisions. If you are wondering how to write one then here we are providing you the business plan for a graphic designing business startup named ‘PixelCo’.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

PixelCo will be a bonded, insured and licensed graphic design business striving to cultivate relevant and meaningful connections between brands and people by our unparalleled visuals and graphic designing services. PixelCo will be located in the Manhattan borough of the New York City and will be owned by Angela Gori, a world-renowned Graphic Designer. Gori has been associated with some of the world’s biggest graphics designing companies and was Chief Creative Officer for the American Marketing Association, D.C. Chapter for last 6 years. She has worked with about 14 out of top Fortune 100 companies as well as various influential associations, consumer brands, educational institutions and government agencies.

A 200 square feet office has already been acquired on lease in the center of the main commercial district of the downtown Manhattan. The place was formerly used as an office for a small IT firm. Some changes and interior designing woodwork are also required and a contractor has been hired for this purpose.

2.2 Management

The success of a startup heavily depends on its staff and management so make sure to plan it before thinking about how to start your own graphic design business . Gori has always been extremely passionate to start a graphic design company of her own even from her college days, that’s she had planned everything beforehand.

The main management body of the company will comprise of sales executives, graphic artists, cartoon and animation specialists, website developers and customer representatives. The team will be led and managed by Gori herself, who is well experienced in fulfilling all business plans for graphic design needs. The staff will be hired one month before the launch of startup and will be trained by Gori.

2.3 Customers

Our target market is the corporate sector, institutions, and organizations located in Manhattan and other parts of the world because anybody from anywhere can acquire our services through our official website and can pay us via PayPal, Payoneer, or online bank transfer. We will provide all sort of graphic designing business mainly website design, logo design, advertising material design, animations design, etc. We have priced all our services in the similar ranges as of our competitors except for brand logos whose price have been set 20% less so as to encourage sales. For an express delivery of 24 hours, an additional 10% amount will be charged on all of our services.

2.4 Business Target

We aim to become the best graphic designer in the New York City within next five years of our startup. Our main business targets to be achieved as milestones over the course of next three years are as follows:

• To achieve the net profit margin of $10k per month by the end of the first year, $15k per month by the end of the second year, and $25k per month by the end of the third year
• To balance the initial cost of the startup with earned profits by the end of the first year
• To open up a second company office by the end of three years in San Francisco, and a third office by the end of five years in Los Angeles

2.5 Keys to Success

We can achieve our business targets by following these keys to success:

• Successful marketing of our services through various platforms so as to attract as maximum customers as possible
• Ultimate client satisfaction by providing high-quality work and unlimited revisions until the client is fully satisfied
• Unparalleled customer service so as to build long-term working relationships with the clients

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

PixelCo will be owned by Angela Gori, a world-renowned Graphic Designer. After completing her Masters of Art in Graphic Designing from University of Illinois, Chicago, Gori remained associated with some of the world’s biggest graphics designing companies and was Chief Creative Officer for the American Marketing Association, D.C. Chapter for last 6 years. She has also been recognized with the prestigious FOLIO: Top Women in Media award for her achievements as a leader. So far, she has worked with almost 14 out of top Fortune 100 companies as well as various influential associations, consumer brands, educational institutions and government agencies.

3.2 Why the Business is being started

Gori pursued her passion by serving in some of the biggest graphic designing companies of the United States but soon she realized that she can establish her name in this industry only by her own setup. That’s when she decided to start graphic design business completely by herself. Now, she will have all the freedom needed to realize even the craziest of her innovative ideas.

3.3 How the Business will be started

Starting a graphic design business is very easy since it doesn’t require as much inventory as needed in other businesses. Gori has planned everything about her business including the required personnel and inventory. The company will procure following things for the startup.

• Office furniture including three filing cabinets, four work desks, couch and chairs for customer waiting area, a round table with chairs for meeting area
• Four computers with color printers, scanners, and graphic tablets
• Graphic designing and other related software including Illustrator, Freehand, Photoshop, Quark, Traffic Office Manager, Font Management Utilities, and Microsoft Project
• A small library of requisite journals and magazines
• Assorted office stationary and brochures
• A strong internet connection and office telecom systems

The financial experts have forecasted following costs for expenses, assets, investment, and bank loans for the business plan .

The detailed start-up requirements, start-up funding, start-up expenses, total assets, total funding required, total liabilities, total planned investment, total capital and liabilities as forecasted by experts, is given below:

Services for customers

PixelCo will mainly provide visual communication and graphic designing services to small startups as well as established companies. We want to compete with all leading graphic design businesses in the United States, which is why we have formed a quality assurance team that will ensure that all of our services meet our customers’ expectations. Our products and services are listed below:

• Website design and graphics
• Print media design including newspapers, magazines, and books
• Advertising and corporate branding including brochures, infographics, posters and product packaging
• Logo design and visual identity services
• Illustrations and presentations
• Animations and cartoons production

Our services can either be acquired by visiting our office in downtown Manhattan or by our official website.

Customers can contact us online where they will be assigned to one of our representatives who will record the customer order in detail. Customers can also pay us via PayPal, Payoneer, or online bank transfer.

Marketing Analysis of graphic design business

The most important component of an effective graphic design business plans is its accurate marketing analysis that’s why Gori acquired the services of marketing experts to help her through this phase. It is only after this stage that a good graphic design business plans could have been developed. After identifying the trends of graphic design market in the New York City, the marketing experts and analysts also helped her to select the best site for establishing the main office of the company.

The success or failure of a business totally depends upon its marketing strategy which can only be developed on the basis of accurate marketing analysis. There are four main steps to carry out an accurate graphic design marketing analysis which are to identify the current market trends, identify your target audience and potential customers, set out the business targets to achieve, and finally set the prices of your products and services. Marketing analysis is extremely important because the planning of many subsequent components depends on it and it also forms the basis of the business strategy of marketing for graphic designers or graphic designing companies. Therefore, it must be considered before developing the planned business model graphic .

5.1 Market Trends

Graphic design is non-verbal or visual communication. Anything that cannot be done verbally but needs to be communicated must be put into some form of design so as to send the message across. If you look around you will find yourself surrounded by graphics, the picture on your coffee mug, the magazine cover, the pack of gum on your desk, and even the typeface in a TV ad are all examples of graphic design business plans.

That’s why graphic design industry is one of the biggest and the fastest growing industries in the world. As of 2017, there were more than 335,000 graphic design companies in the world including small and large companies as well as individual graphic design freelancers. The annual revenue earned by these businesses was over $62 Billion. Moreover, this industry is one of the few industries which have seen a constant increase in revenue along with the increase in business locations with time. Similarly, graphic designing is one of the popular businesses in the United States. According to the US Bureau of Labor, the graphic design industry employed more than 280,000 people in the US as of 2008 including web designers and other print designers as well.

This growth is attributed to the increase in other businesses in the United States since all businesses require graphic design services to appear professionally to the public. Graphic designing services are required by every business for its advertisement, promotion, and marketing and as other business increases, the market for graphic design business plans also increases. After identifying these market trends, it is clearly evident that the graphic design business is always blooming and can be immensely profitable provided that you plan your business successfully.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

Our target market is the corporate sector located in the Central Business District of the Manhattan which provides many opportunities to us. Manhattan houses more than 300,000 businesses as of 2014, including local, national and multinational businesses. On average, these businesses make millions of dollars every year and can easily spend extravagantly on their graphic designing needs for the sake of promoting their brands.

In order to develop a good marketing strategy, it is crucial to analyze the market segmentation. A successful and efficient marketing strategy can only be developed after we completely know our potential customers. Our experts have identified the following type of target audience which can become our future consumers:

The detailed marketing segmentation of our target audience is as follows:

5.2.1 Corporate Sector:

The biggest consumer of our services will be the corporate sector located in the Downtown Manhattan and in various parts of the world. There are hundreds of local, national and multinational businesses and companies located within 15 km radius of our office including product manufacturers and distributors, real estate owners, developers, and contractors, research and development companies, banks and insurance companies, hotels, restaurants and food companies, IT and software development firms, branding and advertising agencies.

