Where do graphic designers work?

Graphic designers create images and promotional material for companies to use for their products or services. There are several ways you can search for jobs in a creative field, so you can try testing each option to discover what works best for you. Understanding how to find graphic design work can help you during your job search. In this article, we discuss what graphic design work is, explain how to find it and list websites where you can search for jobs in this field.

Related: 10 Graphic Design Careers You Can Pursue Without a Degree

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What is graphic design work?

Graphic design work is when a professional communicates a message using art elements, often with words and images, for a client. A graphic designer can work in different fields, including marketing, publishing and manufacturing. They work with clients to create art that meets a project's guidelines. This can include meeting with the client before, during and after the project so both parties understand how it's progressing and to address any challenges. When working in graphic design, you may apply for a job within an organization, or you can work as a freelance designer.Related: What Is Graphic Design? (Plus Elements, Types and Roles)

How to find graphic design work

Here are six steps you can use to find graphic design work:

1. Create and update an online portfolio

As a graphic designer, you may find it helpful to create and update an online portfolio. You can publish any work you've done, whether for previous clients, in your spare time or as coursework during your education. An online portfolio can be useful when potential managers or clients require samples of your work before deciding whether to hire you. It's also beneficial to have your work in one place where others can browse because it may help you establish more connections.If others see and enjoy your work, they may share it with their colleagues who're searching for graphic design help. You can create an online portfolio on free website-building programs. Additionally, you can pay for a website hosting plan that comes with an original domain people can remember easily when they think of your work.

2. Use social media websites for graphic design

You can use social media websites to display your graphic design work. Social media networks can help you share your work with a large audience. When you're posting your work, you can use popular hashtags and follow designers who inspire you to increase engagement in your posts. Using hashtags that are popular and relevant to your work may help more people who have similar interests as you see your work.There are also social media websites specifically for graphic designers. You can post your work for others to view and share their feedback. You can use the feedback to improve your work in the future, which may help you find more graphic design work.

3. Freelance

Freelancing is when you're self-employed or do contract work for multiple companies instead of working for one company. As a graphic designer, you can do freelance work to earn more experience and increase your portfolio. You also can freelance as a self-employed graphic designer for your career. When you're a freelance designer, you may enjoy the flexibility that come along with it, such as making your schedule, creating your own contracts and working with clients you enjoy.Related: 15 of the Highest-Paying Graphic Design Jobs

4. Produce a blog

Producing a blog and sharing posts may help you in your job search, and it can serve as your portfolio if you plan to share your work there. You can use your blog to share your knowledge of your industry and display your competency with your skills. Consider writing posts about how you became passionate about graphic design, what your creative process is or what your favorite graphic design styles are to create.Your blog posts help potential hiring managers and clients get to know who you are and what your style of design is to determine whether you would fit their needs. Your posts and designs may help bring the right clients for you to work with on a project or as a permanent employer.

5. Publish templates

There are online websites you can use to publish your graphic designs for others to use, either for free or for a fee. You may find this helpful in finding work because you can use these websites to provide income. It also can help you practice your skills and distinct art styles when you're creating templates for a variety of people to try. Creating and publishing your work to these sites can increase your portfolio when you're searching for a job or establishing connections with potential clients.

6. Network

Networking is when you make connections with those in your industry. You can do this using professional social media sites, where you can interact with their posts by liking, commenting or sharing. Another way you can network is through attending events in your industry. You may find it helpful to maintain your relationship with people in your network by engaging with them on social media or inviting them to events or other get-togethers. Maintaining your relationship can help your network remember you when they hear about a new opportunity in graphic design.Related: A Guide To Getting a Job in Graphic Design

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Where to find graphic design jobs

Here are some websites you can use to find graphic design jobs:

• Indeed: You can use the Indeed job search navigation to search for graphic design work. When you're searching for jobs, you can filter the search results based on your city, state, zip code or remote work, and the site generates job listings in those areas for you to review.
• 99Designs: 99Designs is a site designers can apply for freelance jobs by signing up for an account. Clients who're interested in hiring a graphic designer can use the site to take a survey to determine their needs and match them with the best designer for their desires.
• Authentic Jobs: This website allows you to search for careers using keywords, location and the category of work you're seeking. You also can check certain boxes for the results to generate part-time opportunities, full-time jobs, internships or freelance jobs.
• Krop: Krop is a helpful site for all skill levels, but especially those beginning their careers in graphic design because you can browse their job board and upload your portfolio directly to their site for a fee. When you're searching the job board, you can find opportunities using keywords and your location.
• Smashing Jobs: Smashing Jobs is a website for the graphic design industry's magazine. It has a job search feature for you to find freelance or employer opportunities.
• The Design Kids: This website is helpful if you're still in school or are a graduate student. The Design Kids has entry-level positions, fellowships and internships you can use to help further your career goals.
• We Work Remotely: We Work Remotely is a website with only remote working opportunities for graphic designers. Its site has sections for job seekers and employers with tools to help each search for careers.
• Coroflot: Coroflot is a job-searching site for designers where they can filter their inquiries based on location, skill set and job category. The site also offers a place to browse salaries based on your job titles, states and cities.
• If You Could Jobs: This website allows you to search for jobs based on your location and job title. Although these job postings are predominately in London, they have jobs available to browse in the United States.
• AIGA Design Jobs: AIGA Design Jobs is a site that allows you to search for professional, internships or pro bono opportunities. You can search for jobs based on your skill level, such as executive, middle or junior.
• Angel.co: This website is for professionals who're looking for career opportunities with startup companies across the world. It allows users to filter search results based on salary requirements, company size, skill set and industry preference.