Essential Graphic Designer Tools

If youre wondering how to become a graphic designer, you first need to make sure that you have all the proper tools. A lot of these can easily be purchased online, but keep in mind that graphic design is an expensive business to start in.

Goats on the Road Posts More Travel Jobs 10 Ways To Make Money As a Graphic Designer

By Krystianna Pietrzak
Posted 17 Mar, 2022 | No comments
Posted in: More Travel Jobs
Though you may not realize it, graphic design is almost everywhere you look, its a skill and career that is always very much in demand. If youre wondering how to make money as a graphic designer, this guide will help you, whether youre just starting on your journey or youve already begun.

Its effortless to earn money online designing.

Nowadays, you dont even need to have a degree in graphic design from a university to get started because there are so many online platforms that can help you learn techniques, such as Teachable, YouTube or Skillshare.

Ive managed to make design one of my largest income streams after recently graduating from university with a dual degree in Media Arts and Graphic Design but, as I said, you dont need a degree in order to get into this career.

I have been studying graphic design and using what Ive learned in the real world for the past 7 years, and my journey is only just getting started.

If youre wondering how to become a freelance graphic designer, read on to learn the ins and outs of my personal experience in the industry. It really is one of the best, high paying online jobs, and is great for those who are looking to find work they can do while travelling.

Heres how to make money as a graphic designer.
Table of Contents

What is Graphic Design?
Essential Graphic Designer Tools
10 Ways To Make Money As A Graphic Designer
Where to Find Freelance Graphic Design Jobs
How Much Money Do Graphic Designers Make?
Tips For Being Successful as a Graphic Designer
Pros and Cons of Earning Money Online Designing
Conclusion
What is Graphic Design?
Before we begin to answer how to make money as a graphic designer, its essential to understand precisely what graphic design is.



From billboards and logos to the packaging of your food products. Thats all graphic design.

graphic design sketches



Essentially, graphic design is finding visual solutions for a specific purpose, whether thats to make someone want to purchase a product, watch a television show, or come to a large event. Graphic design truly encapsulates almost every visual aspect of your life.

Within graphic design, there are a few different buckets that you might choose to specialize in, including package design, layout design, branding and logo design, or even typography if youre interested in making fonts and playing with type.

Each bucket is equally as important, though some niches might pay a bit more depending on your skill level.

Essential Graphic Designer Tools
If youre wondering how to become a graphic designer, you first need to make sure that you have all the proper tools. A lot of these can easily be purchased online, but keep in mind that graphic design is an expensive business to start in.



The first thing youre going to need is a computer, which can be either a laptop or a desktop of any brand. The majority of professional graphic designers will tell you that its best to use Apple products and have a desktop instead of a laptop.

I started out using an Apple MacBook Pro, and I had no qualms with it, but I recently purchased a Mac desktop with a much larger screen, and its so much easier when designing tiny details. See this post of the best laptops for remote workers.

Youll also need to purchase a membership to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Prices for this depend on which package level you choose; I recommend purchasing access to all of the Adobe apps because you never know which one youll need for a client.

If youd rather purchase a monthly subscription, then consider buying a package that includes access to Photoshop (which is perfect for creating web images) and InDesign (geared more towards print design).

Students can purchase access for just $19.99 a month, while I spend closer to $50 per month to have access to everything.

The last graphic design tool that I recommend might sound a little silly, but its always great to have a ruler handy, especially for print design. This way, you can get a feel for just how big the printed item that youre designing is in case you dont have access to a printer for practice prints.