The world of graphic design has come a long way, and the way designers find work has evolved too. Gone are the days when you had to rely on word-of-mouth or local networking to get gigs. Today, there are so many freelance websites where graphic designers can connect with clients from all corners of the globe.
Exciting, right?
In this blog, we’ll dive into some of the best freelance websites for graphic designers, helping you explore the perfect platform to kickstart or grow your freelance business.
List of 10 Best Freelance Websites For Graphic Designers
On this page:
1. 99designs
99designs is a well-known platform that helps connect graphic designers with clients who need design services. It’s an online space where clients can post design projects, and designers can either submit their work to win the job or get hired directly for freelance gigs. If you’re a graphic designer looking for work, 99designs is one of the best freelance websites for graphic designers to showcase your skills and find exciting projects.
Key Features
1. Design Contests: Clients post design projects, and many designers submit their work. The client picks the best design, and the winning designer gets paid.
2. 1-to-1 Projects: Clients can hire designers directly for specific projects, skipping the contest process.
3. Variety of Design Categories: 99designs covers many design areas like logo design, branding, website design, packaging, and more.
4. Portfolio Showcase: Designers can create a portfolio to show off their skills and attract clients.
5. Flexible Pricing Tiers: The platform offers different pricing options, so designers can pick projects that fit their budget.
6. Client-Designer Communication Tools: Messaging and file-sharing tools help designers and clients communicate easily throughout the project.
7. Secure Payment System: 99designs protects both designers and clients, making sure designers get paid once their work is approved.
8. Global Exposure: Designers can work with clients from all over the world, opening up more job opportunities.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Global client base | High competition in contests |
| Creative freedom & variety of projects | No guarantee of payment in contests |
| No bidding wars | High service fees (up to 15%) |
| Wide design categories | Time investment without pay in contests |
| High-quality clients | Limited control over project scope |
| Secure payment process | Steeper learning curve for beginners |
| Great for building a portfolio |
2. Behance
Behance is an online platform where creative professionals, like graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, and other artists, can share their portfolios. It’s a great place to connect with potential clients and find job opportunities. Owned by Adobe and part of the Creative Cloud suite, Behance is one of the leading freelance sites for graphic designers to showcase their work and attract clients.
Key Features
1. Portfolio Showcase: Create and display your portfolio by uploading projects, adding descriptions, and organizing them into collections.
2. Job Listings: Apply directly for freelance, part-time, or full-time jobs posted by employers.
3. Creative Networks: Follow others, get inspired, and engage with peers by commenting and appreciating projects.
4. Project Details: Upload images, videos, and documents to showcase your work in-depth.
5. Customization: Choose from templates to design your portfolio with a professional layout.
6. Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud: Easily share your work using Adobe tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
7. Analytics: Track views, likes, and shares of your projects to measure portfolio performance.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Professional portfolio showcase | Limited freelance opportunities |
| Global exposure | Highly competitive platform |
| Inspiration hub | No direct payment facilitation |
| Job opportunities | Time-consuming to build and maintain |
| Adobe Creative Cloud integration |
3. Dribble
If you’re a graphic designer looking for freelance work, Dribbble is one of the best freelance sites for graphic designers to display your talents and connect with potential employers. Dribbble is an online platform where creative professionals like graphic designers, illustrators, web designers, and other artists can share their work, get feedback, and find job opportunities. It’s a design-focused community where professionals can showcase their projects, interact with others, and discover new clients.
Key Features
1. Portfolio Showcase: Upload and display your work (“shots”) in a clean, visually appealing way, from logos to web design.
2. Job Listings: Find job opportunities for full-time, part-time, freelance, and contract work.
3. Creative Community: Engage with others by liking and commenting on projects for inspiration and collaboration.
4. Networking: Connect with designers, clients, and collaborators to build professional relationships.
5. Pro Features: Get extra benefits with a Pro membership, like private messaging, detailed analytics, and more exposure.
6. Playgrounds: Create and share interactive prototypes or design experiments, ideal for UI/UX designers.
7. Design Challenges: Join challenges to improve your skills and get noticed by the Dribbble community.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Portfolio showcase | Limited freelancing focus |
| Strong community and networking | Highly competitive platform |
| Job opportunities | Pro features require paid membership |
| Inspiration and feedback | No direct payment system |
| Pro membership benefits |
4. DesignHill
DesignHill is a friendly space where businesses can find talented freelance designers for their projects. It’s one of the best freelance websites for graphic designers, offering a platform where you can either start a contest to receive multiple design ideas or hire a designer directly for custom work. They provide a variety of design services, from creating a cool new logo to a full brand makeover, crafting a slick website, or designing unique product packaging.
Key Features
1. Design Contests: Clients post contests with a brief; designers worldwide submit entries, and the best design wins a prize.
