Freelance graphic designer working from home

Local small businesses, tradies, cafes, real estate agents, clubs, schools and not-for-profits that need branding and marketing materials.

Fixed project prices for logos and print jobs, plus hourly rates or monthly packages for ongoing social media and marketing graphics.

• Design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or Canva Pro
• Understanding of layout, colour and typography
• Clear communication and taking a brief
• Managing deadlines and client feedback

• You need an ABN, and GST registration is required once your turnover reaches the threshold, so check with the ATO
• Check whether your council requires approval for a home-based business
• Professional indemnity insurance is worth checking, as is public liability if you meet clients in person
• Use properly licensed fonts, stock images and software to avoid copyright problems
• Use a written agreement covering revisions, payment terms and who owns the final artwork

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your computer, design software subscriptions and any fonts or stock images you need. These are estimates, so check what you already own before budgeting.

Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $4,500, depending on how many clients you take on and what you charge. That is sales before costs, and the estimate assumes at least about 6 hours a week.

You need an ABN, and GST registration applies once turnover reaches the threshold, so check with the ATO. Also check council approval for a home business, professional indemnity and public liability insurance, licensed fonts and images, and written agreements.