How to Become a Freelance User Experience Designer in 2024

Freelance work is a unique form of self-employment where individuals can offer their skills to clients regularly or semi-regularly. A freelance UX Designer will typically work on similar projects to those working in-house and can specialize in a particular form of design or explore many different projects, depending on their preferences. There are many ways to begin your freelance journey, but they all start with acquiring the necessary skills for success.

Freelance vs. In-house User Experience Designer

Although the role is the same, the workload and format vary dramatically between freelancing and in-house positions. There are distinct differences to consider in terms of flexibility, focus, benefits, and client interaction. Below will highlight some of the more generalized differences between the positions. Although there are advantages and disadvantages to each, the choice is ultimately determined by your needs and desires.

In-House Employment

UX Designers can work in virtually any company and industry. These employees are hired directly by the organization and work part-time or full-time as well as on a salary or hourly. In-house UX Designers usually enjoy benefits that freelancers don’t, such as healthcare, retirement plans, paid time off, and consistent, stable employment. However, they typically have less creative freedom than freelancers. In addition, they are confined to their workspace and have set-in-stone schedules. The projects they complete are usually centered around the company and its needs, which is to be expected as they are hired to contribute to the business’s long-term goals and prosperity. They work closely with others in the office and may even collaborate with stakeholders and marketing experts. As a result, they build relationships and form bonds easily with colleagues and other interested parties.

Freelance Opportunities

A freelancer is a self-employed individual who can choose when and how they work. Freelancing makes it easier to determine what kinds of projects you will work on, whereas in-house professionals are given little choice. Freelancers can work on niche projects, complete short interface edits, or contribute to larger, long-term products. While freelancing offers a flexible schedule and a wider variety of projects and clients, this employment method does lack some benefits of an in-house position. In addition, they are expected to manage their business solo, unless they hire a consultant or manager. While there’s less certainty of when the next job will come along, freelancers do have more independence. Plus, freelance professionals with strong client relationships are typically asked to return and can even receive referrals to others for their exceptional work.

Benefits & Potential Challenges of User Experience Designer Freelancing

Benefits of Freelancing as a UX Design Professional

Freelancers have the opportunity to earn more than an in-house position. By freelancing, you can acquire multiple clients at once, which can boost your earnings exponentially. In connection with earnings, a freelancer will have more control over their scheduling and will have the ability to work remotely. Freelancing typically gives workers the freedom to balance their work and professional lives with ease. This means if you prefer to work in the evenings as opposed to the mornings, you can do so. If you should ever need to take a break, you have a comfortable space to decompress before getting back to work. Plus, you are sure to never get bored as the variety of projects and clients you can choose from makes the job both engaging and appropriately challenging.

Possible Drawbacks to Freelancing as a UX Design Professional

Although there are opportunities to earn more from freelance positions, the income can be inconsistent. There is a highly competitive market for freelance professionals. Although many freelancing positions are becoming available each day, there could be a lull between projects and clients. Freelancing requires exceptional self-discipline and motivation since you will consistently have to put yourself out there for new job prospects and continually open yourself up to criticism. Depending on how business-savvy you are, the management responsibilities that come with freelancing may be overwhelming. For example, you may need superior negotiation skills when discussing contracts with future employers. Alternatively, you may find it challenging to market your skills effectively. The administrative responsibilities can take a toll, so this is a drawback worth considering.

What is a User Experience Designer?

A UX Designer creates a positive experience for the user of a digital product or service, such as a website, mobile application, platform, or software. Their role requires strong research skills as they often perform tests, distribute surveys, and conduct interviews to gain more insight into the success of their product. From these insights, they can learn more about the user’s experience with the product and make necessary steps for improvements. The data is then used to develop wireframes, prototypes, and eventually, a well-organized, highly functional finished product.