2. Direct Hiring: Clients can directly hire designers for specific projects, offering a more personalized approach.
3. Wide Range of Design Services: From logos and branding to websites and packaging, DesignHill offers diverse design services.
4. Customizable Design Packages: Designers offer various packages, letting clients pick according to their needs and budgets.
5. Design Tools: Includes an AI-powered tool for quick logo and design creation, alongside custom services by professionals.
6. Design Marketplace: Features pre-designed templates available for purchase and use.
7. Designer Profiles: Designers showcase their portfolios, skills, and experiences, aiding client decisions.
8. Secure Payment System: Ensures secure transactions and holds payments in escrow until the client approves the work.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Design contests offer exposure | High competition in contests |
| Opportunities for direct hiring | High service fees |
| Broad range of design services | No payment guarantee in contests |
| Customizable design packages | Less focus on direct freelance gigs |
| AI design tools for quick projects | AI tools may not meet complex design needs |
| Access to global clients |
5. Working Not Working
Working Not Working is a special platform that brings together super talented creatives and companies that want to hire them. It’s a place known for having really high-quality talent, focusing on a specific group of creative folks like designers, illustrators, animators, and more. If you’re looking for top-notch creatives, this is one of the go-to freelance platforms for designers and other creative pros.
Key Features
1. Curated Membership: Creatives apply and are vetted by a panel, ensuring only highly skilled professionals are listed.
2. Job Postings and Freelance Projects: Offers both full-time and freelance job postings directly from companies, typically featuring high-quality, well-paid positions.
3. Creative Community: Allows members to connect, share work, receive feedback, and participate in community events, fostering a strong network.
4. Real-Time Availability Indicator: Creatives can show their current availability on their profiles, making it easy for employers to see who is immediately available for work.
5. Portfolio Showcase: Members can display their best work in detailed profiles, helping attract potential employers.
6. Magazine and Blog: Includes a magazine and blog with interviews, tips, and stories from creatives, providing insights and inspiration.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality jobs | Exclusive membership limits access |
| Vetted community of creatives | Fewer job opportunities |
| Tailored for creatives | Membership fees |
| Real-time availability indicators | High competition among members |
| Supportive resources (magazine, blog) | Narrow focus on creative industries |
6. LinkedIn ProFinder
LinkedIn ProFinder is a handy tool from LinkedIn that helps businesses find freelance or independent professionals for their projects. Whether you need someone skilled in writing, marketing, design, software development, or something else, ProFinder uses LinkedIn’s huge network to connect you with the right experts.
It’s one of the top freelance sites for graphic designers and other professionals, matching you with the perfect fit based on what you need and where you are.
Key Features
1. Wide Range of Services: Offers services across over 140 categories, including everything from coaching to software development.
2. Professional Networking: Leverages LinkedIn’s extensive network to recommend service providers with verified skills, connections, and endorsements.
3. Tailored Proposals: Clients can receive up to 5 customized proposals from qualified professionals, allowing for easy comparison and selection.
4. Vetted Professionals: Professionals are vetted through their LinkedIn profiles, which include detailed experiences, reviews, and endorsements.
5. Easy Integration with LinkedIn: Built into LinkedIn, ProFinder makes it seamless for professionals to market their services and for clients to vet potential hires based on detailed profiles.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Utilizes LinkedIn’s vast network | Limited to U.S. availability |
| Wide range of services | Up to 5 proposals limit per request |
| Credibility through LinkedIn profiles | High competition for professionals |
| Targeted proposal system | No integrated payment system |
| Seamless LinkedIn integration | LinkedIn Premium needed for unlimited proposals |
7. TopTal
Toptal is a special club for some of the best freelance software developers, designers, finance experts, product managers, and project managers around. If you’re looking for some of the best talent out there, Toptal is one of the go-to freelance websites for graphic designers and other professionals.
This platform makes it easy for businesses to find top-notch freelancers for really important projects. Toptal is super picky, only accepting about 3% of people who apply, which means they really focus on quality.
Key Features
1. Rigorous Vetting Process: Features thorough screening including language and personality tests, skill assessments, live screenings, and test projects.
2. Focus on Top Talent: Targets only the top-tier freelancers, ensuring access to highly skilled professionals for clients.
3. Wide Range of Specialties: Provides experts in software development, graphic design, finance, and project management.
4. Dedicated Support: Offers each client a dedicated partner and optional project management support to streamline project execution.
5. Trial Periods for Risk-Free Hiring: Includes trial periods to confirm freelancer compatibility before financial commitments.
