One of my goals as a freelance writer is to increase my monthly revenue and start building a sustainable income.
I’ve accomplished a lot since I started. My rates have gone way up. I’m getting better clients. And I’m always thinking creatively about maximizing profits.
One day I submitted an article to a client, who let me know it would run as soon as his designer finished creating an accompanying image. That got me thinking: Couldn’t I provide comprehensive services, with an article and a custom image, for a higher rate? It would save the client time and money and increase my rate — benefiting both of us.
There was just one problem: I don’t know much about graphic design and have zero access to the industry-standard — but expensive — software programs Photoshop and InDesign.
Here’s how I got past that obstacle and learned how to earn more by creating blog-ready graphics: