I’ve made tens of thousands of dollars as a graphic designer. There are so many different ways I’ve landed clients over the years, and I’m sharing them with you today. Not to brag, but to show you that if I can do it, so can you.

Whether you’re freelancing full-time, doing it as a side hustle, working at a company, or just need some extra income, these tips all apply.

1. Word of Mouth and Referrals

This is hands down one of the most effective ways to land clients, especially when you’re starting out. Let your friends, family, and everyone in your network know you’re offering graphic design services. Seriously, tell people. Closed mouths don’t get fed.

I know it might feel annoying or awkward to put yourself out there, but this works. People refer you because they know you, they like you, and they trust you. That’s powerful. Your designs don’t have to be the best in the world, but you do need to do good work so people feel confident recommending you.

Your reputation is everything. If you do great work, people will talk about it. If you flake or deliver something subpar, that word gets around too. And here’s a fun stat: 92% of people trust recommendations from friends and family over any other type of advertising. Word of mouth drives 20 to 50% of purchasing decisions. That’s huge.

2. Networking

Networking doesn’t have to be this formal, stuffy thing. It’s literally just connecting with people. And you can do it in person, online, or both. Go to events that interest you. Join your local AIGA chapter, marketing meetups, or even groups unrelated to design.

Like running? Join a marathon group. You’d be surprised who knows who. Networking is a long game though. It’s about planting seeds, not selling your services on the spot. Build relationships first, and when someone needs a designer or knows someone who does, you’ll be top of mind.

And yes, I know a lot of us creatives are introverts and networking feels awkward. Same. But it’s a skill worth building. It helps with confidence, sales, pitching, and just getting your name out there.

3. Freelance Platforms (Upwork, Contra, etc.)

Freelance platforms like Upwork and Contra are places where brands post jobs for creatives. Most of these are short-term gigs, so I wouldn’t rely on them for long-term income unless you’re super active.

It’s competitive because you’re literally up against the entire world. But it’s a great way to get experience, build your portfolio, and land some real client work. Just know that it’s a numbers game. You might apply to 20 or 50 jobs and only hear back from a few.

To stand out, you’ll need a strong portfolio, competitive pricing, or positive reviews. And yes, these platforms take a cut. Contra has a monthly subscription fee, and Upwork charges you for connects (basically tokens to apply for jobs). Even if you don’t land something right away, browsing job posts helps you understand what’s in demand and how you can tailor your portfolio to fit.

4. Creative Portfolio Sites (Behance, Dribbble)

If you’re not on Behance or Dribbble yet, get on it. These platforms are where brands go to find designers. It’s way easier to get discovered on these sites than just relying on your own website. Your SEO isn’t always going to work in your favor when you’re starting out.

One of my longest client relationships came from someone finding me on Behance. I also found an illustrator on Dribbble when I needed someone to help with my own brand. It works both ways.

Post your best work and keep it updated. Brands that value good design are looking here, so give them something to find.

5. Creative Talent Agency Platforms

These are a step up from the freelance sites. Creative agencies and studios use these platforms to find quality freelance designers for longer-term work. They’re outsourcing because their in-house teams are full or they need specific skills they don’t have.

The pay is usually better and the projects are often with bigger brands. You’ll need a strong portfolio to get on these platforms though. If you’re new, I’d say wait on this one. But once you’ve got experience, check out places like Working Not Working or We Are Rosie.

6. Social Media

Social media is a game-changer. It’s free marketing, and if you’re not using it, you’re leaving money on the table. Austin Kleon said it best: "if your work isn’t online, it doesn’t exist."

You have to be visible to get clients. Yes, it’s scary to put yourself out there, but it’s the easiest way to reach people worldwide. About 70% of my client work has come from YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Create content that shows who you are and how you add value. This attracts not just clients, but other creatives and freelancers too. You’ll end up building a community that makes getting work way easier.

My advice? Focus on 4 types of content:

1. Educational and value-driven (like this blog)

2. Personal and relatable

3. Thought leadership and authority

4. Promotional (but keep this one light because no one likes being sold to)

Social media builds credibility and shows potential clients how you think, who you are, and why they should trust you.

7. Job Hunting Websites (LinkedIn, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter)

These are great if you’re looking for full-time or long-term roles. The competition is high, but the opportunities are there.

Don’t just apply to open roles. Get proactive. Reach out to hiring managers, creative directors, or decision-makers directly. Slide into their DMs on LinkedIn or send them an email. It might take a little digging, but shoot your shot. If they don’t reply, follow up after a week or two. Stay consistent.

Even if you don’t get a client right away, these conversations can lead to future opportunities.

8. Pro Bono Work (Doing Free Work, Strategically)

I know this one is controversial, but hear me out. When you’re just starting out and need portfolio pieces or experience, offering free work can help. The key is to be strategic. Only offer free work to brands or people you actually want to build a relationship with.

Make sure you can afford to do it first. Take care of yourself and your bills. But if you can, find a brand you love, pitch your services, and offer to design something for free in exchange for a testimonial, referrals, or future paid opportunities.

Be clear about the value you’re providing and what your rates normally are. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you. This is about building relationships and your portfolio, not giving away work for nothing.

Oh, and have a contract, always.

9. Cold Emailing

This one’s a grind, but it works. Cold emailing is reaching out to brands or people who have never heard of you. The key is to make it personal. Don’t blast the same generic email to 100 companies. No one is going to respond to that.

Do your research. Find the right contact person, whether that’s a creative director, recruiter, or hiring manager. Personalize your message to them and their brand. Make it clear why you want to work with them and how you can bring value to their team.

Attach your portfolio or some relevant work and make it easy for them to check you out. If they don’t respond after a week or two, follow up. If they still don’t respond after another week or so, move on.

Cold emailing takes time and effort, but it can open doors if you do it right.

There you have it. 9 ways to land clients as a graphic designer. Some methods might work better for you than others, depending on your experience, timing, the job market, your niche, your skill set, location, and how consistent you are. But I can say this for sure: if you have a solid portfolio and you’re proactive about applying these methods, you will land clients that pay you.

Wanna watch the video version of this blog? Check out this YouTube video: