Graphic design: where and how to earn
Every business needs a logo, posters, menus, social media graphics, business cards, banners and packaging. In Kenya alone there are hundreds of thousands of small businesses, churches, schools, events and politicians who pay designers every week. Online, you can also sell designs to the whole world.
Learn the skills free in this hub: Graphic design with Canva and Web design & UI/UX.
Ways designers earn
| Way | What you sell | Pay style |
|---|---|---|
| Client work | Logos, flyers, brand kits, social posts | Per project or monthly retainer |
| Freelance marketplaces | Packaged design services to international clients | Per order |
| Design contests | Many designers submit; the client picks one winner | Winner takes the prize |
| Templates | Canva templates, PowerPoint decks, CV templates, social media kits | Many small sales (passive) |
| Print on demand | Designs printed on T-shirts, mugs, posters by a platform | Royalty per item sold |
| Stock graphics | Icons, illustrations, vectors licensed to many buyers | Per download |
| UI/UX design | App and website screens in Figma | Per project; pays very well |
Platforms
| Platform | What you do there | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fiverr | Sell packages ("Logo + 3 revisions", "10 Instagram posts") | Huge demand; the first orders are the hardest. Use clear gig images. |
| Upwork | Apply for design jobs and long-term clients | Better for ongoing brand and marketing design work. |
| 99designs | Design contests and 1-to-1 projects | Strict quality vetting; good for strong portfolios. |
| Dribbble | Show UI/brand work; clients and companies hire from it | Your portfolio + job board. |
| Behance | Free portfolio by Adobe; job listings | Show full case studies of projects. |
| Canva Creators | Publish templates and elements used by Canva users | Application required; paid per use. |
| Creative Market | Sell fonts, templates, graphics | Premium marketplace. |
| Envato Elements / Market | Sell templates, graphics, presentations | Large buyer base. |
| Etsy | Sell printable and digital designs (planners, wall art, invitations) | Check seller country support and payout options. |
| Adobe Stock | Sell vectors, illustrations, photos | Royalty per download. |
| Shutterstock | Sell vectors and photos | Royalty per download. |
| Freepik Contributor | Sell vectors, icons, PSDs | Popular with designers worldwide. |
| Redbubble / TeePublic | Print on demand: upload designs, they print and ship | You earn a margin per sale; no stock needed. |
The local market (often faster money)
- Visit or message 20 businesses near you (salons, restaurants, schools, churches, hardware shops) with a sample poster made for them.
- Offer packages in KSh: Logo (KSh 3,000 to 15,000), 10 social media posts a month (KSh 5,000 to 20,000), business cards and flyers (per design). Prices vary with quality and client size.
- Partner with printers in your town: they get customers who need designs; you get referrals.
- Events: weddings, funerals, graduations, fundraisers (harambee) and campaigns all need posters and programmes.
Build a portfolio that sells
- Make 10 to 15 strong pieces, even for imaginary or practice clients ("rebrand of a Nyeri coffee shop").
- Show the problem and the result, not just the image.
- Put it on Behance or a simple website and pin your best 3 pieces on WhatsApp status and LinkedIn.
- Only show work you have the right to show. Never use others' designs or stolen fonts/images.
Tools
| Tool | Cost | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Canva | Free / Pro | Fast social graphics, posters, templates |
| Figma | Free plan | UI design, collaboration |
| Adobe Illustrator / Photoshop | Paid | Professional logos, print, photo editing |
| Inkscape / GIMP / Krita | Free | Open-source alternatives to Adobe |
| Affinity Designer | One-time payment | Affordable professional alternative |
Contracts and payment
- Agree in writing (WhatsApp/email is fine): what you'll deliver, number of revisions, deadline and price.
- Take 50% deposit before starting for new clients.
- Send low-resolution, watermarked previews; deliver final files after payment.
- Deliver properly: logo in PNG, SVG and PDF, colour codes, and fonts used.
Check yourself
Which platform runs design contests where clients pick a winner?
Show answer
99designs
Which free Adobe platform is used as a design portfolio?
Show answer
Behance
Print-on-demand platforms like Redbubble pay you a margin per ...?
Show answer
sale
What deposit is recommended for new clients? Write a percentage.
Show answer
50%
Name a free open-source alternative to Adobe Illustrator.
Show answer
Inkscape
Which three file formats should a final logo be delivered in? Name one vector format.
Show answer
SVG