These companies and businesses require the services of graphic designers for fulfilling their visual communicative needs such as to create/update their brand logos and create/update the graphics on their websites or social media pages. These companies need graphic designers for developing an instant connection between their target audience and their products/services, and also for producing visual aids and informative images (e.g. menu for a restaurant, infographics) that help the customers in communication and various other purposes. Utilizing an appropriate graphic design can improve every aspect of a business and can positively impact clients, vendors, and employees.

Considering the need of graphic designing for these businesses and their annual average income, our experts have forecasted this target group to contribute the biggest portion of our revenue. Hence our marketing strategy will be specifically tailored to attract this customer group.

5.2.2 Institutions & Organizations:

Our second target group comprises of various institutions and organizations located in Manhattan including government and public-sector organizations, schools, colleges and universities, political parties, religious and sports organizations, and non-profit organizations. These organizations also need graphic design services for promoting their messages and other purposes.

5.2.3 Print & Digital Media:

Our third target group consists of print and digital media companies located in Manhattan. These companies include but are not limited to television studios, video production companies, publication companies (for graphics designing of newspapers, magazines, and books). This group, due to its specific nature, requires a lot of graphic designing work and will thus become the second biggest consumer of our services. The detailed market analysis of our potential customers is given in the following table:

5.3 Business Target

Our target is to balance the initial cost of startup within the first year of our launch and to become the best graphic designer of the New York City within next five years of our startup.

Would definitely recommend OGScapital

Millie, thanks for all your excellent job, and timely provided BP. Would definitely recommend you and your team!

5.4 Product Pricing

Product and service pricing is one of the most important factors in deciding the strategy for an event planning business. After considering the market demands, we have priced all our services in the similar ranges as of our competitors except for brand logos whose price have been set 20% less so as to encourage sales. The reason behind our pricing policy is to achieve the minimum attractive rate of return which would not be possible in case of offering our services at low prices. Various packages are priced according to the delivery time and number of revisions. For an express delivery of 24 hours, an additional 10% amount will be charged on all of our services.

After identifying the graphic designer demographics , market trends, market demand, and the potential customers of the startup, the next step is to define an effective strategy to target graphic design customers. A successful strategy can only be developed after setting specific marketing goals, defining milestones to achieve those goals, carrying out a competitive analysis to know what is missing in your current competitors, and finally develop the strategy for attracting your potential customers.

6.1 Marketing Goals

• Website Traffic & Conversions: Our goal would be to achieve a 20% increase in website traffic each month and to get at least an 80% conversion rate, i.e. to turn 80% of our website visitors into our customers.
• Engagement Rate & Social Media Following: Engagement rates indicate the frequency at which people interact with your posts. Our goal would be to increase engagement rates and our social media following so as to decrease the response time to customers.
• Brand Awareness & Recognition: A business’s reputation builds over time. Our goal will be to get featured in the local news or on a certain website by a popular blogger within first 3 months of our launch.
• Google Search Ranking: Google search rankings is one of the most important factors in deciding the success of a business, especially a startup that’s why we will play special emphasis on it. Our goal would be to rank on the first page of Google within 3 months of our launch.

6.2 Milestones

The important milestones to achieve our marketing as well as business goals are given in the following Gantt Chart.

6.3 Competitive Analysis

The graphic design business plans is undoubtedly one of the most competitive industries of the United States. With the increasing number of graphic design startups and freelancers, the competition is getting stiffer by the day. One has to be highly creative and come up with innovative designs and concepts so as to survive and grow in this industry. Our competitive advantage lies in the power and dedication of our team. We have a team of creative and highly proficient graphic designers, a team with excellent qualifications and experience various niche areas in the graphic design industry. Our second biggest competitive advantage will be the leadership of Gori since she is a world-renowned graphic designer and has worked with 14 out of top Fortune 100 companies.

6.4 Sales Strategy

After carrying out a detailed analysis, our experts came up with the following brilliant ideas to advertise and sell ourselves.

