A memo to graphic designers sniffing around for freelance gigs: there are plenty to choose from at global staffing company Aquent, according to the company’s area manager for Melbourne, Wendi Dawson.

Graphic designers make up about 25% of the talent on the company’s books, Ms Dawson says. “And of the almost 2000 creative-freelance job orders placed with Aquent, approximately 75% are filled by graphic designers. “The presentation of their portfolio of design work and the diversity of their skills are two ways in which graphic designers can stand out when seeking freelance employment, ” Ms Dawson says. “Good designers with finished-art skills are a lot more adaptable for a variety of freelance assignments. And having a mix of skills across point-of-sale, packaging or corporate branding is also an advantage as we are able to present them with a wider range of assignment options, as oppose to focusing on their area of specialisation.”

And what about the hourly rate for freelance graphic designers? Ms Dawson says that it varies greatly from one job to the next, “Freelancing is for experienced graphic designers as clients are looking for specific skills.

“Depending on the amount of experience, the skill level and diversity of a freelancer, and the requirements of an assignment, pay rates start at about $30 an hour and go up to $100 an hour.”

Written by Josh Jennings