This very logo was my breakthrough, the first design that truly turned into tangible money. Before May 31st, 2015, I had been crafting logos for about a year, diligently honing my skills but with minimal financial reward. Having created around 500 logos and only earning a total of $500, I was starting to question if this path was sustainable. Then, I received an $832 prize on 99designs for this particular design. The win was a revelation. It sparked a thought: “Wow! Maybe I can actually make a living creating a Money Logo and other designs!”
However, almost four years later, the reality is more nuanced. While the dream of full-time graphic design persists, the financial aspect can be challenging. Industry data from sources like Google suggests the average annual salary for a graphic designer hovers around $42,000. For many, like myself, a steady day job remains essential to cover living expenses. Perhaps this is why Google also indicates a significant career shift in graphic design after about 20 years.
While there are undoubtedly elite designers earning six-figure incomes, the freelance landscape is intensely competitive. The global marketplace means competing with designers worldwide. Charging premium rates, exceeding $25 an hour, becomes difficult when platforms like Fiverr offer logos for under $10, even if the quality is sometimes questionable. Ironically, much of my current freelance work is now sourced through Fiverr.
Initially, I invested considerable effort in 99designs contests, drawn by the potential for larger payouts. However, the contest format proved draining. Countless hours were spent refining designs, reaching the final stages, and making client revisions, only to frequently miss out on winning. The wasted effort, despite occasional wins, became disheartening.
Transitioning to Fiverr a few months ago provided a more consistent stream of clients. I quickly progressed to a Level 1 seller and am approaching Level 2 status. This platform offers the potential to gradually increase rates while maintaining a steady workflow. The overwhelmingly positive 5-star reviews suggest client satisfaction. Perhaps clients are more readily pleased with a high-quality money logo when investing a modest $25-$50 compared to the expectations associated with an $800 design.
I experimented with other freelance platforms including Freelancer, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour. Fiverr stood out for its user-friendliness and, crucially, its client acquisition model. Other platforms required significant effort in proposal writing and client outreach, often competing with numerous designers willing to work for considerably lower rates. While Fiverr’s 20% commission is a factor, the broad exposure and consistent client flow seem to justify the cost. The equivalent investment in advertising would likely not yield the same reach.
Currently, my design income is around $300 per month, insufficient to replace a full-time salary. The “starving artist” stereotype holds a grain of truth. Nevertheless, the dream of a design-centric career remains alive. Whether it’s after the children finish college or sooner, the goal is to one day dedicate my professional life to art and design. For now, it continues as a cherished hobby and a source of supplemental income through crafting a compelling money logo and other designs.
Here are examples of logos I’ve created. If you appreciate my style and require design services, please reach out.
