Find the Best Brochure Design Jobs

What does a freelance brochure designer do?

A freelance brochure designer coordinates the different elements that contribute to a brochure’s look and feel, including its layout, use of graphics and imagery, and configuration for use online or as a file ready for print production. A brochure designer receives direction from the marketing or communications team in terms of the brochure’s purpose, tone, content, and use. When designing a brochure, the designer uses desktop publishing software such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator or Photoshop, QuarkXpress, and sometimes Microsoft Word.

Since the use of marketing collateral has changed in the last several years in terms of its application across different platforms, a brochure designer will need to be able to design brochures for use online or print production.

What skills do I need to become a freelance brochure designer?

Brochure designers have become valuable members of marketing, communications, and social media teams within different size companies across multiple industries. While the skills needed to become a freelance brochure designer require some creative ability, other essential skills are easily obtained:

• Artistic creativity and an eye for balance, color, and layout. Brochure designers are asked to develop concepts for new collateral as well as to refresh existing content to ensure current brand standards. An understanding of design trends, color theory, typography, and visual communication will help graphic artists to create quality brochures.
• Creativity and graphic design skills. Freelance brochure designers must have the ability to create visually stunning collateral using the latest graphic digital design software, such as Adobe InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Illustrator, and QuarkXpress.
• Communication skills. Graphic designers work closely with other key design team members, like art directors, marketing managers, creative directors, copywriters, and public relations managers. The graphic designer will need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with the entire team to keep the project moving forward.
• The ability to marry design and content. The ability to blend design with content in adherence with a company’s brand standards and messaging is a critical skill for brochure designers.
• An understanding of print production. While a great deal of content and collateral is developed for online use, brochures and other marketing pieces are still printed in large quantities. It’s essential that freelance brochure designers understand the electronic file requirements associated with printing 1, 2, and 4-color brochures.
• Time-management skills. Whether working in-house or as a self-employed freelancer, brochure designers often navigate fast-paced work environments and rapidly changing priorities. Strong time management skills can help designers to successfully meet deadlines.
• An understanding of online collateral use. Familiarity with producing collateral for use online across multiple platforms is important, since each piece of collateral must be organized to ensure its visual impact as well as readability when downloaded.
• An understanding of photography. An eye for photography and knowing which images work best for specific designs and content is essential. Freelance brochure designers are often given the opportunity to select imagery that represents the content directly or in spirit.

What are the core freelance brochure designer job responsibilities?

Clients will often ask their freelance brochure designers to handle key duties during a project. While clients and projects may differ, brochure designers will need to be prepared for several core job responsibilities:

• Develop brochure designs that adhere to the client’s brand and design standards
• Collaborate with marketing and communications team members to determine the type and tone of brochure needed
• Oversee the print production process
• Review photographs and imagery to determine which ones work best within the brochure
• Review and proof each brochure prior to submission for final approval
• Receive feedback and approval from marketing and communications team, as well as other stakeholders, prior to final production
• Use specific computer software to create brochures and related collateral
• Provide final source files for all brochures and collateral upon the completion of a project

Should I get a degree or certification to be a freelance brochure designer?

In addition to developing your skills through direct employment or as a freelancer, it may be helpful to obtain a degree and/or professional certification to help your Upwork profile stand out. Certain popular degrees and certifications are beneficial for brochure designers:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, marketing, photography, fine arts, or a related field
• Adobe Certified Expert—offered by Adobe
• Digital Publishing Certificate—offered by the Savannah College of Art and Design
• Graphic Design Specialization—offered by Coursera

Don’t forget that internships and a strong portfolio of previous work samples can also make you more appealing to hiring managers.