Home Based Business Graphic Designer

The home based business graphic designer creates logos, brochures, advertising, marketing materials, signs, Web site headers and footers, and so on for a variety of businesses.

Through their designs, the graphic artist is able to convey a message using a variety of methods such as color, type, illustration, animation, and various print and layout techniques. They are involved in the production of printed materials, such as brochures and magazines and produce designs for promotional items, such as packages and marketing items. Graphic designers also develop Web pages and work on multimedia projects.

Designers meet with their clients to determine their needs and the message they wish to convey as well as the most effective means of presenting the message.

In your home based business as a graphic artist, you create your designs by hand or by computer. Most designers use a suite of software tools, such as Adobe Photosphop and Illustrator. Computer animation and programming software are used to create Web pages and interactive designs.

You need to be skilled in the use of computer software, be able to communicate your ideas verbally and in writing. You need to keep abreast of changing trends in the consumer marketplace.

Time management is the key to this home based business. There will be the pressure of deadlines.

Competition is keen in this business. There is demand for graphic artists who can help companies gain competitive advantages in the marketplace through visual communication. This can be a profitable home based business.

What does it take for this business?

For this home based business, you should have a degree in graphic design or a background in art. You need to be creative. Experience working in a design or publishing company is a plus. You should be able to communicate in writing and verbally with your clients.

You should create a Web site to display a portfolio of your work. You must be willing to work under pressure to meet deadlines and be a ble to accept constructive criticism of your work.

What does it take to operate this business?

You need a separate space for your home based business office.

The start-up cost for this business can go as high as $25,000. You need a high-end PC or Mac with a large screen monitor, graphics, software, color scanner, laser printer, fax, and light table. If you already own some of this equipment, your start-up cost will be lower.

Basic equipment and supplies include:

• Computer (PC or Mac)
• Large screen monitor
• Graphics software
• Color scanner
• Laser Printer
• Fax
• Light table
• Business telephone line
• Cellular phone/pager
• Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
• Contact Management or Database software
• Word processing software

You can review resources for this home based business here.

What services do I provide?

• Create ads for print media.
• Create ads for television.
• Create graphics and animation for movies and Internet Web sites.
• Create brochures, stationery, logos, and signs.
• Create one-of-a-kind personalized merchandise.
• Create greeting cards.

What are my potential earnings?

$35,000 to $75,000 annually

How much do I charge for my services?

Hourly fees range from $75 to $100; or a monthly retainer of $1000 to $1500.

How do I bill for my services?

You should collect a deposit of up to 50 percent before you start to work and bill your client for the remainder when the work is completed.

How do I market my business?

Offline

• List your home based business services in the Yellow Pages.
• Purchase ads in trade publications.
• Send brochures and promotional pieces to contacts in the advertising industry.

Online

• Create a Web site with a portfolio of your art work to showcase your talent.
• List your Web site in online directories.
• Issue an online press release.
• Link to related Web sites.
• Gat reciprocal links from business sites and directories.
• Participate in discussion forums and newsgroups related to graphic design and business services.
• Provide information about graphic design on your Web site.

If you are a talented artist, this could be the creative home based business for you. Review resources for this home based business here.