10 Ways to Make Money as a Freelance UX/UI Designer: Side Hustle Edition

Thinking about turning your UX/UI design skills into extra cash? You’re in luck! Many designers are finding ways to make money on the side with their talents.

It’s a great time to explore freelance opportunities in this field.

You can boost your income as a UX/UI designer without quitting your day job. Freelancing offers flexibility and the chance to work on exciting projects.

From creating apps to redesigning websites, there are lots of ways to put your skills to use.

Let’s look at some top methods to earn money as a freelance UX/UI designer.

1) Offer design consultations

Want to make some extra cash as a UX/UI designer? Try offering design consultations.

It’s a great way to share your expertise without committing to full projects.

You can help clients figure out their design needs.

Maybe they’re not sure where to start with their website or app.

You can give them ideas and point them in the right direction.

Think about offering one-hour sessions.

You can chat about color schemes, user flow, or overall design strategy.

It’s a quick way to make money as a UI/UX designer without taking on big projects.

Set up a simple booking system on your website.

Let people choose a time that works for them.

You can even do these consultations online through video calls.

Price your consultations based on your experience.

If you’re just starting, keep it affordable.

As you get more clients and better reviews, you can raise your rates.

Remember to follow up after each session.

Send a quick summary of what you talked about.

This shows you care and might lead to more work down the road.

Consultations are also a great way to build your social media presence.

Share tips from your sessions (without naming clients, of course).

It shows off your skills and might attract more people to book with you.

2) Create and sell UX/UI templates

Want to make some extra cash? Try creating and selling UX/UI templates.

It’s a great way to use your design skills and earn money on the side.

You can make all sorts of templates.

Think website layouts, mobile app interfaces, or even icon sets.

The sky’s the limit!

Design marketplaces like Envato are perfect for selling your creations.

They have a huge audience of potential buyers looking for quality templates.

Before you start, check out what’s already out there.

Look for gaps in the market or ways to improve on existing designs.

This can help your templates stand out.

Quality is key.

Make sure your templates are polished, easy to use, and adaptable.

The more versatile they are, the more appealing they’ll be to buyers.

Don’t forget to price your templates right. Research similar items to get an idea of what people are willing to pay.

You might start lower to build up reviews, then increase your prices as you gain a reputation.

Marketing is important too.

Share your templates on social media and design forums.

You could even start a blog to showcase your work and attract more customers.

Remember, this is a numbers game.

The more templates you create and list, the better your chances of making sales.

So keep designing and uploading!

3) Teach online UX/UI courses

Want to share your UX/UI skills and make some extra cash? Teaching online courses could be your next side hustle.

It’s a great way to boost your income while helping others learn.

You don’t need to be a pro to start teaching.

If you know more than a beginner, you’ve got something to offer.

Pick a topic you’re good at and create a course around it.

There are lots of platforms where you can host your courses. LinkedIn Learning is a popular choice with a big audience.

Or you could try Skillshare, which is great for creative topics like UX/UI design.

Making your course is easier than you might think.

Start with a simple intro to UX/UI design.

Or focus on a specific tool like Adobe XD.

Record your screen as you work and explain what you’re doing.

Don’t worry if your first course isn’t perfect.

You’ll get better with practice.

The important thing is to start.

You can always update your course later as you learn more.

Pricing your course can be tricky.

Look at similar courses to get an idea.

Remember, you’re not just selling information.

You’re selling your unique perspective and experience.

Teaching online is flexible.

You can create courses in your spare time and earn money while you sleep.

It’s a great way to diversify your income as a freelance designer.

4) Write a UX/UI design blog

Starting a UX/UI design blog can be a fun way to earn extra cash on the side.

You can share your expertise and insights with others while building your reputation in the field.

Choose a niche that interests you, like mobile app design or user research methods.

This will help you stand out and attract readers who share your passion.

Create engaging content that solves problems for your audience.

Write about common design challenges, industry trends, or helpful tips and tricks.

Your readers will appreciate practical advice they can use in their own work.

Don’t forget to promote your blog on social media.

Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn are great for connecting with other designers and potential clients.

As your blog grows, you can monetize it in different ways.

Consider offering sponsored posts, selling digital products, or using affiliate marketing to earn income from your content.

Remember to be consistent with your posting schedule.

Regular updates will keep your readers coming back for more and help boost your search engine rankings.