• We will advertise our business in relevant business magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and social media.
• We will introduce our company to corporate organizations and key stakeholders by sending introductory letters alongside our brochures.
• We will offer a 25% discount on our services for the first three months of our launch.
• We will offer a 40% discount on all of our services on Client’s referral.

6.5 Sales Forecast

Considering the quality of our services and our exceptional marketing strategy, our sales pattern is expected to increase with years. By analyzing our market segmentation strategy, our experts have forecasted the following sales on a yearly basis which are summarized in the column charts.

The detailed information about sales forecast, total unit sales, total sales is given in the following table:

6.5.1 Sales Monthly

6.5.2 Sales Yearly

With the advent of the internet, it has become very easy for a graphic design company to work for those clients who are located in any other part of the world. That’s why most of the graphic design companies located in the United States have their biggest clients in other countries of the world. This trend is somewhat unique to the graphic design industry and is probably one of the reasons for its rapid growth and expansion. Even any of you can start your own graphic design business either through a freelancing website or by creating your own website.

7.1 Website Marketing Strategy:

The international graphic design business is only possible through a well-developed website. A website is just like a digital platform where the clients and service providers can interact, make contracts and even send/receive payments. In addition to that, it is an established fact that a well-ranked website on Google directly or indirectly leads to increased sales. That’s why it is very important to develop an attractive website for a graphic designing business plans.

7.2 Website Development:

Gori has a team of website developers, led by Anna Rick, who would be responsible for developing and maintaining the official website of PixelCo. Anna would also ensure that our website remains on the first page of Google because you don’t exist if you are not ranked on the first page of Google. Since this task will be done by our team so no additional cost will be incurred in the startup.

Personnel plan

Personnel plan, like all other plans, is an important component of effective d esign business plans so it must be planned before you even think about how to market your graphic design business . Its importance is due to the fact that success of any business significantly depends upon its employees. It is never easy to estimate the number and type of staff needed for a company before it is even launched therefore it is advisable to seek the help of HR experts to get through this phase. Gori acquired the services of experts to help her develop the following personnel plan for her company.

8.1 Company Staff

Gori will act as the General Manager of the company and will initially hire following people before she moves to start a graphic design business :

• 1 Accountant to maintain financial and other records
• 4 Sales Executives responsible for marketing and discovering new ventures
• 10 Graphic Artists for designing logos, infographics, brochures, and other graphics
• 2 Cartoon and Animation Specialists for designing animation for various purposes
• 4 Website Developers led by Anna for graphical work pertaining to websites
• 4 Customer Representatives to interact with customers and record their orders
• 1 Front Desk Officer to act as a receptionist
• 1 Security Officer

We will ensure that only qualified, creative, hardworking, customer-centric are hired and they are always ready to work in order to help us build a prosperous business benefitting all stakeholders (owner, workforce as well as customers). To ensure the best quality service, all employees will be selected through vigorous testing and will be trained for a month before starting their jobs.

8.2 Average Salary of Employees

The following table shows the data about employees and their salaries for next three years. The salaries of the employees for the second and third year are estimated by our experts on the basis of our forecasted expansion. The salaries will show a deviation if the company expands more or less than the forecasted growth rate.

Financial Plan

After deciding the strategy and personnel plan of the company, the next step is to develop a detailed map about the financial projections covering all aspects of the company. Just like the planning of other aspects, you must prepare a financial plan before you start thinking about how to start graphic design business . The financial plan should craft a detailed map about the cost of startup, inventory, payroll, equipment, rent, utilities and how these costs will be covered by the earned profits. So, before starting a graphic design business , make sure to carry out a detailed profit and loss analysis. The company financial plan outlines the development of the company over the next three years and is specifically developed to achieve both the company’s short-term and long-term objectives.

9.1 Important Assumptions

The company’s financial projections are forecasted on the basis of following assumptions. These assumptions are quite conservative and are also expected to show deviation but to a limited level such that the company’s major financial strategy will not be affected.

9.2 Brake-even Analysis

The following graph shows the company’s Brake-even Analysis.

