10 Ways A Designer Can Diversify Their Income In 2023

With the rise of the average cost of living, it can get pretty tricky to stay afloat, especially as a freelancer. If you're a webflower, you're probably very handy with online tools. From Spline, figma, Photoshop and more, there are so many different ways of earning money and, although they are not easy to do, it is important to recognise that there are options for you to earn more income from different income streams provided you have the time and effort to cultivate them. Whether you’re a freelancer, or working for a company, in a studio, it's important to have multiple streams of income to ensure financial stability and growth.

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10 ways designers can diversify their income in 2023

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Sell digital products

Designers can create and sell digital products like icons, patterns, and templates on platforms like Gumroad, Creative Market and Etsy.

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Check out Oliur's channel on YouTube. He's made an enormous income by building up an array of digital products. Have a look at his website if you want to learn more too!

Easlo is another fascinating example.

See Easlo's website here
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Create and sell courses

Designers can create and sell online courses on platforms like Udemy and Skillshare. They can teach design skills or even non-design skills like marketing or entrepreneurship. Sam Harrison is a great example of this:

Check out his website here

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Offer Design Consultations

Designers can offer consultations to clients who need help with their design projects. They can charge hourly rates or offer packages for ongoing consultations. Charli Marie is a great example of this:

Check out her website here

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Design And Sell Merchandise

‍Designers can design and sell merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, and stickers on platforms like Redbubble and Society6. Crafted Studios is a great example of this:

Check out their website here!

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Offer Design Coaching

Designers can offer coaching to aspiring designers who want to improve their skills. They can offer one-on-one sessions or group coaching. Charli Marie is a great example of this.

Check out her website here

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Another example is Arnau Ros:
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Check out his website here

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Create And Sell Design Assets

Designers can create and sell design assets like fonts, textures, and stock photos on platforms like Envato Elements and Shutterstock. Design Joy's founder, Brett, is well known for his unlimited web design offering but also his scribble pack!

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Check out his website here

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Partner With Brands

Designers can partner with brands to create sponsored content or design collaborations. They can showcase the partnership on their website and social media platforms. Arnau Ros is a great example of this - he creates content in partnership with all sorts of brands.

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Check out his YT channel here

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Offer Design Services On Freelance Platforms

Designers can offer their design services on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. They can work on projects for clients all over the world.

Check out Fiverr here

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Create And Sell Print-On-Demand Products

Designers can create and sell print-on-demand products like art prints, phone cases, and tote bags on platforms like Printful and Printify. Elliot Ulm is a great example of this:

Check out his offerings here.

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Write And Sell Design Ebooks

Designers can write and sell ebooks on design topics like typography, color theory, and branding on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.

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These are just some of the ways designers can diversify their income in 2023. You get the point though. You don’t have to stay stuck in just doing one thing. Maybe its time to pick up that side hustle you’ve been itching to do for a while but you just haven’t got around to it. Maybe its that icon pack that you know will do well but just need the little push to get on it. Whatever it is, get to it. It might just be the next “#1 on Producthunt” that gets you some income to help you out!

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