How to Start a Graphic Design Business Without Experience, Pro Skills, or Investment
If you’ve ever wanted to earn money online but don’t have professional-level skills, experience, or capital to invest, the graphic design field can still be your ticket to success. With the right approach, you can start a graphic design business from scratch, connect with paying clients, and grow into a profitable venture, all without being a pro designer yourself.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
Step 1: Learn the Basics of Graphic Design Services
Even if you’re not designing yourself, you must know the services your business will offer. Clients expect you to understand their needs. Start by familiarizing yourself with:
- Business cards
- Brochures & flyers
- Stamps & invoices
- Promotional materials
- Vector illustrations
- DTF/DTG (Direct-to-Film / Direct-to-Garment) designs
You don’t need to master the design tools yet — just understand what these services are and how they’re used in marketing and branding.
Step 2: Partner with Professional Graphic Designers
Here’s the secret: you don’t have to create the designs yourself. Many professional designers — even highly skilled ones — are open to working with you at reasonable rates. Why? Because most designers work in teams and are always looking for extra projects to increase their income.
To find them:
- Search for “graphic designer” on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
- Message them with something like:
“I provide graphic design projects and may have work for you in the future. Could you share your WhatsApp number so I can contact you when I have a project?” - Build a list of reliable designers ready to take on work quickly.
Step 3: Create a Professional Portfolio
A portfolio builds trust and shows potential clients what you can deliver. Even without designing from scratch, you can create a professional showcase:
- Use Canva to find free templates for business cards, brochures, flyers, invoices, etc.
- Customize them — change colors, layouts, and elements so they’re unique.
- Compile your designs into a PDF portfolio to share with prospects.
Step 4: Find International Clients
Your income depends on how effectively you find clients. Here are three proven ways:
1. Social Media Marketing
- Create a business page on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
- Post regularly about your services.
- Join international business groups and message potential clients directly.
2. Direct Client Outreach
- Use Google Maps, Yelp, and Yellow Pages to find businesses in niches like restaurants, real estate, or e-commerce.
- Email or message them, offering your graphic design services.
3. Freelancing Platforms
- Sign up for Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.
- Offer affordable packages to attract first-time clients.
When you receive an order, forward it to your designer, get the finished files, and deliver them to your client.
Step 5: Set Up Secure Payments
For international transactions, PayPal is a safe and trusted option. You can also use Wise, Payoneer, or direct bank transfers depending on your country and the client’s preference.
Final Tips for Success
This method requires patience, consistency, and smart networking. At first, your goal is to build a strong network of designers and clients. Over time, your business will become more self-sustaining.
If you stick to this plan, you can expect to start earning within 3–6 months. With dedication, you could scale your graphic design business to generate thousands of dollars per month, even if you started with zero skills, experience, or investment.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep learning basic graphic design skills over time. Even a little knowledge of Canva, Photoshop, or Illustrator will help you manage projects better and increase profits.