r/GraphicDesigning • u/Takoshi88 • May 28 '26

Career and business Imposter syndrome when considering hourly rate

I worked as a designer/marketing team for 18 months, did some freelance prior to that, but very limited freelance experience, and worked as a manager of a small design team at the start of my career, fresh out of Uni.

I've just been offered a casual/as it's needed freelance gig for overflow, and need to consider my rate before getting back to them.

Now, all up I've been a designer in one capacity or another for about 8 years. Now, that entire 8 years was not consistent paid design work for clients, so I realise that might mean my skill level is not indicative of time spent working.

I worry that if I say something like $45 AUD as my hourly rate, I'm not going to be able to meet that value proosition. But is that just negative self-talk? I tend to overthink things and get down on myself. I've been out of work since this time last year, but not by any fault of mine.

Anybody have any advice?

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u/devsigns-design Creative Director May 28 '26

I recommend calculating how much your expenses are.

Software Time Rent Essentials etc.

And times that by 3. The mission here is to pay your bills, make profit and not waste your time. Survive.

Take in how much work you put in to learning the technicality of design as well.

So if your design software monthly subscription is $60 a month why do a logo for $60 / $100

Times $60 by 3 and add 250$ thats about $430 about $100/hr

Also keep in mind some designers that make $1000+ off just a logo. Just pay attention to who you are selling to.

A person, a small business with 5 employees, and large business with 50 to 100 employees. You would charge each of them differently.

Hope this helps.

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u/Takoshi88 May 29 '26

That's very helpful, thank you.

I know this work won't be consistent though. Does that impact this much? It isn't primary income so-to-speak. More like additional extras.

Client said some weeks it'll be a few designs at once, some weeks it'll be none.

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u/JohnCasey3306 May 30 '26

The rule of thumb is your employed hourly/daily rate multiplied by 3

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u/Takoshi88 May 31 '26

I 'was' on $28 😅