While writers are often the first group that come to mind, freelancing isn’t just for those with a flair for words.
There are as many ways to make money freelancing as there are creative people in the world.
Those with a gift for the artistic or the technical (like some of these creative rock stars) will find that there are numerous jobs that are in demand for services that they are 100% capable of providing.
We’ve rounded up five services with the highest projected growth rate through 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, that freelancers can learn and provide right from home.
Keep in mind that these growth rates refer to standard employer demands. Use these numbers as a guide, but don’t let them determine your worth as a freelancer.
It’s time to stop letting excuses hold you back from your freelancing dreams. Even if this list goes beyond your current skill set, there’s still great news – with some online training, a little passion, and plenty of practice, it’s possible to learn any of these five in-demand services.
1.) Graphic Designer
BLS Projected Growth Rate Through 2026: 4%
“Forty-five percent of advertising and marketing executives surveyed by The Creative Group said it’s challenging to find highly skilled creative professionals today. What does this mean for job seekers? Many employers need your expertise.
“This is especially true if you’re comfortable wearing more than one hat — say, a graphic designer with a knack for creating videos, or an art director who also writes snappy copy. If this is you, your skills give you an edge over others and may even command a higher salary.”
And this goes for freelancers, too! Learning to be well versed in multiple skills means your services will stay in demand, and you’ll always have an edge over your competition.
What Will I Do?
As a graphic designer, you will create either physical or digital art. These may be things like logos, billboards, infographics, or advertisements.
Why Choose It?
If you’d like to be an artist of the non-starving variety, graphic design can be a fulfilling way to flex your creative muscles, while still bringing in a great income.
In 2018 Megan Gersch decided that she wanted to turn her love for design into a full time freelancing career.
After following the methods in The No Pants Project, Megan has worked as a design artist for a variety of entertainment clients like Culture Collide, Overcoast Music, and even Netflix!
Megan shares her advice for those interested in pursuing a graphic design business, saying:
“The most important thing is to just keep creating. Make it a point to create every day. Practice and polish your skills. Never stop learning and pushing yourself creatively. Get a client, and make something awesome for them.”
What Do I Need To Know?
According to Monster.com, these are some of the top skills that companies are seeking in graphic designers:
- Creativity
The ability to think outside of the box and come up with awesome designs
- Communication
A clear understanding of what your client wants, and the ability to ask the right questions
- Typography
Producing legible and appealing fonts is necessary for good graphic design
- Adobe Know-How
Being well practiced in Adobe’s creative software is a standard designer requirement
While design school experience is great to have, this article proves that you don’t need a formal education to have great success as a graphic designer. All of these skills can be learned through tutorials, blog posts, books, and lots of practice.
2.) Web Developer
BLS Projected Growth Rate Through 2026: 15%
According to Venture Beat, demand is booming for web developers.
They quoted a recent global research study commissioned by GoDaddy that found, “…the vast majority of web developers and designers are growing a whopping 25 percent or more a year. More than one in three is even seeing growth at 50 percent or more.”
What Will I Do?
As a web developer, you are responsible for the coding and creation of websites and web applications.
Why Do It?
No Pants member Laura White loves helping clients with everything from simple website analysis to creating a new webpage from scratch. Many of her clients come to her to get outdated pages remodeled.
Laura says:
“I started freelancing for a couple of reasons: additional income was of course one of them, but I really like helping people.
“I started years ago and just kind of fumbled my way through. There are some good courses on Udemy for learning the how-to part.
“Like I’ve said, I’m not the smartest developer out there.
“The advantage of using me over someone else is that I am going to listen to what you want and build a relationship with you.
“Customer service matters a ton.”
“Web developers work with programming languages like HTML, CSS, and Javascript to create websites and web applications. They will also most likely utilize other languages to set up email services, user authentication, databases, and other technical aspects of websites.
“To do this, developers use software like text editors, command line interface, and version control to build the technical information (the code) that will present the data.”
If coding and tech talk gets you excited, web development is a fast growing field that you would be wise to consider.
What Do I Need To Know?
More than anything, web developers need to be fluent in coding and markup language, like:
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
Having experience with Photoshop and WordPress are also a part of developing good web pages.
A computer science degree can be a big help for developers, but achieving one is not necessarily the fastest, cheapest, or even best way.
Usersnap has alternative ideas for those who want to enter this field without a formal education:
“Coding bootcamps are definitely a great way to get into the business since they don’t require a huge commitment in terms of time and money. And they seem to be popular with employers too, with over 65% of graduates finding work within the first 6 months.
“One example is Code Academy, an online education site that teaches anything from HTML to Python and Ruby on Rails. With over 25 million students from around the world, they are one of the biggest online coding schools today.