The average UX Designer will also utilize several tools and skills to perform their job functions adequately. Firstly, they use Figma to create prototypes, edit vector graphics, and create layouts for digital spaces. Figma is one of the most popular tools for a UX design professional to use as it has collaborative features and can apply standardized features and visuals across all products. In addition, Adobe XD is useful for vector graphics design and is equally collaborative, which is vital during the prototyping process.

Whereas a UX Designer works on ensuring functionality across the digital product, there are so many other aspects to consider. As a result, UX Designers work closely with other professionals, such as UI Designers and Digital Marketers, who can implement more brand-specific and aesthetically appealing features. The ideal UX Designer will have a variety of skills ranging from creative to technical and communicative to analytical. There are endless career possibilities for a UX Designer as they can typically find work in virtually any field or industry.

What is UX Design Freelancing Like?

Now that you’ve gained a better sense of what freelancing is, you may wonder what freelancing as a UX Designer entails. Typically, you’ll have to explore different freelance options, discuss pay and expectations, and continually check in with those who have hired you for your services.

Finding Work

Lucky for all freelancing professionals, there are many ways to find jobs. The standard approach is to explore online job search platforms, such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. However, you can also search freelance-specific websites, including Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer. Through different UX design networking opportunities (such as attending events or joining online communities) you may hear through the grapevine that there are freelance opportunities in your area as well. Otherwise, it’s suggested that you continually update and maintain your online profile, resume, and portfolio to display all the skills you have to offer. Additionally, you may reach out directly to companies for their openings or seek the guidance of a recruiter who can help you collect new clients and expand your outreach. 

Negotiating Contracts

One of the key parts of working as a UX design freelancer is negotiating your contract. By considering the workload you plan to take on and the scope of the project, you will gain a better idea of what your time is worth and how you can meet the company halfway. It’s important to establish the hourly rates that you’re willing to accept and discuss these upfront with the company. Negotiating your pay can be daunting, but will help establish yourself as a serious and considerable freelance professional. In addition to compensation, you’ll want to discuss things like project timeline, company expectations, intellectual property, and other legal aspects of completing freelance work.

Communicating with Clients

Freelancing also requires strong communication skills, not only to acquire clients but also to determine how to successfully provide your clients with what they need. This may include a preliminary discussion about the goals and requirements for each project. In connection, you will likely determine who the primary audience is for each project. You’ll want to continually update your clients on the progress you’ve made and request reviews and constructive criticism as needed. Plus, you’ll likely want to acquire some base-level presentation skills that can help you deliver the finished project with confidence and assurance.

Is UX Design Freelancing Right for Me?

Weighing the Benefits and the Challenges of Freelance Work

Before anything else, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of freelancing. This requires a deeper level of self-examination, as not everyone is cut out for the flexible and spontaneous life of a freelancer. Typically, if you find that freelancing does not align with your professional goals or aspirations, then a traditional in-house job is likely the best option. However, if you feel that the autonomous lifestyle of a freelancer is up your alley (and you feel confident that you can make up the difference in terms of stability) a freelance position can be rewarding, both professionally and personally.

Qualities of a Successful UX Design Freelancer

Aside from having professional-level UX design skills and a developed professional portfolio, a freelance professional should have numerous qualities that make this career path feasible. They must have keen communication skills and understand the importance of staying in touch with clients, collaborators, and stakeholders. They must build a rapport with the client and foster a sense of trust and credibility with them. They are able to budget and negotiate and are adaptable to different situations. Additionally, freelance professionals are motivated enough to work independently and can prioritize tasks on a level of importance. Their commitment to achieving their goals and honoring agreements leads to a better relationship between themselves and the client. Aside from this, they can manage their time effectively and multitask to provide the most well-developed and impressive finished product.

Personal Circumstances

Aside from factors specific to the field and freelancing, you’ll also have to analyze personal circumstances. For instance, factor in your current schedule to determine if freelancing is possible. Some choose to freelance as a side hustle whereas others do so as a career. In addition, your desired income and need for benefits will play a large role. Lastly, consider your plans for further professional development. Your long-term career goals may drive you to explore in-house options versus freelance opportunities; however, if you have already established yourself as a UX design specialist, you may feel more comfortable diving into freelance work.

