This article is for you if you have been searching for the best freelancing website for graphic designers.
I hung out with some of my freelancing friends last week Sunday. We discussed a lot of things about the gig economy and how it has become very competitive lately.
Everybody narrated their experience on Upwork, Fiverr, and other freelancing platforms.
One of them (John) narrated his bitter experience with a particular client. And how the client took advantage of him.
But through the conversation, I noticed that Samson wasn’t saying anything. I observed him closely and realised that he was lost in thoughts.
I asked him “SAMSON” why have you been quiet throughout the conversations.
He shook his head and told us that for the past 5 months, no client contacted him both on Upwork and Fiverr.
I felt bad. It broke my heart that my close friend hasn’t been doing great and I never knew.
Out of curiosity, I asked him, why haven’t you been getting clients? Did you stop sending proposals and requests?
He said he sends countless proposals everyday, just that the Graphic Design niche is no longer lucrative on Upwork and Fiverr.
There are too many sellers and fewer buyers. Especially with the advent of platforms like Canva, most people now handle their graphic design projects themselves.
I thought for a while, and I asked, why didn’t you look for a good freelance graphic design website?
He thought for a while and asked me, Paul – what’s the best freelancing website for Graphic Designers?
I suggested a couple of platforms for him and he wrote them down.
Guess what? A few days ago, Samson called me to tell me that he got his first gig…
What is the Best Freelancing Website For Graphic Designers
Yes! Samson called to tell me that he got his first gig from one of the freelance graphic design websites I told him about.
I was glad he got his first job. And I realised that the information could help every struggling freelance graphic designer out there.
So, without further ado, here are some of the best freelancing websites for graphic designers.
#1. Behance
Behance is an amazing freelancing website for graphic designers. To most people, Behance is a portfolio platform.
But it’s also a perfect place for graphic designers and other freelancers in the creative niche to search for jobs.
Although the platform is highly competitive, it’s still an advantage for skilled designers. So, the better your portfolio, the higher your chances of getting more jobs.
But if you are new in the graphic design niche and you have little or no portfolio, Behance is not a good platform to start.
For experienced designers, it’s a perfect place to attract high paying clients. Interestingly, it’s easy to apply for jobs on the platform.
And once your portfolio looks good and proposals are convincing enough, you may land a good client in no time.
#2. Dribble
If you are a freelance graphic designer, you should know Dribble. It’s a unique freelancing website for graphic designers like you.
If you have an exceptional portfolio, Dribble is the perfect website to showcase. And within a short while, big and reputable brands will start noticing you.
It also has a community section where you can interact with other graphic designers. It helps you to know the latest trends in the creative niche.
You can also share your conceptual work on Dribble and get genuine feedback on your works in progress.
One good thing about Dribble is – it features graphic design opportunities from some of the biggest brands in the world.
Interestingly, opportunities on Dribble are both part-time and full-time, depending on what works for you.
The best part is that over 80% of jobs on the platform are remote-friendly. So, if you have been searching for a remote role as a graphic designer, Dribble is a good place to start.
However, the platform is not beginner friendly. You would need a business pro account to access the Dribble Job board.
Although, if you have money, the investment is worthwhile. For someone who is new in the gig economy, Dribble is definitely not a good idea.
Don’t get this wrong, I ain’t trying to discourage you. But just stating the obvious.
#3. 99designs
Wait! Don’t tell me you are just hearing about 99designs for the first time. Whew! That’s serious.
In my opinion, 99designs is the best freelancing website for graphic designers. Hey! Before you crinkle your nose, read the last sentence.
I told you “in my opinion”, I have my reason for saying 99designs is arguably the best website for freelance graphic designers.
If you are exceptionally creative as a graphic designer, 99designs is the perfect platform for you.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, your skills will stand you out on the platform.
Now let me explain how 99designs work…
Clients on 99designs have the option to either hire freelancers directly or start a contest.
But most clients opt for contests anyway. It’s a risk free approach to getting high quality jobs on the platform.
It’s easy. Clients will write a brief about their and the maximum amount they are paying for it.
After which they throw the contest open. And the graphic designer whose design is more appealing to the client wins the contest…
It’s as simple as that.
Now you understand why I earlier said “99designs is the best freelancing website for graphic designers.”
#4. Fiverr
Although Fiverr is not a niched freelancing website, it’s still a great place for graphic designers.
Fiverr is beginner friendly and easy to land your first client if you understand how it works. If you are new to Fiverr, you need to learn how to write an effective buyer request. It increases your chances of success on the platform.
While you may not get a high paying graphic design gig on Fiverr, it’s a good place to start. You can build your portfolio and reputation on fiverr.
And if your design skills aren’t that great, you can hone them on Fiverr. Once you are confident about your skills, you can now explore other areas.
Conclusion
Now you know the best freelancing website for graphic designers. There’s more to freelancing than Upwork and Fiverr.
As a graphic designer, if you aren’t getting jobs on Fiverr or Upwork, you can cast your net elsewhere.
You can start with the few we mentioned here. Who knows, like Samson, you may be able to land your first client soon enough.
See you in my next article. Till then, take care of yourself.