“Other examples are learning platforms like Udemy and Khan Academy. They offer courses on pretty much any skill a web developer needs to start out in a junior position, with many courses being completely free and others starting at around $10.
“While lacking the structure of a formal education or a coding boot camp, platforms like these can be great resources for learning the basics of coding. And for some people, they might even be the only resource needed to landing that first job.”
The compressed curriculum and narrow focus of boot camps are a great way for freelancers to add extra tools to their current skill set fast.
3.) Web Designer
BLS Projected Growth Rate Through 2026: 13%
Lifewire assures us that web design skills are highly desirable in 2019:
“Whether you are a large corporation, a small family-run company, a non-profit organization, a school, government agency, or any other kind of company or organization, it is almost certain that you need a website.
“This, of course, means you also need web designers to create or maintain those websites.”
What Will I Do?
As a web designer, you will be the person responsible for the overall look of a website. You will work to make the layout, colors, fonts, and icons on a site visually appealing.
While being able to build and code a website from the ground up is a job usually left to web developers, if you can learn to conceive a design and then implement it, your skill set will be all the more desirable.
Why Do It?
Career Foundry explains that designers, “will utilize graphics design software – including products like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Inkscape (an excellent alternative to Photoshop), and GIMP. Ultimately, they will design the layout of the website through constructing prototypes and wireframes. Designers control the flow of information and can even be responsible for website analytics.”
If you love working in design and function, web design may be right for you.
A web designer’s primary responsibilities are making sure a page is both pleasing to the eye and friendly for the user.
What Do I Need To Know?
These days the online world is full of both free and inexpensive web design knowledge, proving again that a formal education is not required to learn many freelancing skills.
Skills that a successful web designer will need are:
- Coding Knowledge
While you may not need to know how to build web pages from the ground up, some knowledge of code is necessary so you can communicate with the web developers.
- Tool Familiarity
Make sure you’re comfortable working with applications like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, Mockplus, etc.
- A Great Design Sense
As with graphic design, web designers need to have a good eye for color and layout. Some artistic interest and experience makes for a great web designer.
4.) Software Developer
BLS Projected Growth Rate Through 2026: 24%
There is an especially large demand for freelance programming and technical talent in 2019.
“Every single business and organisation in the world needs an app or a website plus lots of software, often custom if the company is large. Every person with internet access (which eventually will be the whole world) uses lots of apps and websites every day.”
What Will I Do?
A software developer oversees everything involved in creating functional software.
Why Choose It?
Career development facilitator, Dawn Rosenberg McKay, explains:
“There are two types of software developers. Systems software developers create software that makes computers and other devices run. This includes your computer’s or device’s operating system.
“Applications software developers design software programs like word processors, databases, spreadsheets, and games. These applications may be mass marketed or developed for businesses, organizations, and other entities according to their needs and specifications.”
If you’re tech savvy or have an interest in learning to be, this field is sure to be around and needed for years to come.
What Do I Need To Know?
While a computer science degree is certainly a help here as well, software developer John Sonmez says, “…if you’ve picked a good coding boot camp and you’re willing to do the work, this might be the best option because I feel like it can accelerate your pace to learn software development very quickly.”
Scalable Path founder, Damien Filiatrault, gives us the skills he believes sets great software developers apart from the pack:
- Positive Attitude
Really care about your client’s product
- Supreme Communication Skills
Ask the right questions to gain total clarity
- Great at Time and Task Management
Be highly reliable
- Quick Learning Ability
Find the solution, no matter what
- Deep and Broad Technical Experience
Be well versed in the languages and best practices of the industry
- A Good Team Player
Be willing to help fellow developers
- High-End User Focus
Think ahead and only create features that have real value
5.) User Experience Design
BLS Projected Growth Rate Through 2026: 4%
“UX designers are in high demand—87 percent of hiring managers consider recruiting more UX designers to be their number-one priority.”
What Will I Do?
As a UX (User Experience) designer, you are responsible for creating websites and applications that are simple and improve the experience of users.
Why Choose It?
Interaction Design gives the run down on this interesting field:
“A UX designer is concerned with the entire process of acquiring and integrating a product, including aspects of branding, design, usability and function. It is a story that begins before the device is even in the user’s hands.
“Products that provide great user experience (e.g., the iPhone) are thus designed with not only the product’s consumption or use in mind but also the entire process of acquiring, owning, and even troubleshooting it.
“Similarly, UX designers don’t just focus on creating products that are usable; we concentrate on other aspects of the user experience, such as pleasure, efficiency and fun, too. Consequently, there is no single definition of a good user experience. Instead, a good user experience is one that meets a particular user’s needs in the specific context where he or she uses the product.”
What Do I Need To Know?
