Finding the Best Platform for Your Freelance Career
Freelancing as a graphic designer gives you the freedom to choose projects, work remotely, and set your own rates. However, finding the right platform to showcase your skills and connect with clients can make a significant difference in your success.
With so many freelance websites available, it’s crucial to know where to look. Below, we’ll explore the top 13 freelance graphic design websites to help you land great projects and build a thriving career.
1. 99designs
Best for: Designers who enjoy competition
99designs operates on a contest-based model where clients post design requests, and multiple designers submit their work. The client selects the best design and pays the winning designer.
Why Choose 99designs?
- Great for gaining exposure and refining skills
- Direct hiring options are available
- Competitive, so success depends on standing out
2. Behance
Best for: Portfolio building & networking
Owned by Adobe, Behance is more of a social platform than a job board. It allows designers to showcase their portfolios, connect with other creatives, and attract potential clients.
Key Benefits:
- Ideal for displaying your best work
- Increases visibility among creative professionals
- Direct job offers possible from clients browsing portfolios
3. Upwork
Best for: Freelancers of all experience levels
Upwork is one of the largest and most flexible freelancing marketplaces. It connects millions of freelancers with clients worldwide and offers opportunities for graphic designers across various fields.
Key Features:
- Wide range of job postings for different skill levels
- Bidding system allows you to set your own rates
- Built-in tools for time tracking, communication, and payment processing
4. Fiverr
Best for: Selling predefined services at set rates
Fiverr allows freelancers to create "gigs," where you offer specific services such as logo design, social media graphics, or website banners. Clients can purchase these services directly without negotiations.
Pros & Cons:
✅ Easy to set up and start earning
✅ Global reach for attracting clients
❌ Highly competitive, requiring strong portfolio visibility
5. Dribbble
Best for: High-end design professionals
Dribbble functions as both a portfolio platform and a job board. It allows designers to display their work, connect with potential clients, and find freelance jobs.
Why Dribbble?
- Community-focused platform with networking opportunities
- Job board tailored for design professionals
- Premium membership unlocks more job opportunities
6. Toptal
Best for: Experienced designers looking for premium clients
Toptal is a selective platform that connects the top 3% of freelancers with high-paying clients. The application process is rigorous, but once accepted, you gain access to exclusive job opportunities.
Pros & Cons:
✅ High-quality, well-paid projects
✅ Prestigious clients, including Fortune 500 companies
❌ Strict selection process, making it difficult to join
7. DesignCrowd
Best for: Designers who prefer contest-based work
Similar to 99designs, DesignCrowd allows clients to crowdsource their design needs through contests. Freelancers submit their work, and the client picks the winner.
What Makes It Unique?
- Allows both contest participation and direct hiring
- Wide range of design services, including logos and web design
- Great for exposure but requires effort to win contests
8. Working Not Working
Best for: Elite creative professionals
This exclusive platform connects top creative talents with prestigious brands and agencies. Membership is selective, requiring a strong portfolio to be accepted.
Who Should Use It?
- Established designers looking for high-profile clients
- Those interested in long-term collaborations with major companies
9. PeoplePerHour
Best for: Flexible freelance work with hourly rates
PeoplePerHour connects freelancers with clients looking for a wide range of services, including graphic design. Designers can post offers for services or browse available job listings.
Why PeoplePerHour?
- Offers project management tools for organization
- Ideal for freelancers looking to build long-term client relationships
10. Guru
Best for: Freelancers seeking diverse payment options
Guru provides a workroom feature where freelancers can manage projects, send invoices, and communicate with clients. It offers multiple payment methods, including milestone payments and hourly billing.
What Sets Guru Apart?
- User-friendly project management tools
- Various payment structures for flexibility
11. We Work Remotely
Best for: Remote graphic design jobs with established companies
We Work Remotely is a job board dedicated to remote work opportunities, including freelance and full-time design roles. It’s ideal for freelancers looking for stable, high-quality projects.
Why Use We Work Remotely?
- Focuses exclusively on remote jobs
- Includes postings from top companies
- Less competition compared to general freelance platforms
12. Contra
Best for: Commission-free freelance work
Contra is an emerging freelance platform that allows creatives to build portfolios and work with clients without paying commission fees. It’s gaining popularity for its clean interface and modern approach.
Pros of Contra:
✅ No commissions or fees on earnings
✅ Built-in portfolio and branding tools
✅ Ideal for long-term client relationships
13. Twine
Best for: Collaboration on creative projects
Twine is a freelance marketplace tailored for creative professionals, including graphic designers. It connects freelancers with businesses needing design, illustration, and branding work.
What Makes Twine Unique?
- Focuses on creative projects across various industries
- Helps freelancers connect with brands and startups
- Great for both short-term gigs and ongoing work
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Platform
Selecting the right freelance graphic design website depends on your experience, goals, and preferred working style. Here’s a quick summary:
🌟 Comprehensive Freelance Platform Comparison Guide
💡 Quick Platform Selection Guide:
- 🎯 Best for Beginners: Fiverr, Upwork
- 💼 Best for Professionals: Toptal, Working Not Working
- 🎨 Best for Designers: 99designs, Dribbble
- 💰 Lowest Fees: Contra, We Work Remotely
- 🌍 Best for Remote Work: We Work Remotely, Upwork
- 🤝 Best for Long-term Projects: PeoplePerHour, Guru
📊 Fee Structure Overview:
- No/Low Fees: Behance, Contra, Working Not Working
- Mid-Range (5-15%): Guru, Toptal
- Higher Fees (15-20%): Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour
Bonus Tip: Manage Your Payments Efficiently
Once you start landing freelance projects, managing finances becomes crucial. Juuli offers a complete solution for independent contractors, helping with invoicing, multi-currency payments, and financial management.
Want to learn more about getting paid in crypto or using billing software? Check out our other blog posts!
