More than ever, creative professionals around the world are looking for flexibility, variety, and the chance to really make an impact through their work.
And yet, traditional creative roles — jobs in design agencies, freelance platforms, or in-house positions — aren’t always equipped to meet these needs.
But, no worries, unfulfilled creative. That’s where on-demand design platforms can come in, offering a brand-new way for creatives to work on exciting projects, connect with a diverse range of clients and industries, and grow their career on THEIR terms.
So, what is on-demand design?
And how can it be your next big opportunity?
Today’s blog has the information you need! Today, we’re exploring what on-demand design is all about, how they operate, and the benefits they can bring for modern creative’s looking for their next big opportunity!
Let’s dive in!
What is On-Demand Design?
On-demand design is a flexible, project-based model where creative professionals like graphic designers, web designers, video production experts, animators, and more work on specific design tasks or campaigns requested by clients through a digital platform.
Unlike traditional in-house careers or the freelance market, on-demand design provides creative with a steady flow of exciting and varied projects without the need for any administrative tasks like sourcing clients, negotiating pricing, or long-term commitments.
How Does On-Demand Design Work?
Typically, a client will submit requests for design work, anything from branding to web design to social media graphics, and then will be matched with a designer on the platform that possesses the required skill for the project.
Creatives then have the flexibility to choose which projects to work on, passing on those they don’t, and can enjoy a steady workflow with a variety of different projects for a variety of different industries.
Because an administrative team handles the clients, on-demand designers get to focus on what they do best and deliver the high-quality results clients are looking for.
What Qualities Does It Take to Succeed in an On-Demand Design Platform?
So, what does it take to succeed within a model like this?
Let’s take a look at some skills you’ll have to have:
1. Technical Expertise
First off, before you can succeed in an on-demand design platform, you need a solid foundation in your craft, whether that’s graphic design, motion graphics, web development, video production, or anything else.
Bottom line: You need to be good at what you do.
You also need to master the industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or After Effects to help you create the kind of polished and professional work that your clients will expect.
It also doesn’t hurt to keep yourself current with design trends and best practices in your field. This will make sure that your work is relevant, up-to-date, and more appealing to as many clients as possible.
2. Adaptability
On-demand design platforms are a fast-paced place to be.
You’ll be provided with a steady stream of varied projects from different clients and different industries, so it’s pretty necessary to be able to adapt on the fly. You might find yourself working on a tech startup’s logo design one day and a technical guide for a manufacturing company the next.
Being open to new ideas, different client preferences, and different project types will not only broaden your skill set but also increases your marketability to clients and project managers looking for versatile creative professionals.
3. Time Management
Since on-demand design is such a fast-paced model, it’ll also require you to balance multiple projects at once and meet multiple deadlines.
Strong time management skills are a must here. They help you keep track of each project’s requirements, meet your deadlines consistently, and maintain a high standard of work.
It’s good to develop a workflow that prioritizes urgent tasks and manages revision time while still giving you plenty of time for creativity and ideation. This workflow will help you stay organized and take on multiple projects to add to your income!
4. Clear Communication
Communication is necessary in just about any job, but for a remote, project-based setup like on-demand design, it’s crucial.
You’ll often need to interpret client or project manager’s briefings and be able to translate that into a result they love without face-to-face meetings.
It helps to be clear and proactive in your communication — whether it’s asking for clarification for client expectations, providing progress updates, or discussing revisions with a project manager. This will keep everyone on the same page and make sure that you keep your clients happy and avoid any repeat work!
5. Creativity
We left this entry last, but let’s be real: Creativity is the heart of on-demand design.
Clients are relying on you not just for your technical skills (though those are pretty darn valuable) but for your creativity; the fresh, innovative ideas that can make their brand or product stand out.
And this ability to bring unique concepts to life and push your creative boundaries will also set you apart from others on the platform! So, embrace a mindset of continuous learning and don’t be afraid to experiment. This will keep your work fresh, impactful, and memorable to your clients!
On-Demand Design vs. Traditional Agency Roles
Now that you know more about what it takes to succeed in an on-demand design role, let’s talk about how, if you’ve never done it before, it will be a big change from traditional agency roles.
Here’s a peek at how they differ so you can see if a switch to an on-demand design platform is the right move for your work style and career goals.
- Project Variety and Scope — Unlike most agency roles, where designers work on ongoing campaigns for the same clients, on-demand platforms usually consist of short-term projects for a variety of industries. The good news is that this keeps your portfolio fresh and versatile!
