Growing the Graphic Design Community

Getting Started as a Graphic Designer on Upwork

5/17/2023

If you're ready to start earning money online with Upwork and expanding your graphic design portfolio, get started with the simple steps described below.

First of all, you’ll need to set up an account:

Visit www.upwork.com.
Click "Sign Up" and select "Freelancer."
Enter your name, email address, and create a password.
Read and accept the Upwork Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Click "Get Started" or "Create My Account."
Complete your freelancer profile by providing information about your skills, experience, and portfolio.
Verify your email address by clicking the link sent to your email.
Follow any additional steps or verifications requested by Upwork, such as phone or identity verification.
Once your account is set up, you can start browsing and applying for freelancing projects on Upwork.

Note: The process may vary slightly based on any updates made by Upwork, so it's always a good idea to refer to their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date instructions.

Once your account is set up, you can start browsing for jobs!
Here are the steps to search for graphic design jobs on Upwork:

Log in to your Upwork account.
On the Upwork homepage, you will find a search bar at the top. Enter relevant keywords related to graphic design, such as "graphic design," "graphic designer," or specific design categories like "logo design" or "web design."
Click the search icon or press Enter to initiate the search.
The search results page will display relevant graphic design jobs.
You can further refine your search by using filters. On the left side of the search results page, you'll find various filters such as job type, experience level, budget, and more. Use these filters to narrow down the results according to your preferences.
Review the job listings to find opportunities that match your skills and interests. Each job listing will provide details about the project requirements, budget, client reviews, and other relevant information.
Click on a job listing to view the full job description and project details.
If you find a job that interests you, click on the "Submit a Proposal" or "Send Proposal" button to apply for the project.
Write a compelling proposal that highlights your relevant experience, skills, and why you are a good fit for the project.
You may have the option to attach your portfolio or include samples of your work to showcase your capabilities.
After submitting your proposal, the client will review it along with other applicants, and they may choose to interview you or award you the project if you're selected.

Remember to tailor your search and proposals to match the specific requirements of each job and to showcase your unique skills and qualifications as a graphic designer.

After you’ve been hired for a job, be sure to review the process of billing/invoicing.

Here's an overview of the process of invoicing and getting paid on Upwork:

Setting up payment methods: Before you can start invoicing and receiving payments, you need to set up your payment methods on Upwork. This includes linking your preferred payment method, such as a bank account or PayPal, to your Upwork account.
Hourly Contracts: If you're working on an hourly contract, you'll need to use Upwork's time tracking software, Upwork Desktop App, or the Upwork mobile app to track your time. The time you log is used to generate the invoices automatically.
Fixed-Price Contracts: For fixed-price contracts, you'll negotiate the payment terms and milestones with the client before starting the project. Once the agreed-upon milestones are completed, you can submit the corresponding invoices.
Creating an Invoice: To create an invoice, go to the "Contracts" section of your Upwork account. Find the contract you want to invoice for and click on it. Then, click on the "Request Payment" or "Create Invoice" button. Enter the amount to be invoiced, specify the payment schedule or milestone, and add any necessary notes or details.
Submitting the Invoice: After filling in the required details, review the invoice and ensure that all information is accurate. Once you're satisfied, click on the "Submit Invoice" or similar button to send the invoice to the client.
Client Approval and Payment: The client will receive the invoice and have the opportunity to review it. They can either approve the invoice or request revisions if needed. Upon approval, the client will release the funds to Upwork, and Upwork will process the payment.
Receiving Payment: Once the funds are released by the client, Upwork will transfer the funds to your Upwork account balance. From there, you can choose to withdraw the funds to your linked payment method or keep them in your Upwork account for future projects.
Withdrawal Options: Upwork offers various withdrawal options such as direct bank transfers, PayPal, Payoneer, or wire transfer. Select the withdrawal method that suits you best and follow the instructions to initiate the withdrawal.
Payment Processing Time: The time it takes for the funds to reach your account depends on the withdrawal method you choose. Different methods have different processing times, ranging from a few days to a week or more.
Service Fees: It's important to note that Upwork may charge a service fee for each payment received, and the exact fee structure can be found on the Upwork website.

Happy Job Hunting!

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Online Resources for Getting Started with Graphic Design

5/12/2023

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If you are a beginning graphic designer, I understand how hard it is to get work. Below are five ways designers can earn money online, generate business, find clients and build out a portfolio.

Let's go over a few options of what's out there for designers:

Upwork
FIVERR
99designs
Craigslist
Google Business

Follow me on YouTube, TikTok or Instagram for a deeper dive into each of these platforms. This is about designers supporting designers in a DIY world where everyone thinks they are a designer... but not everyone has the creative eye. So those who do, you need to LEARN THE SKILLS and figure out how to support yourself and market yourself in the industry.

I have been a designer for 20+ years. I've gone from figuring it out on my own to having client's refer me where now I don't have to search for work, because it just keeps landing in my lap. And that's because I present fantastic work, people like working with me and I have honed my skills over the years.

So now I am here to share what I have learned with those who are starting out so that we can continue to build up the next generation of creatives and make sure you are equipped to function in the industry and create beautiful design.

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