The following table shows the company’s Brake-even Analysis.

9.3 Projected Profit and Loss

The following charts show the company’s expected Profit and Loss situation on the monthly and yearly basis.

9.3.1 Profit Monthly

The following graph shows the monthly profit, as forecasted by the company’s financial experts.

9.3.2 Profit Yearly

The following graph shows the yearly profit, as forecasted by the company’s financial experts.

9.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

The following graph shows the monthly gross margin, as forecasted by the company’s financial experts.

9.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

The following graph shows the yearly gross margin, as forecasted by the company’s financial experts.

The following table shows detailed information about profit and loss, and total cost of sales.

9.4 Projected Cash Flow

The following column diagram shows the projected cash flow.

9.5 Projected Balance Sheet

The following table shows detailed data about pro forma cash flow, subtotal cash from operations, subtotal cash received, sub-total spent on operations, subtotal cash spent. The following projected balance sheet shows data about total current assets, total long-term assets, total assets, subtotal current liabilities, total liabilities, total capital, total liabilities and capital.

9.6 Business Ratios

The following table shows data about business ratios, ratio analysis, total assets, net worth.

Download Graphic Design Business Plan Sample in pdf

Professional OGS capital writers specialized also in themes such as cybersecurity business plan , internet business plan , dating website business , online retail store business plan , online store business plan , business plan for a video game company and etc.

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

Nightclub Business Plan (2024): A Comprehensive Guide

Rabbit Farming Business Plan

Beverages Business Plan

Private Schools Business Plan

Business Plan for a Lounge

Crowdfunding Business Plan

Any questions? Get in Touch!

We have been mentioned in the press:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Search the site:

Top 5 Marketing Tips to Grow Your Graphic Design Business

Use these marketing strategies to grow your graphic design business, generate leads, and get new graphic design clients.

Renee Fleck

Written by Renee Fleck

Published on Sep 22, 2021

Last updated Mar 11, 2024

As a freelance designer, marketing can feel like a daunting task. There are so many options out there, and so many different approaches.

Do you need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on ads to get results? Do you need an Instagram account with 10,000 followers before you land a solid  freelance graphic design job ? What if you just don’t feel like you have any time for marketing?

But for the self-employed creative, marketing doesn’t have to be complicated, and doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Start slow: pick one or two strategies to try out and spend an hour or two each week working on them. Keep trying different things until you find a strategy that both works for you and that you don’t hate!

1. Build (and maintain) a strong brand identity

When much of your work revolves around creating or reinforcing brands for your clients, it can be easy to overlook your own brand. But designers and other freelance creatives who have a strong, consistent brand will find it easier to attract customers.

You might think of “brand” as purely the visual representation of a company. But there’s more to it than that. The visual representation reinforces the brand, but the brand itself is the promise that a company makes to its customers. It’s also largely dependent on people’s perception of the company and the company’s reputation.

“Everything you say, do, and post should reinforce the impression you want your clients and customers to have.”

This is why everything you do has an impact on your branding, from your logo to the random images you post on Instagram at 3 am. As a creative entrepreneur, you need to make sure that everything you say, do, and post reinforces the impression you want your clients and customers to have.

Branding, at its core, creates trust between you and your potential clients. It gives them a sense of what you stand for and what you can do for them. This is incredibly valuable in attracting the right kinds of clients, the ones who have similar values and goals.

Pro Tip: Dribbble Pro Business lets you showcase your personal brand, introduce yourself to clients, and win new opportunities with  Pitch —your own personalized video that lives on your Dribbble profile.

2. Use networking to build relationships

Networking often gets a bad rap. True networking—online or in-person—is about building relationships. Don’t approach networking with the idea of finding out what you can get from someone. Instead, approach it as building a mutually beneficial relationship.

When I’m meeting new people, my first goal is to get to know them. Not to pitch myself, not to find out what they can do for me (or what I can do for them), and not to just add them to my contacts list. People can tell when you’re only talking to them to pitch them something. But if you listen to what they’re saying and ask them relevant questions, they’ll remember you more than if you just tell them what you do for a living.

