Navigating the crossroads of creativity and financial stability is a challenge many designers face. The allure of the design world, with its potential for high earnings and creative freedom, is undeniable. Yet, behind the scenes, the reality can be much more complex.
In this candid interview, we delve into the story of a seasoned designer contemplating exploration of new areas in addition to design major—not due to a lack of talent, but because the demands and financial inconsistencies of the industry are pushing him to explore new horizons.
His journey reveals the struggles of sustaining a creative career while balancing the desire for financial security and personal fulfillment.
What is your current income range, and how does it fluctuate between good, average, and bad days?
- On good days, I earn about 1 million Naira, on average days around 600,000 Naira, and on bad days, around 200,000 Naira. I am considering quitting though.
Quitting? Despite your significant income?
- The level of jobs I’m currently getting isn’t bringing in the desired income, and the demands of design are becoming too much. I’m considering moving into something else while still doing design on the side.
What alternative career options are you exploring, and why do you feel drawn to them?
- I’m thinking of returning to my first love, which is print. Printing can potentially bring in the same money design does in a month within just a few days, depending on the job.
How does the financial potential of print jobs compare to design jobs in your experience?
- A good print job can bring in as much money in one week as design does in a month. However, design gigs, especially when contracted through multiple parties, often reduce my potential earnings.
What challenges do you face in billing clients directly for high-value design jobs?
- When jobs pass through multiple parties before reaching me, it’s difficult to bill a high amount, like 10 million Naira. Before getting to me. I’m often forced to settle for a lower, family-related price.
How has your previous experience in an agency influenced your decision to consider other career paths?
- Working in an agency took up a lot of my time, including weekends, leaving me little time for family. Despite the work, the pay wasn’t a good enough match for my responsibilities which led me to seek another option.
What are your thoughts on starting your own agency, and what challenges do you foresee?
- Starting an agency isn’t easy unless you already have a solid client base. The monthly expenses could be around 1 million Naira, and without enough clients, it’s not feasible for me right now.
How do you plan to balance your financial responsibilities while pursuing new business ventures?
- Most of my income isn’t mine, as 80% goes toward supporting others and work operations. I’m considering starting a wholesale business, like Pastries, as it could be a profitable side venture.
How important is networking in your field, and how has it impacted your ability to secure high-paying gigs?
- Networking is crucial. For instance, a friend’s connection in Kenya led to a gig where I was able to charge significantly more than usual. However, finding these opportunities requires actively seeking out the right people.
So design is lucrative, its just acquisition strategies designers should be concerned about. What strategies have you used to market yourself and secure new clients in the design industry?
- I constantly pitch myself at every opportunity, mentioning that I’m a designer and printer. I’ve even started to bring out my portfolio during casual conversations to secure gigs. Networking and putting myself out there have been key.
This interview reaffirms that design can be a highly lucrative career when approached with dedication and a comprehensive skill set.
This designer clearly demonstrates that he earns a decent income, with his earnings ranging from 600,000 to 1 million Naira on good days. However, his decision to consider quitting design isn’t because the field lacks potential, but rather due to the challenges of sustaining such income levels consistently—a common challenge in the creative industry.
These inconsistencies, however, can be bridged by adding a new skill that’s relevant to design, like knowledge of printing, which can increase designers’ income. The upcoming masterclass by NGD features an array of nearby skills designers can pick up. Increase your earnings now.
Networking effectively and building strong connections has helped this designer get more work with the right people, which has led to higher-paying opportunities. Networking not only opens doors to better gigs but also helps secure a steady flow of work, making it easier to maintain a stable income.
The designer’s name has been changed for anonymity.