Steps to Become a Freelance User Experience Designer

Acquire UX-Specific Skills

First and foremost, you’ll want to determine how you’ll gain the skills needed to become a working UX Designer. The most beneficial way to gain UX design skills is through enrollment in a professional training program, whether that is through a university or a training center. You will start by building a foundation that can be built upon through hands-on practice and studying different tools, methodologies, and principles. You’ll want to gain enough knowledge of UX design as a practice and learn how to use relevant software such as Figma and Adobe XD. Additionally, you’ll want to learn the process of wireframing, prototyping, researching, and other relevant job responsibilities. Luckily, through a training program, you will gain ample experience conducting each stage of the design process.

Develop a Professional Portfolio

With the experience garnered from hands-on projects and activities in your training program, you will have enough material to start or further develop your professional portfolio. This is an essential step to becoming a freelance UX Designer as most design positions require applicants to provide a portfolio filled with previous work, including anything from research methods, wireframes, prototypes, and finished products. Within your professional portfolio, you will highlight all the skills and abilities you have to share and utilize with future employers. Your portfolio should demonstrate a mastery of UX design skills, including how to troubleshoot errors, solve complex design problems, analyze consumer behavior, and develop intuitive and creative designs for a positive user experience.

Specialize in a Field or Product

You can take your UX design career one step further by determining what kind of work you plan to do. For instance, some UX Designers work exclusively in certain industries. A UX Designer in the finance world will create different products than those in the healthcare industry, which is why choosing a specialty can be worthwhile. In addition, some UX Designers produce well-organized and effective ecommerce shops whereas others are more useful in mobile application creation. Once you have found your niche and can separate yourself from other UX Designers, you may feel more confident taking the next step in your educational and career acquisition journey.

Learn Business Skills

Once you’ve become a proficient UX design specialist, you will want to consider how you plan to set up and conduct your freelance business. Aside from gaining the skills necessary for UX design, you will want to learn business skills such as marketing, management, and finance if you want to become a successful freelance professional. These skills will make it easier to manage your freelance business and promote your services to companies in the area or online. Regardless of whether you seek out the help of a consultant throughout your freelance design career, learning these skills is paramount to becoming a successful and reputable freelance UX Designer.

Learn the Skills to Become a User Experience Designer at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop hosts classes in myriad subjects, including UX design. With the help of their Classes Near Me tool, you can find courses that suit your learning needs and help you take the next step in your journey. For immersive, in-depth exposure to design concepts, consider the UX and UI Design Certificate. This 132-hour course (available full-time or part-time) breaks down the skills needed to excel as a UX/UI Designer. Students will learn how to use tools like Figma to design and create webpages, applications, and other digital platforms. In addition, the instructor will guide students through different research methods and explain how to analyze findings. Between practical experience through hands-on portfolio projects and case study reviews, students will feel as though they’ve gained a solid ground upon which to further develop their UX/UI design skills.

For beginners who want to gain a solid foundation for UX design concepts, Noble Desktop’s UX Design Foundations program lets students explore the UX design field in-depth. Over 12 hours of total instruction, students will learn not only about the job role but what the process entails. They will explore different research methods, such as user interviews, observations, and heuristics, as well as familiarize themselves with terminology relevant to the field. This course is an ideal way to prepare yourself for a career in UX or UI design or to gain more insight into the design process as a whole.

To focus on a specific UX design tool, you can enroll in the Figma Bootcamp. In this 12-hour course, students will learn to use Figma, a popular UX application that is specifically geared towards user interface and user experience design. Through different projects, students will learn to draft designs before turning them into prototypes. They will incorporate vector-based graphics, use different tools for the design process, learn to make animations and work with Team libraries.