The Best Remote Graphic Design Jobs & the Companies Hiring for Them

If combining art and technology is your passion, then a remote graphic design job should fit the bill. Graphic designers create and organize visual images and text to communicate a message. Traditionally used to design creative layouts for newspapers, magazines, brochures, and other printed advertising and marketing collateral, more and more graphic designers work almost exclusively in the digital realm. Because of this, graphic design has become a very popular profession for remote work.

Graphic design as an occupation is projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to increase by 3% through 2030. They note that the number of designers working on computer systems is growing. Opportunities in this area focus on creating messages for distribution in a digital format as opposed to print. This would include digital ads, logos, newsletters, email, web pages, social media profiles, and so on.

A related BLS occupation category, web developers and digital designers, captures the opportunities available in digital design. While this occupation includes both front and back end web development, as well as the occupation of webmaster, it also includes web and digital interface designers. This occupational category is expected to grow 13% through 2030, which is much faster than average.

Everything You Need to Know About Remote Graphic Design Jobs

Although most of the time remote graphic design gigs require working independently on a computer, collaboration is often required. You will meet with the internal or external client and listen to their vision and business requirements. Then, perhaps working with other creative partners such as writers and photographers, it is your job to bring the client’s vision to life.

How to Become a Remote Graphic Designer

The education needed by graphic designers is usually a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, fine arts, or communication technology. Most employers prefer a degree from a school accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, but it’s not written in stone. In addition, it is also helpful to earn certifications from the providers of common design software programs such as Adobe Creative Suite.

Educational requirements for web developers and digital designers is similar in that a bachelor’s degree in a digital design field such as web design, digital design, or graphic arts may be preferred. However, in this category, prior projects and work experience can overcome a lack of formal education.

Salary Information

The pay differential between traditional graphic designers and digital designers is significant. The median annual wage reported by the BLS for graphic designers was $53,380 in May 2020. The median annual wage for web developers and digital designers was $77,200 per year.

Remote Graphic Design Jobs Search Advice and Common Titles

When searching for a remote graphic design job, it’s important to create a digital portfolio of your work. Luckily, there are many companies that offer low or no cost portfolios. Even if you have no paid examples, adding school or hobby projects will help showcase your talent. It’s also important to illustrate your technical proficiency with design and illustration software programs as well as remote collaboration and project management software. Be sure to include this information in your portfolio as well as your resume.

Entry-Level Remote Graphic Design Jobs

Securing remote entry level or junior graphic design jobs can be a challenge. Despite advertising for entry level, many jobs will ask for a year of experience. To address this dilemma, be sure to include any school or volunteer experience.

If you don’t have any, you may want to consider offering your services for free to small businesses or non-profits to produce portfolio pieces while also adding to your experience. Gaining software certifications in specialized software applications can also help you to get hired. Think outside the box and get training in 3D rendering, animation, or audio/video editing to set yourself apart.

A few examples of common entry level or junior graphic design titles include:

Part-Time Remote Graphic Design Jobs

Some graphic design jobs are part-time employment opportunities, but there are also opportunities to work flexible hours as a freelancer or contractor. Examples of common graphic design titles include:

Companies Hiring for Remote Graphic Design Jobs

On the graphic design side, the major employers are advertising and public relations agencies, specialized design services, publishing, printing, and scientific and technical consulting firms. On the digital design side, the top employer, somewhat ironically, is the publishing industry (not including web publications) followed by computer systems design. Examples of companies that frequently hire graphic designers include:

Mediaocean

Mediaocean is an advertising software company that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning for managing marketing campaigns and business outcomes.

HALO Branded Solutions, Inc.

HALO Branded Solutions, Inc. develops branded merchandise and provides marketing support for internal and external branding campaigns.

Left Field Labs

Left Field Labs is a creative agency delivering website design, mobile app development, product platforms, custom content, and strategy consulting.

Use Your Creativity to Earn a Living

Graphic or digital design is the perfect remote opportunity for creative and independent individuals who also like to collaborate on projects. Easily adaptable to an online work environment, the primary challenge is ensuring access to and knowledge of specialized design software. While jobs that specialize in print publications and marketing collateral are declining, there are many new opportunities for those interested in making the transition to digital design. The pay is better too!

Which one of these remote graphic design jobs or companies made you excited about finding a position in the industry? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!