Curious about making money as a digital designer? A digital design business can involve creating graphics, printables, planners, t-shirt designs, calendars, business cards, social media graphics, stickers, logos, and more. The possibilities are vast, and it’s a great small business idea that you can run from home. In today’s digital age, the need for eye-catching designs is booming.
Starting a new business can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. That’s why this guide on How to Make Money as a Digital Designer is here to help. We’ll walk you through the steps and answer common questions about launching a creative design business.
I recently had an insightful interview with Kelli Mitchell, the owner and principal designer of Pink Lemonade Company. Kelli started her business in 2011, focusing on website design and business branding. Over time, she expanded to creating commercial graphics, design courses, and helping others grow their online creative businesses.
In this interview, Kelli answers questions like:
– What is a design business, and what does it sell?
– Why do people buy designs?
– How much can you earn by selling designs?
– Can someone with no tech skills become a designer?
– Is there room for new digital designers?
This in-depth interview will guide you on how to start a design business and potentially introduce you to a new way to make money from home. You can also sign up for Kelli’s free training, where she shares her journey to earning over $100,000 per year and offers tips on creating and selling designs.
### How to Make Money as a Digital Designer
1. **Background and Earnings:**
Kelli started her design business to make money from home, needing more time with her kids and a more fulfilling career. Despite initial fears, her business now earns multi-six figures annually, primarily from her graphic designs. She began by offering design services and business branding as a side hustle while caring for her children. Her passion for Photoshop turned her ideas into income, drastically changing her life.
2. **What is a Digital Design Business?**
A design business can encompass many things, making it ideal for creative people with various ideas. Kelli has sold website designs, business branding, digital papers, graphics, printables, t-shirt designs, sublimation files, digital journal pages, and more. Learning solid design skills allows you to explore countless directions and create different products and services.
3. **Why Do People Buy Designs?**
People buy designs for various reasons, from birthday invitations to holiday-themed banners. Kelli started with fun business card designs, bringing a sense of fun to others’ branding. A quick Etsy search for “digital downloads” reveals the vast potential for designers and buyers alike.
4. **Earnings Potential:**
Earnings depend on factors like promotion, marketing strategy, and design quality. Kelli’s income quickly grew from $8,000 to over $100,000 annually once she learned how to sell her designs effectively. Her motto, “my ideas are limitless, therefore my income is limitless,” reflects her success.
5. **Semi-Passive Income:**
A design business allows you to sell digital download files repeatedly, creating passive income. Kelli recalls the thrill of selling her first $3 graphic on Etsy, realizing the potential for mass sales. By tapping into this potential, you can create a business with no income cap, aligning with your lifestyle and serving customers.
6. **No Tech Skills Needed:**
You don’t need tech skills to become a designer. A willingness to learn and commitment are more important. Overcoming self-doubt is crucial; allow yourself to be bad at something to get good at it.
7. **Benefits of Selling Designs:**
Kelli loves the creative freedom of Photoshop, the ability to make money while enjoying life, and the sense of fulfillment from her work. She values the financial stability and excitement her business brings.
8. **Room for New Designers:**
There’s always room for more creativity. Knowing how to create and sell designs effectively is key. Once you master marketing strategies and connecting with your audience, success is achievable.
9. **Generating New Ideas:**
Inspiration comes from an appreciation of life. Kelli keeps a notebook or phone app for ideas and avoids following trends. When stuck, she takes breaks to let inspiration flow naturally.
10. **Starting Equipment:**
You don’t need much to start—just a computer, Photoshop, and an Etsy shop. This minimal setup allows you to begin without significant investment.
11. **Startup Costs:**
Starting a design business is affordable compared to traditional businesses. You don’t need a large loan or a physical store. Kelli started broke, running her business from her kitchen table.
12. **Steps to Get Started:**
– **Pre-Work:** Dream about the possibilities and commit to your goal. List why you want to start and how it could improve your life.
– **Research:** Explore Etsy and Pinterest for design ideas. Focus on what feels fun to create.
– **Learn to Design:** Photoshop is highly recommended for its professional capabilities.
– **Set Up Shop:** Create a website or Etsy shop. Use online resources for guidance.
– **Social Media Presence:** Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube to share your designs and connect with potential customers.
– **Build an Email List:** Start early to market to loyal customers and nurture new subscribers.
– **Create and Deliver:** Produce amazing designs and offer excellent customer service.
13. **Additional Tips:**
Believe in yourself and the potential for success. Joining a community of creative business owners can provide support and inspiration. Kelli’s private community welcomes aspiring and seasoned designers.
14. **Training Details:**
Kelli offers free training on digital design and getting paid to create. She shares steps to start designing for others and grow a successful business. The training includes a short video series over five days.
Are you interested in learning how to start a digital design business and make money as a digital designer?