7 Business Ideas for Graphic Designers in 2024

1. Branding and Design Agency

The Idea: Start an agency that specializes in comprehensive branding services, including logo design, marketing materials, and digital presence.

How it makes money: Project-based fees, ongoing service contracts, or retainer agreements for continual brand management.

Why now? In the visually driven market of 2024, cohesive and compelling branding is crucial for businesses to stand out.

Technical difficulty: 7 out of 10

Best for: Designers with a strategic mindset who can craft an entire brand identity and maintain it across various platforms.

2. Digital Product Design Studio

The Idea: Create a digital product design studio, focusing on UI/UX design for apps, websites, and other digital platforms.

How it makes money: Working with tech startups, established businesses, or on a contractual basis with app developers.

Why now? The digital landscape is ever-expanding, and functional, user-friendly design is at the forefront of tech innovation.

Technical difficulty: 8 out of 10

Best for: Graphic designers with experience in digital interfaces and a desire to improve online user experiences.

3. Print-on-Demand Creative Shop

The Idea: Utilize print-on-demand services to sell your original designs on a variety of products, from clothing to home decor.

How it makes money: E-commerce sales of products featuring your designs, with no need to manage inventory directly.

Why now? Consumer desire for unique, custom-designed items continues to grow, along with the ease of print-on-demand services.

Technical difficulty: 4 out of 10

Best for: Graphic designers with a unique style that translates well to physical products and who can navigate e-commerce.

4. Educational Workshops and Courses

The Idea: Offer workshops, online courses, or tutorials teaching graphic design principles, software mastery, or specific design techniques.

How it makes money: Fees for workshops, course sales, or subscription access to ongoing educational content.

Why now? There's a significant trend toward online learning, and design skills are highly marketable and transferable.

Technical difficulty: 5 out of 10

Best for: Expert graphic designers who excel in the instructional realm and want to share their knowledge with others.

5. Custom Illustration Services

The Idea: Offer bespoke illustration services for clients looking for unique graphics for books, marketing collateral, or personal use.

How it makes money: Commissioned work, partnerships with publishers, or selling illustrations on stock image websites.

Why now? Custom illustrations are in demand for their ability to communicate personally and add a unique artistic touch.

Technical difficulty: 6 out of 10

Best for: Graphic designers with strong illustrative talents and the ability to work to a client's creative brief.

6. Social Media Content Creation

The Idea: Create visually striking social media content for brands or businesses, including motion graphics, infographics, and branded imagery.

How it makes money: Content packages, social media campaign designs, or retainer contracts for ongoing content creation.

Why now? Social media platforms are the battlegrounds for attention, and captivating graphics are key to engagement.

Technical difficulty: 5 out of 10

Best for: Designers who are adaptable, social media savvy, and have their finger on the pulse of digital trends.

7. Niche Graphic Art Gallery

The Idea: Open an art gallery, physically or online, that specializes in graphic art, showcasing and selling work from a variety of artists.

How it makes money: Art sales, hosting gallery events, offering featured artist subscriptions, or online print sales.

Why now? There's a growing appreciation for graphic art as a legitimate and collectible art form.