{"id":71255,"date":"2021-12-16T09:49:52","date_gmt":"2021-12-15T22:49:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elements.blog-cms.envato.net\/?p=17483"},"modified":"2025-11-11T17:47:34","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T06:47:34","slug":"freelance-graphic-design-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/freelance-graphic-design-guide","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Going Freelance: From In-House to Freelance Graphic Designer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The world of freelancing<\/a> is growing \u2013 and fast. In fact, 84%<\/a> of freelancers say that work lets them live the lifestyle they want, and 64%<\/a> say their health has improved. It seems rather obvious what\u2019s happening: people are beginning to choose themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our \u201crise and grind\u201d culture \u2013 putting our blood, sweat, and tears into a 9 to 5 office job, so we can party hard on the weekend \u2013 is diminishing. People are beginning to see the negatives of this lifestyle, and choosing careers that work on their terms instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, we know that\u2019s easier said than done when you\u2019ve been an in-house designer your whole life. So if you\u2019re a graphic designer looking to make the big leap to freelance<\/a>, here\u2019s what you need to know and what we’ll cover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. The Differences Between In-House and Freelance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. How to Prepare for Going Freelance<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    What\u2019s the Difference Between In-house and Freelance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    There are many differences between being an in-house designer and a freelance designer, but there are a few main adjustments that you\u2019ll need to make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Projects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Designer<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    In-House <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    With in-house projects, you only have so much freedom. Work is assigned based on company targets and campaigns, rather than whether it suits you or not. When you\u2019re in-house, you\u2019re the company\u2019s designer, not your own. Projects also tend to be more fast-paced and marketing-driven, so you may get less time for creativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    On the flip side, if you\u2019re working in an in-house team, you\u2019re likely to receive more feedback and direct peer reviews. So, if you\u2019re brand new to graphic design, working in-house is a great option to improve development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Freelance <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    As a freelancer, you get to choose your own projects, on your own time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In the beginning, you may not have the freedom to be as discerning as you’d like to be about the clients and projects you take on. But over time once you’ve built your confidence and your network<\/a> you should be able to say no to projects that don\u2019t align with your interests and values or harness your skills. Ultimately, this means you\u2019ll be more proactive with your time, allowing you to finish tasks quicker, and with much more enjoyment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Ownership<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Computer<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    In-house<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    While you may be the one creating the assets, making the tweaks, or formulating strategies \u2013 if you\u2019re working for someone else, your work becomes theirs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There\u2019s strength to working in teams, of course, in that you have a support system when the going gets tough. Projects aren\u2019t always easy \u2013 especially as a creative \u2013 so working with other people can be incredibly valuable. However, with joint ideas comes joint responsibility and ownership. That amazing idea you had for a banner graphic<\/a>? Sure, you\u2019ll get some kudos within the company \u2013 but from an outside perspective, that\u2019s the company getting the pat on the back, not you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Freelance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Freelancing, on the other hand, is a whole different story. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can (and should) put your name to each and everything you create \u2013 whether it\u2019s good or <\/em>bad. Why? Because taking ownership of your work is what creates brand awareness and draws in those clients. In a sea of self-employed designers, you want your work to be searchable and distinguishable. Make yourself easy to find<\/a> for those who want to hire you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Thanks to the internet, it only takes one photo, video, or article to go viral nowadays. Life-changing opportunities happen each and every day with the use of social media, so if you want to be in with a chance of being the next big thing<\/em>, make sure to put your brand on everything you do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Schedule<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Writing<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    In-house<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    While we\u2019ve touched on flexibility briefly, it deserves its own section. As a designer, your schedule is incredibly important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, your day-to-day tasks may be something you don\u2019t really pay attention to with an in-house role. The times that you clock-in and clock-out<\/a> are so ingrained that it\u2019s hard to imagine a world with <\/em>the freedom to change all of that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A common benefit of a stricter schedule is routine \u2013 some people like knowing exactly what they\u2019re going to do and when they\u2019re going to do it. Others also like that their schedule is out of their hands, as they feel better focusing on their creative outlet. Whatever your habits \u2013 good or bad \u2013 make sure you have them figured out before making the leap from in-house to freelance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Freelance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    When you go freelance, you’re your own boss. It\u2019s one thing picking your own projects and prioritizing your skillset, but now you have to think about time<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Being a freelancer involves taking your time management<\/a> skills to a whole new level. As you\u2019ll be working to client deadlines, you\u2019ll have some kind of end-goal, but how you get there is really up to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Some freelancers like to allow plenty of time to work slowly and deliberately \u2013 others prefer short, quick bursts of creative energy. Some freelancers choose to adopt a similar work style to an in-house role, starting at 9am and finishing at 6pm \u2013 while others may prefer to work through the evenings, and have a fluctuating workload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here\u2019s the important thing to remember: with freelancing, there\u2019s no right or wrong schedule. It\u2019s totally based on what works for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Perks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Perks<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    In-house<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    There are a variety of perks that can come with an in-house role, with some common ones being:<\/p>\n\n\n\n