2nd Income Streams for a Graphic Designer: Lucrative and Overlooked

If you are a graphic designer by trade and you have some extra time each day or on the weekends, then you should consider learning more about a lucrative second income stream. The places and ways you can use your valuable skills are almost limitless. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Wedding invitations and programs.

The wedding industry has always been a lucrative one. However, people are always looking to save money on these services. One of the most costly things a bride will have to spend money on is programs and invitations. This is good news for you is that you have the exact skills that she's looking for. It is very likely that you already have all the equipment and skills necessary to perform these service for brides-to-be. Since you don't have the overhead of an established wedding invitation company, you will be able to easily undercut their price while still making it worthwhile for you.

2. Banners and signs.

People need banners and signs made year-round. The problem is that in many towns, especially small towns, there are very limited places to have these banners and signs made. Also, where there are limited places to have banners and signs made, there are higher prices for these products. If you live in a town where the only place to have banners are signs designed and printed is Kinko's, then it is very likely that you will be able to easily undercut their price. Spring and summer are two of the best times of year for the banner and sign business. With all the graduations, weddings, and anniversaries there are plenty of people that are in need of banners and signs. There is also very good business year-round from churches, birthday parties and everything in between.

The best thing about finding a lucrative second income stream such as making banners and signs or wedding programs and invitations is the very small amount of time that it will take you to design these projects. Before deciding to jump into any of these projects, browse your local yellow pages into an online search in your town to find out who offers the services and how much they charge.

If you decide to offer any of these services, start your marketing efforts using word-of-mouth advertising. Print off a simple business card for yourself and distribute it to your church members, at the barbershop or salon, to family and friends, and to coworkers. In a very short time your phone will start to ring with printing projects to keep you busy and bring in a second stream of graphic design income for you.