Hello designers! Any advice for knowing how much to charge for design services as a new graduate?

I am a recent graduate and would love to what rates make sense for doing small freelance graphic design and branding projects.

Thank you :)

Replies6

  • Phoebe! Check this out by the brilliant @Alec Dudson for some great tips - https://lectureinprogress.com/journal/5-tips-to-help-you-build-your-creative-confidence-and-get-paid
  • Hey Phoebe, bit of a different angle on this and because you have had some great feedback already...when I dipped my toe into the freelancer world I was keen to get experience and at that point wasn't 100% sure on my value to a company and therefore rate. What I decided to do was to think about my own circumstances and actually how much I would need in order to live! That way I knew my bottom price. I obviously always tried to get more than that but it also meant that when discussing rates I knew the very lowest I would go to and from there I got more experience and a better understanding of my value as I worked - therefore asking for more :) Hope that helps!
  • Hi Phoebe,

    In London the standard junior graduate designer rate is between £150-200 per day. You usually can charge nore when you have special skills or a particular style. Hope it helps.

    Feel free to check out my work on https://www.instagram.com/annadoralascsik/
  • So, there is no concrete "this is how much you should charge" which I know is what a lot of graduates are looking for. But there are a lot of different factors that dictate how much you should and, often, can charge. Including what you need, where you are, where your client is, how long the work takes you (which is tied to your skill), and more. Often, one job will be charged differently to another due to the client and the type of work.

    That being said, way back when I was in university, a tutor suggested that third years students should charge £25/hr for their work and then increase that by £5-£10 once you graduate. Once you're more comfortable with finances, you can adjust that accordingly, but it's a pretty good baseline for those who aren't sure.
  • Hi there! Nikky Lyle has a great guide on rates and salaries for freelancers but also for permanent roles. You can see it here: https://guides.nikkylyle.com/courses/a-fool-proof-guide-to-day-rates-salaries

    I hope it helps :)

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