Blogging can also lead to other opportunities.

You might get invited to speak at events, collaborate with other designers, or even land new freelance gigs through your blog’s exposure.

5) Host UX/UI design workshops

Want to share your design skills and make some extra cash? Hosting UX/UI design workshops could be your next side gig.

You can teach others while padding your wallet.

Start by picking topics you’re great at.

Maybe it’s wireframing, user research, or prototyping.

Choose stuff that’ll help other designers level up their skills.

Next, decide if you want to do in-person or online workshops.

Both have their perks.

In-person lets you connect face-to-face, while online reaches more people.

Set your prices based on the workshop length and your experience.

Don’t sell yourself short! People are willing to pay for quality learning.

Promote your workshops on social media and design forums.

You can also build your social media presence to attract more students.

Remember to make your workshops fun and interactive.

Use real-world examples and hands-on exercises.

Your students will learn better and have a blast.

As you host more workshops, you’ll build a reputation as an expert.

This can lead to more opportunities and higher-paying gigs down the road.

Don’t forget to gather feedback after each workshop.

Use it to improve and create even better sessions in the future.

Happy teaching!

6) Freelance on platforms like Upwork

Want to make some extra cash as a UX/UI designer? Freelance platforms like Upwork are a great place to start.

You can find tons of gigs there, from small tweaks to big projects.

Setting up your profile is easy.

Just show off your best work and skills.

Don’t forget to highlight your UX/UI expertise!

Bidding on jobs is the next step.

Look for projects that match your skills and interests.

When you apply, make your proposal stand out.

Tell clients why you’re perfect for their job.

Upwork isn’t the only game in town. Check out other sites like Freelancer and FreeUp.

They each have their own perks and job types.

Remember, these platforms take a cut of your earnings.

But they handle payments and provide some job security.

It’s a trade-off that can be worth it when you’re starting out.

As you build your reputation, you’ll get more offers.

Clients might even invite you to jobs directly.

This can lead to steady work and higher pay.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Try different platforms to see what works best for you.

Each one has its own vibe and client base.

Building a personal website is smart too.

You can direct potential clients there from your platform profiles.

It shows you’re serious about your UX/UI design career.

7) Work as a UX/UI design mentor

Got some experience under your belt? Why not share your knowledge with others? Working as a UX/UI design mentor can be a great way to earn extra cash on the side.

You can offer your services on platforms like Dribbble or Behance.

These sites are full of budding designers looking for guidance.

Think about what you can teach.

Maybe you’re great at user research or have a knack for creating stunning interfaces.

Whatever your strength, there’s likely someone eager to learn from you.

You can mentor one-on-one or even create small group sessions.

Set your own hours and rates.

This flexibility makes it perfect as a side gig.

Don’t forget about online course platforms.

You could create video tutorials or write articles sharing your expertise.

This way, you can help many designers at once and earn passive income.

Remember, mentoring isn’t just about making money.

It’s also a chance to grow your own skills.

Teaching others can deepen your understanding of UX/UI design.

Plus, it’s a great way to build your social media presence.

As you help others, you’ll gain followers and boost your reputation in the design community.

So, why not give mentoring a shot? It’s a rewarding way to earn extra cash while making a difference in other designers’ careers.

8) Start a UX/UI design podcast

Ever thought about sharing your UX/UI design knowledge through a podcast? It’s a fun way to make some extra cash on the side.

Podcasts are super popular these days.

You can chat about design trends, interview other pros, or give tips to newbies.

People love learning while they commute or do chores.

Starting a podcast is pretty easy.

You just need a decent mic and some free recording software.

Pick a catchy name and create cool cover art to grab attention.

Once you’ve got a few episodes, put your podcast on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

These are free and help you reach more listeners.

As your audience grows, you can make money through ads or sponsorships.

Some companies might pay you to mention their products or services.

You could also use your podcast to promote your own design services or courses.

It’s a great way to show off your expertise and attract new clients.

Don’t worry if you’re not a tech whiz.

There are lots of UX/UI podcasts out there to inspire you.

Listen to a few and see what style you like best.

Remember, consistency is key.

Try to stick to a regular schedule, even if it’s just once a month.

Your listeners will appreciate it, and it’ll help you build a loyal following.

