Staying at the same job for years can mean many things. Maybe you’ve found the perfect job for you. Maybe you’re loyal to the company you work for. Yet it might also mean that you’ve hit a career plateau.
Working the same job can make your skillset and work experience one-dimensional, especially if you haven’t held multiple positions in the same company over the years. If you’re currently prioritising your career development goals, it may be time to make a change.
However, you don’t need to make drastic changes straightaway. To break a career plateau, consider first branching out to a side gig that aligns with your interests — and since you’re here on our site, that just might be graphic design. Below are a few side gigs you might like.
Selling templates and themes
Businesses and other entities looking to establish their online presence often need eye-catching templates and themes to attract an audience. If you love doing layouts, this gig will fit you well — and you’d be an affordable and effective solution for those who aren’t well-versed in graphic design. You can sell your designs on your own site or through an online marketplace.
Create online comics
If you’re more into storytelling through art, consider entering the vast, wonderful world of webcomics. These digital stories are only becoming more popular by the day, and it’s relatively easy to get started. Sites like LINE Webtoon allow beginner artists to host their comics with the chance of being upgraded to a paid creator. This can pay off — Webtoon has paid their creators a cumulative $27 million (£22.14 million) so far.
Make merch
Maybe you make the kind of art that would look great on t-shirts, jumpers, jewellry, mugs, and other items. You could sell themed merchandise featuring your own designs, set up your own site, or promote your work on platforms like Etsy and even Instagram. It’s a great side gig to try if you’re busy — you can keep selling what’s in stock and won’t need to come up with new designs as often.
Go freelance
In our article ‘How To Start A Career In Graphic Design,’ we discussed how freelance work is great for building your graphic design experience without having to go back to school. It also lets you choose projects on your own terms — you can decide everything from the rates to the deadlines. Just make sure to have your portfolio ready so you can impress potential clients!
Be an influencer
Attracting a sizeable social media following — on Instagram in particular — is a great way to promote your work, create opportunities to work for various clients, and earn money by promoting affiliate links. You can also network with other experienced graphic designers and learn from each other so you can develop your craft even further.
Effectively breaking your career plateau involves deciding on what kind of work you most want to do. With a side gig, you can fulfill your love for graphic design, test the waters without compromising your full-time job — and maybe even decide to make a much-needed career change!
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