JustinMind advises UX Designers be well versed in:
- UX research
Creating a good app or website requires meticulous thought and plenty of studying
- Collaboration
You’ll likely be working with different people whose skills compliment yours
- Wireframing and UI prototyping
Wireframes and prototypes are like the blueprints of your project, and you’ll need to know how to show your clients both
- UX Writing
Having a handle on copy will make you an in demand designer
- Visual Communication
Design sense here will help elevate your presentations, icons, and prototypes
- User Empathy
Put yourself in the user’s shoes and make sure your final product will bring real value
How Do I Get Started?
While the techniques you learn for these services will vary, the methods for turning new skills into a profitable business will remain the same.
1) Take A Course
- Graphic Design
While each graphic designer’s personal preference may vary, according to InDesignSkills, most professional designers use Adobe software. Find a good class that will walk you through Adobe, and get practicing your hand at typography, images, and color.
- Web Development
Coding Dojo explains, “Web development projects require knowledge of more than one programming language. This means the more technologies and languages you know, the more jobs you’ll be able to accept, making this a vital first step. To prioritize, start with languages that are both versatile and in-demand, such as Python, and continue building your experience with more technologies over time.”
Code Academy is a great place to start.
- Web Design
You’ll need to be familiar with how to design and set up a web page, if you’ve never attempted one before. Creative Market has a great list of online resources to get you started.
- Software Development
If you’re just starting out, then a course or two is definitely required for this one. But remember – programming skills are in demand, and are highly transferable. If you have an interest in tech, this is a skill set worth learning. Here’s some bootcamps that will get you started.
- UX Design
If the concept of UX design is new to you, there are many ways to learn how to be a UX designer, even without setting foot in a classroom. Check out some resources here.
2) Define Your Business
Before you begin taking on clients, UX designer Mike Curtis recommends that you first define:
- Your Process
- Your Motivation
- Which Projects You Will/Won’t Do
- Your Role With The Client
- What You Believe Success Looks Like
- What Sets You Apart From The Competition
3) Create Your Expertise Statement
This step will help you get clarity about your business as you decide what your superpower is, who you want to help, and how you are going to help them.
Picking which area to become an expert in is always a crucial step in freelancing.
Find what you love, which services are in demand, and build your business around your specific niche.
4) Build A Portfolio
When it comes to a design portfolio, How Design recommends choosing a platform, creating a logo, and then displaying your best work in a way that is appealing and makes sense. Keep practicing until you are happy with what you’re presenting, and then practice some more!
If you’re working on displaying tech work, UX recruiter, Tom Cotteril says that for each project, he expects to see :
- The Problem
- Who You Worked With
- What Tools You Used
- Discovery Phases
How did you go about solving the problem? - The Process You Used To Overcome The Problem
- The Final Outcome
5) Get Clients
Even if you aren’t an expert yet, there’s no reason why you can’t quickly become one. As you build your skills, reach out to people that you would like to work with!
Most freelance bidding sites are just a race to the bottom. Try these expert tips on cold emailing, so you can be sure you only land clients who will pay you what you’re worth.
A Note On Lifelong Learning
In order to have the most success as a freelancer, it’s important to continually refresh your knowledge and learn new things whenever possible.
The demand for different skill sets is continually evolving, and your client’s needs will always be changing.
The good news is, continuing to educate yourself in the 21st century is easier than it ever has been before.
“Hubspot offers excellent certification programs for marketing professionals. You can also check out Coursera for a wide array of courses offered from some of the best colleges and universities in the world. Don’t forget Khan Academy and Skillshare. Both offer several excellent course pathways and hands-on trainings.
“Whatever your niche may be, you’ll also find excellent books, blogs and podcasts to learn from.
“In addition to building up your skill set, earning various certifications serves another purpose. By establishing expertise in areas that are relevant to your field, you also establish trust.”
Challenge yourself by taking new classes, watching tutorials, joining webinars and email lists, and intentionally applying the things you learn to your business. Make small goals, and chip away at them consistently.
Cartoonist Samax Amen joined The No Pants Project in 2018.
Prior to the program, he struggled to charge what he was worth for his art services and had difficulty seeing his value.
No Pants helped him to immediately get better at his messaging, and to start bringing in clients.
In order to continue moving in the direction of his goals, Samax says:
“I read, watch videos, and try things a lot.
“Not having a job means more time to watch webinars and Q&As. Even when I’m not making as much money as I want, I have lots of discretionary time.”
Samax has found that trading his old 9-5 for the freedom that freelancing provides has given him the time to get clients, overcome limiting beliefs, and to work on learning new skills.
If you make it your aim to keep growing, your services will always be in demand, and your freelancing career will be both satisfying and profitable.
To learn more about finding your unique freelancing superpower in a field that you love, join us in The No Pants Project.
