Platforms to get the best Graphic designing jobs

Graphic design is a versatile and in-demand skill in the digital age, and numerous platforms offer opportunities for graphic designers to find jobs, both freelance and full-time. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best platforms where graphic designing jobs can be found, including their features, pros, and cons:

1. Upwork

Upwork is one of the largest freelancing platforms in the world, offering a wide range of job categories, including graphic design.

Features:

• Job Listings: Upwork features numerous job listings for graphic designers, from small one-off projects to long-term contracts.
• Client Ratings and Reviews: Both freelancers and clients can leave ratings and reviews, helping build trust.
• Proposal System: Freelancers can submit proposals for jobs, highlighting their skills and relevant experience.
• Payment Protection: Upwork offers payment protection for hourly and fixed-price contracts.

Pros:

• Wide Range of Opportunities: With thousands of jobs posted daily, there’s always work available.
• Global Client Base: Access to clients from all over the world.
• Secure Payment: Upwork ensures that freelancers get paid on time.

Cons:

• High Competition: Evidently, many freelancers on the platform can make it challenging to stand out.
• Fees: Also, Upwork charges a service fee ranging from 5% to 20% depending on the total earnings with a client.

2. Fiverr

Fiverr is a platform where freelancers can offer services, or “gigs,” starting at $5, although many gigs sell for much more.

Features:

• Gig Listings: Freelancers create listings for specific services they offer.
• Packages: Freelancers can create tiered packages at different price points.
• Custom Offers: Clients can request custom offers for more specific needs.
• Fiverr Pro: A premium service where top freelancers are vetted and featured.

Pros:

• Easy to Get Started: Simple platform where you can list services quickly.
• Flexibility: You control your gig offerings and prices.
• Global Audience: Reach clients from around the world.

Cons:

• High Fees: Fiverr takes a 20% commission on all sales.
• Variable Income: Income can be inconsistent, especially when starting.

3. 99designs

99designs specializes in connecting graphic designers with clients through design contests and 1-to-1 projects.

Features:

• Design Contests: Clients post design briefs, and designers submit their work. The client picks the winner who gets paid.
• 1-to-1 Projects: Designers can work directly with clients on individual projects.
• Designer Levels: Designers are categorized into levels (Entry, Mid, Top) based on their performance.

Pros:

• Focused on Design: Tailored specifically for graphic designers.
• Exposure: Designers can gain visibility by participating in contests.
• Quality Clients: Clients on 99designs are often serious about getting high-quality designs.

Cons:

• Spec Work: Design contests mean you might work on a design without getting paid unless you win.
• High Competition: Many designers compete, especially in contests.

4. Behance

Behance is a platform for showcasing creative work, including graphic design, and is part of the Adobe family.

Features:

• Portfolio Showcase: Designers can create and showcase their portfolios.
• Job Board: Behance has a job board where companies post openings for creative roles.
• Networking: Connect with other creatives and potential clients.

Pros:

• Portfolio Building: Great for building a professional portfolio.
• Industry Recognition: Behance is well-respected in the design community.
• Job Listings: Direct job opportunities for creative roles.

Cons:

• Not Focused on Freelancing: More geared towards showcasing work and finding full-time roles.
• Subscription Costs: To fully utilize Adobe’s suite of tools integrated with Behance, a subscription is required.

5. Dribbble

Dribbble is another platform for showcasing creative work and finding job opportunities in graphic design.

Features:

• Portfolio Showcase: Designers can post their work, get feedback, and attract clients.
• Job Board: Includes listings for freelance, part-time, and full-time jobs.
• Pro Membership: Offers additional features like a more prominent portfolio placement and job application insights.

Pros:

• Community Engagement: Active community of designers and potential clients.
• Job Listings: High-quality job listings tailored to designers.
• Visibility: Great platform for getting your work noticed.

Cons:

• Limited Free Features: Some of the best features are behind a paywall.
• Competition: High competition for job postings and visibility.

6. Toptal

Toptal is a freelancing platform that connects clients with top-tier freelancers, including graphic designers.

Features:

• Rigorous Screening: Only the top 3% of applicants are accepted, ensuring high-quality freelancers.
• Client Matching: Toptal matches clients with freelancers based on project needs.
• Long-Term Projects: Focus on longer-term engagements and high-value projects.

Pros:

• High-Quality Clients: Work with well-known companies and serious clients.
• Competitive Rates: Toptal freelancers often command higher rates.
• Support: Toptal provides support throughout the project lifecycle.

Cons:

• Selective Admission: Difficult to get accepted due to rigorous screening.
• Higher Pressure: Expectations are high given the caliber of clients and projects.

7. Freelancer

Freelancer is one of the largest freelancing marketplaces, offering a wide variety of job categories, including graphic design.

Features:

• Project Bidding: Freelancers bid on posted projects.
• Contests: Similar to 99designs, clients can run contests to get designs from multiple freelancers.
• Portfolio Showcase: Freelancers can showcase their past work.

Pros:

• Large Marketplace: Plenty of job opportunities available.
• Global Clients: Work with clients from around the world.
• Payment Protection: Milestone payment system ensures secure transactions.

Cons:

• High Fees: Freelancer charges a fee on earnings.
• Competition: High competition can drive down prices.

8. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour connects clients with freelancers for hourly or project-based work.

Features:

• Hourly and Fixed-Price Jobs: Flexibility in how you charge for your work.
• Proposal System: Freelancers submit proposals to clients.
• WorkStream: Platform for managing projects and communications.

Pros:

• Flexibility: Ability to offer both hourly and fixed-price services.
• Payment Protection: Secure payment system.
• Quality Clients: Focus on connecting high-quality clients with freelancers.

Cons:

• Fees: Charges a service fee on earnings.
• Visibility: Can be challenging to get noticed among other freelancers.

9. Guru

Guru is a freelancing platform that offers a variety of job categories, including graphic design.

Features:

• Work Rooms: Manage projects and communications with clients.
• SafePay: Secure payment system for transactions.
• Portfolio Showcase: Create a profile showcasing your work and skills.

Pros:

• Diverse Opportunities: Wide range of job categories and project types.
• Payment Security: SafePay ensures you get paid for your work.
• Flexibility: Options for both short-term and long-term projects.

Cons:

• Fees: Charges a fee on earnings.
• Competition: High competition for projects.

10. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking site and a valuable platform for finding graphic design jobs.

Features:

• Job Listings: Extensive job board with listings for full-time, part-time, and freelance positions.
• Networking: Connect with industry professionals, potential clients, and employers.
• Portfolio Integration: Showcase your work directly on your profile.

Pros:

• Professional Networking: Build connections that can lead to job opportunities.
• Job Alerts: Get notified about relevant job openings.
• Industry Insights: Stay updated on industry trends and news.

Cons:

• Not Design-Specific: While useful, LinkedIn isn’t specifically tailored to designers.
• Subscription Costs: Premium features come at a cost.

Conclusion

Evidently, the digital age has created numerous opportunities for graphic designers to find work online. Also, each platform offers unique features and caters to different needs. Consequently, whether you’re looking for freelance gigs, full-time positions, or a way to showcase your portfolio, there’s a platform out there for you. Also, by exploring these platforms, you can find the right opportunities to grow your graphic design career.