- Client Acquisition and Administration — Traditional agencies handle client relationships long-term, while on-demand platforms streamline client acquisition. This lets designers focus on creativity without the administrative burdens of contracts, invoicing, or extensive client management.
- Flexibility and Autonomy — On-demand platforms give designers more control over their schedules and project choices. While agencies may require set hours and dedicated focus on a single client or industry, on-demand work allows for a more flexible, self-directed approach.
Benefits of On-Demand Design Platforms for Creatives
So, if this sounds like a gig you could get used to, then you’ll be pleased to know that there are many benefits that come with working for an on-demand design platform.
Here are just a few:
- Flexible Work Schedules — The ability to set your hours and workload lets you adjust your work-life balance.
- Exposure to Many Different Industries — Working across industries like tech, retail, hospitality, and more broadens your skill set and mixes up your portfolio.
- Full Pipeline — On-demand platforms provide a steady flow of projects so that you never have to self-market. This allows you to focus on your work rather than fretting about the business side of freelancing.
- Supportive Community — Many on-demand platforms have an active creative community where designers can collaborate, learn from each other, ask for help, or just hang out!
How to Find the Right On-Demand Design Platform
Remember, not all on-demand design platforms are the same, so finding the perfect fit is important.
Here are some things to consider:
1. Project Variety
It’s always a good idea to check out a platform’s portfolio to see the kind of diversity in their projects.
Some might focus on specific types of design work, like branding or social media, while others might also include UI/UX design, motion graphics, and animation. If you’re interested in gaining new skills or experimenting with new styles, then a platform with a wider variety of projects could be a better fit.
2. Client Base
The type of clients that a platform attracts can make or break your experience working there. A platform with high-quality, credible clients could mean more consistent work for you.
Some platforms also might cater more to startups and small businesses, while others work with large, enterprise-level clients or even specialize in specific industries like healthcare, manufacturing, or tech.
Look for an on-demand design platform that works with your career goals, whether that means working with a varied client base or a niche industry that you happen to be passionate about.
3. Support and Resources
Different platforms of different sizes will offer different levels of support to their employees.
Some may have dedicated support teams to mediate on creatives’ behalf and troubleshoot issues and some may be more hands-off. Some on-demand design platforms may also give their employees access to design templates, training materials, and other resources, while others don’t.
It all depends on what you’re looking for from your employer.
4. Compensation
Of course, compensation is often a deciding factor in where you decide to work!
So, before you sign on somewhere, look into how each platform handles payment.
How often would you be paid? Do you get paid per project? Per hour? Are they on a retainer basis? Do they pay more for projects that are more intensive or require specialized skills?
Make sure their payment schedules are transparent and work for you before moving forward!
<div class="c-blog_comp-cta cc-component-2"><div class="c-blog_comp-cta-left"><div class="c-blog_comp-cta-left-wrap"><img src="https://global-uploads.webflow.com/61cdf3c5e0b8155f19e0105b/63695243d096983691046ac3_Potential-Creative.png" loading="lazy" alt="" class="c-blog_comp-cta-left-img"></div></div><div class="c-blog_comp-cta-right cc-dark"><div class="c-blog_comp-content"><div class="c-text-wrapper cc-mb-32"><div class="c-title-4 cc-bold"><strong>Like to work as a freelancer with consistent income?</strong></div></div><div class="c-text-wrapper"><div class="c-text-2">Designity's collaborative model is designed to give you all of the perks of being a freelancer without the income instability.<br></div></div></div><div class="c-blog_comp-wrapper"><a href="http://designity.com/creatives" target="_blank" class="c-button w-button"><strong>Join Our Creative Community</strong></a></div></div></div>
Is Working for an On-Demand Design Platform Right for You?
After hearing all there is to know about on-demand design … is it for you?
If so, we can help save you some time researching into what platform is the right place for you and your skills.
Because Designity’s creative community is made up of the best of the best in creative fields like graphic design, web design, motion graphics, video, animation, packaging design, plus others like copywriting, coding, digital marketing, and more, and we’re always looking to add fresh, new talent to our ranks!
So, if you think you’d enjoy perks like …
- Competitive pay
- Flexible schedules
- A 100% remote environment
- Plenty of growth opportunities
- A variety of different projects in different industries
- The chance to learn from top experts in your field
… then perhaps Designity is the place for you!
We invite you to put your skills to the test and complete our one-of-a-kind application process and see where Designity can take you!
Are you ready to level up your creative career?