9) Sell UX/UI design resources on Etsy

Etsy isn’t just for handmade crafts.

It’s a great place to sell digital products too.

As a UX/UI designer, you can turn your skills into a side hustle by creating and selling design resources.

Think about the tools and templates you use in your daily work.

Could other designers benefit from them? You can sell UI kits, icon sets, wireframe templates, or even custom Figma components.

Pricing is key.

Start by checking out what similar products are going for.

You want to be competitive but also value your work.

Remember, you can sell the same digital product multiple times without extra work.

Setting up your Etsy shop is pretty straightforward.

Choose a catchy name, write clear descriptions, and use eye-catching thumbnails.

Make sure to use relevant tags so designers can find your products easily.

Customer service matters, even with digital products.

Be ready to answer questions and maybe even offer some basic support.

Happy customers leave good reviews, which can boost your sales.

Don’t forget to promote your shop.

Share it on your social media, in design forums, or even on your portfolio website.

The more eyes on your products, the better your chances of making sales.

This side hustle can grow with time.

As you get more sales and reviews, you can expand your product line.

You might even build a loyal customer base who’ll keep coming back for your newest designs.

10) Provide UX/UI critique services

Want to make some extra cash on the side? Try offering UX/UI critique services.

This can be a great way to use your design skills without committing to full projects.

You can start by reaching out to other designers or small businesses.

Offer to review their websites or apps and give feedback.

Your fresh eyes can spot issues they might have missed.

Build your social media presence to attract potential clients.

Share tips and insights about UX/UI design on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn.

This can help showcase your expertise and draw people to your services.

Set up a simple website or portfolio to showcase your skills.

Include examples of critiques you’ve done, even if they’re just practice ones.

This gives potential clients an idea of what to expect.

Price your services based on the depth of critique you’re offering.

You could charge per hour or per project.

Start with lower rates to build up reviews and testimonials.

Consider offering different levels of service.

A basic review might just cover high-level issues.

A more in-depth critique could include detailed suggestions for improvement.

Remember to be constructive in your feedback.

Clients want solutions, not just a list of problems.

Offer clear, actionable advice they can use to improve their designs.

Building Your Portfolio

A strong portfolio is key to landing clients as a freelance UX/UI designer.

It shows off your skills and helps you stand out from the crowd.

Showcasing Your Best Work

Pick your top projects to feature.

Quality beats quantity, so choose 3-5 pieces that really shine.

Include a mix of personal and client work if possible.

For each project, explain the problem you solved and your design process.

Show before and after images to highlight your impact.

Use mockups to make your designs look polished and professional.

Don’t forget to add case studies.

These give potential clients a deeper look at how you think and work.

Break down your approach, challenges faced, and final results.

Utilizing Online Platforms

Dribbble and Behance are great places to showcase your work.

They’re popular with designers and clients alike.

Create profiles on both to boost your visibility.

Your own website is a must-have too.

It gives you full control over how you present your work.

Use a simple, clean design that puts your projects front and center.

Consider using platforms like Figma or InVision to share interactive prototypes.

This lets clients see how your designs work in action.

Don’t shy away from social media.

Share your work on Instagram or Twitter to reach a wider audience.

Regular posts keep your profile active and engaging.

Finding Clients

Getting clients is key to making money as a freelance UX/UI designer.

You’ll need to put yourself out there and build connections.

Let’s look at some ways to find work.

Networking Strategies

Go to design meetups and conferences.

You’ll meet other designers and potential clients.

Hand out business cards with your contact info and portfolio link.

Join online UX/UI communities.

Share your work and give feedback on others’ projects.

This helps you make connections and shows off your skills.

Reach out to past coworkers or classmates.

They might need design help or know someone who does.

Don’t be shy – just send a friendly message to catch up.

Ask satisfied clients for referrals.

Word-of-mouth is powerful for getting new work.

Leveraging Social Media

Post your work on Instagram, Dribbble, and Behance.

Use relevant hashtags so potential clients can find you.

Share your process and thoughts, not just final designs.

Make a LinkedIn profile highlighting your UX/UI skills.

Join design groups and engage in discussions.

Some companies post job openings there.

Try Twitter to share quick design tips or insights.

Follow and interact with other designers and companies you’d like to work with.

Build your personal brand on these platforms.

Show your personality and unique design style.

Clients often hire designers they feel they can connect with.