6. Global Reach: Serves clients and freelancers worldwide, enhancing access to global talent and opportunities.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality talent (top 3% of applicants) | Higher costs |
| Flexible engagements | Limited to high-level talent |
| Risk-free trial periods | Stringent entry for freelancers |
| Dedicated project support | No job browsing for freelancers |
| Global talent reach | Potential overqualification for simple tasks |
8. AngelList
AngelList is a platform that’s all about helping startups, investors, and job seekers who want to be part of the startup world. It’s a place where startups can find investors to help them grow and also connect with people who are eager to work in a fresh and innovative environment. AngelList has become a vital tool for anyone involved in startups and now offers even more services like AngelList Talent and AngelList Venture to help companies and job seekers even more.
Key Features
1. Startup Jobs: AngelList Talent connects job seekers with startup roles, offering insights into company funding and key investors.
2. Venture Capital Investment: AngelList Venture allows investors to fund startups directly or through syndicates, pooling resources for better investment opportunities.
3. Syndicates: Managed by experienced investors, these groups make it easier for new investors to participate in startup funding with less capital and experience.
4. Product Launch Platform: Startups use AngelList to launch products, gaining visibility among tech enthusiasts and potential customers.
5. Transparent Hiring Process: Job seekers can view salary ranges and equity options upfront, ensuring clarity and transparency.
6. Networking Opportunities: The platform enables significant networking, linking job seekers with startup founders and industry leaders.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Startup-focused jobs and opportunities | Best for those interested in startups |
| Unique investment opportunities | Jobs come with higher risk |
| Transparent job listings (salary & equity) | Startup investments are high-risk |
| Product launch visibility | Limited global reach |
| Access to a broad startup ecosystem | Intense job competition |
9. We Work Remotely
We Work Remotely is a top job board for finding remote work opportunities. It connects companies and job seekers worldwide, offering listings in industries like tech, marketing, customer service, design, and more. If you’re looking for flexible work you can do from anywhere, this platform is a great choice. For graphic designers, it’s one of the best freelance websites to find remote jobs and exciting projects.
Key Features
1. Remote Job Listings: All job posts are for remote work, perfect for those who want flexible or fully remote jobs.
2. Wide Range of Industries: Jobs are available in fields like design, software development, marketing, sales, customer support, and more.
3. Global Reach: Connects companies and job seekers from around the world, offering international job opportunities.
4. Easy Job Search: The user-friendly site lets you search by job category or location and apply directly online.
5. Company Listings: Check out company profiles to learn about their culture and remote work policies.
6. Free for Job Seekers: Job seekers can browse and apply for jobs without paying, while employers cover the posting fees.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Exclusively remote jobs | Fewer listings compared to larger platforms |
| Wide range of job categories | High competition for popular positions |
| Global job opportunities | Jobs may be niche or specific |
| Free for job seekers | No application tracking tools |
| Easy-to-use interface | Limited resources for job seekers |
10. Fiverr
Fiverr is a well-known online marketplace where freelancers and clients come together. Freelancers can offer services, called “gigs,” in all kinds of categories like writing, graphic design, digital marketing, programming, video editing, and more. Fiverr is famous for being affordable, with prices starting at just $5 per gig, but freelancers can charge more for more complex work.
Key Features
1. Gig Marketplace: Freelancers list services (“gigs”) with descriptions, pricing, and extras for clients to choose from.
2. Wide Categories: Services include writing, design, marketing, video, music, and even unique options like coaching.
3. Custom Pricing: Gigs start at $5, with options for extras and premium packages.
4. Seller Levels: Freelancers build credibility and visibility through a tier system based on experience and reviews.
5. Easy Communication: Built-in messaging allows smooth discussions between clients and freelancers.
6. Payment Protection: Secure payments ensure freelancers are paid after clients approve the work.
7. Fiverr Pro: A premium section featuring top-tier, vetted professionals for high-quality services.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Wide range of services | High competition |
| Affordable starting prices | Fiverr takes a 20% commission |
| User-friendly interface | Additional fees for clients |
| Global marketplace | Low starting prices may limit earnings |
| Seller levels build trust | Hard for new freelancers to stand out |
| Fiverr Pro offers vetted professionals | Limited pricing control for basic gigs |
Conclusion
Freelance websites are an amazing opportunity for graphic designers to get noticed, find exciting new projects, and grow their careers. With so many platforms available, it’s all about finding the right fit for your skills, experience, and how you like to work. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, exploring the best freelance websites for graphic designers will open doors to fresh opportunities and new clients.
FAQs
Which freelancing site is best for graphic design?
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and 99designs are among the best for finding graphic design work.
How to freelance as a graphic designer?
To freelance as a graphic designer, create an online portfolio, join freelance platforms, and network with potential clients.
How to get freelance graphic design work online?
To get freelance graphic design work online, use platforms like Behance, Dribbble, or Freelancer, and actively pitch to clients.
Which platform is best for graphic design?
99designs and Upwork are top platforms offering extensive graphic design job opportunities.
