Freelance Graphic Designer
What you'd actually do
The work is taking briefs from clients, coming up with ideas, designing on the computer, sharing drafts and reworking them on feedback, then delivering the finished files. Creativity is essential, but so are listening to what clients actually want, hitting deadlines and the business side of quoting, invoicing and finding the next job.
Being self-employed means no fixed wage, no sick or holiday pay, and income that swings between busy and quiet spells, especially while you build a name. You manage your own hours and clients from home or a studio, which brings freedom along with the pressure of finding steady work.
There are no strict qualifications, though many designers take a college course or build skills and a portfolio themselves; your portfolio matters far more than any certificate. You must register as self-employed with HMRC, handle your own tax and master design software.