“Being able to build connections between other people improves your reputation.”

Keep those connections and conversations in mind going forward. You may meet someone who isn’t a good fit for your services, but maybe they’d be a perfect fit for someone you know. Being able to build connections between other people improves your reputation. And those people you connect are more likely to refer people they know to you in the future.

3. Study the competition, and do it better

Look for ways you can set your work apart from other creatives you’re in competition with. This could be in the quality of your work itself, or it could be through other things: your customer service, how fun you are to work with, or your project management skills.

Making your actual marketing better than your competition is also a strong strategy. What are your competitors doing? Are they just posting self-promotional content on social media or running boring search ads? How can you serve your customers better through your marketing?

Answer those questions and you’ll have the basis for a solid marketing plan.

4. Ads, Social Media, and Other Specific Tactics

I’ve talked a lot about the basis for creating a solid marketing plan, but you’re probably interested more in the specific tactics you should use to market your freelance design services.

The most obvious place to start is with a strong portfolio. If you don’t have a solid body of work to show prospective clients, you’ll be fighting an uphill battle. If your portfolio isn’t the best it can be, take some time to work on that before you start actively marketing.

Create content

One of the best ways to get work is through creating content. It can be tempting to write blog posts or record videos and just post them on your own website. But that’s not the best way to start out unless you already have a large following.

Instead, look for established websites that accept freelance content. One of the best ways to find the right websites for this kind of strategy is to search for the kinds of terms your clients might use when looking for the kind of work you do, and see which sites come up that accept articles from people outside their own staff (look for “submit” or “contributor” links, often hidden in a site’s footer).

“One of the best ways to get work is through creating content.”

You don’t have to write specifically for clients, as strange as that may sound. Just establish yourself as an authority on the subject. I’ve written content for other designers that have landed me freelance design projects from people with no design background—just because they saw an article I wrote about color theory or brand design or design for nonprofits. Just make sure whatever site you’re writing for allows you to include a link to your social media profiles or website in your byline.

Social Media

Posting regularly to social media is a good way to market virtually any creative business. Because design is a visual medium, sites that prioritize image posts tend to work best when looking for clients.

Dribbble, Instagram, and Pinterest are some of the best platforms for designers to utilize in their marketing. With a  Dribbble Pro  account, your work is discoverable by millions of people every month and you get access to an exclusive Freelance Project board. With Instagram and Pinterest, make sure to set up a business profile so that you can access analytics data about your followers and activity around your content.

Share a mix of your work and more personal images. People want to know the person behind the brand. Yes, they want to see your work and know what you can do, but they also want a sense of whether you’re a person they’d actually want to work with.

Don’t overlook the importance of using hashtags and keywords in your social posts. This is the best way to expand your reach beyond the followers you already have.

• Advertising

Running search ads for key topics your ideal clients might search for can be an economical way to get more leads. The same goes for social media advertising. It expands your reach beyond your organic traffic.

You can start small with ads. I’ve had good results running ads with budgets of less than $50 for a week.

Create a lead magnet

Whether you’re only doing unpaid marketing or you’re running ads, creating some kind of lead magnet is a great way to start conversations with the kinds of clients you want. A lead magent for a designer could include things like a checklist for design elements your brand needs, a guide to planning a redesign, or even a quiz about whether your website needs a revamp.

Lead magnets help you pre-vet customers and collect their email addresses. From there, you can start a conversation with them to see if they might need your products or services.

5. Don’t be afraid to experiment

The best marketing strategies come from a lot of experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new ideas and new strategies. Constantly look at how others (both your competitors and completely unrelated businesses) are marketing themselves and try similar things if they appeal to you.

Keep in mind that marketing is something that takes some time. Don’t expect instant results from your first ad or your brand new Instagram account. Look at it as a long-term investment and keep trying new things until you find a formula that works.

It's free to stay up to date

Ready for some inspiration in your inbox?

• For designers
• Hire talent
• Inspiration
• © 2024 Dribbble
• Freelancers