How To Start Freelancing as a UI UX Designer

If you’re thinking about freelancing as a UI/UX designer, now is a great time to get started.

The demand for good design is rising fast. Companies of all sizes are investing in digital products, and that means they need people who can design clear, thoughtful, and easy-to-use experiences.

Whether it’s an app, a website, or a software platform, someone has to make it not just look good—but work well for real users. That’s where you come in.

But getting started as a freelancer can feel a little overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before.

I’ve been through it, and I know how many questions come up: How do you get clients? What should you charge? Do you need a contract? Where do you even start?

Let’s break it down together.

Step 1: Get Clear on What You Offer

Before you jump in, take a moment to define what kind of work you want to do.

UI and UX are often bundled together, but they’re different skill sets. Some freelancers lean more into UX research, wireframing, and testing.

Others focus heavily on UI—things like visual design, interaction design, and prototyping. Many do both, and that’s fine.

But being clear about what you want to do helps you attract the right clients.

Ask yourself:

• What kinds of projects do I enjoy?

• What industries or types of products excite me?

• Do I prefer early-stage strategy, hands-on design, or both?

Being specific doesn’t limit you—it helps you stand out.

Step 2: Build a Portfolio (Even If You’re New)

Yes, clients want to see experience. But that doesn’t mean you need years of work under your belt. You just need to show how you think and what you can do.

If you don’t have client work yet, create mock projects:

• Redesign a popular app or website.

• Build a user flow for a fictional product.

• Design a case study around a problem and your solution.

Keep your portfolio simple and focused. You don’t need 10 projects—two or three strong case studies that clearly explain your process are better than a bunch of screenshots with no context.

A good case study walks through:

• What the problem was

• Who the users were

• Your design process (research, wireframes, iterations)

• Final solution and rationale

Use tools like Notion, Webflow, or Framer to make your portfolio site look polished and professional.

Step 3: Choose Where You’ll Find Work

Freelance work doesn’t fall from the sky—but once you know where to look, it gets easier.

Here are some good starting points:

• Freelance platforms
  Sites like Upwork, Toptal, and Contra are common launching pads. They can be competitive, but they also give you exposure.

• Job boards
  Try We Work Remotely, Design Jobs Board, Working Not Working, and Remote OK. Many clients post freelance gigs here.

• Social and community platforms
  I’ve found work through Twitter (now X), LinkedIn, and design communities on Discord and Slack. Don’t just post your portfolio—comment, share your thoughts, and get to know others. Real connections matter.

• Cold outreach
  This takes courage, but reaching out directly to startups or agencies with a short, personalized message can work surprisingly well—especially if your portfolio aligns with what they do.

Step 4: Set Your Rates (Without Guessing)

This is one of the trickiest parts for most freelancers. What do you charge?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some ways to figure it out:

• Hourly: Great when the scope isn’t defined. UI/UX freelance rates vary, but a beginner might start around $30–$50/hour, while experienced designers often charge $75–$150+/hour.

• Project-based: This can be better once you understand how long things take. Clients like knowing the total cost upfront.

• Value-based pricing: This comes with experience. You price based on the outcome, not your time.

Whatever you choose, be confident. Remember, you’re not just designing screens—you’re helping a business solve a problem.

Need help calculating your rate? Tools like Bonsai’s freelance rate calculator are super useful.

Step 5: Set Up Your Workflow

You don’t need a huge setup, but you do need some systems in place. Here’s what I recommend:

• Contracts: Always use a contract. Always. It protects both you and the client. Tools like Bonsai, And.Co, or DocuSign can help.

• Invoicing & payments: I use PayPal or Wise for international clients, and Stripe or direct bank transfer for local ones. Make it easy for people to pay you.

• Project management: Tools like Trello, Notion, or ClickUp help you stay on track.

• Communication: Be clear, kind, and prompt. That alone makes you stand out.

Step 6: Keep Improving Your Skills

Design is always evolving. The tools change, the trends shift, and the expectations rise.

Keep learning:

• Follow designers you admire on Dribbble or Behance.

• Watch YouTube tutorials from folks like Jesse Showalter or Flux Academy.

• Take a short course on Interaction Design Foundation or SuperHi.

Clients notice when you care about your craft. And honestly, it just makes the work more fun.

FAQs

Do I need a design degree to freelance as a UI/UX designer?

Not at all. What matters most is your portfolio and your ability to solve problems with design.

How do I stand out when applying for freelance jobs?

Personalize your messages. Show that you understand the client’s product or users. Include links to relevant portfolio projects, and keep your outreach short and respectful.

What if I don’t have any testimonials yet?

No worries. Ask for feedback on mock projects from mentors or peers. Once you get your first client—even a small one—request a short testimonial when you wrap up.

Should I niche down?

It can help, especially over time. Focusing on a specific industry (like fintech or e-commerce) or type of product (like mobile apps) can make you more appealing to clients looking for specialists.

Final Thoughts

Starting as a freelance UI/UX designer isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being resourceful. If you care about design, keep learning, and put yourself out there consistently, things will start to happen.

It won’t all come at once. But each small win builds your confidence, sharpens your skills, and brings you closer to the kind of work—and life—you’re aiming for.

So here’s my question to you: What’s one small action you can take today to move forward? Maybe it’s finishing that portfolio project. Maybe it’s reaching out to someone you admire. Whatever it is, start there. You’ve got this.