30 Business Ideas For Designers [2024]

Interested in starting a business as a designer in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a designer could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Designers?

We put together 30 of some of the best designer business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other designer businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a niche accessories brand ($288K/month)

Starting a niche accessories brand could be an excellent way for you, as a designer, to supplement your income or even build a thriving side business. The market for custom accessories is vast, with a variety of product categories such as jewelry, handbags, small leather goods, and home decorations. Given the strong profit margins due to product markup, you could set up a small Etsy store or sell on platforms like Amazon, Facebook, and eBay.

With the niche market for custom accessories estimated to be nearly $473.46B by 2020 and continuing to grow, there are substantial opportunities to tap into this industry. Leveraging your design skills, you could create unique, stylish products that stand out, allowing you to carve out a profitable niche. Embrace this chance to translate your design talents into products that people love, while boosting your entrepreneurial journey.

2. Start a shopify ecommerce agency ($105K/month)

As a Designer, starting a Shopify eCommerce agency could open new avenues for you to supplement your income or even transition into a full-fledged business. You could use your design skills to help retailers create visually stunning and user-friendly online stores, effectively showcasing their products and capturing the attention of potential customers. By offering web design services, along with essentials like SEO and marketing, you would be able to provide a comprehensive package that drives sales and enhances user experience.

Additionally, your creative expertise can set your agency apart by offering bespoke designs that not only fulfill a client's technical needs but also tell a compelling brand story. You could further specialize by defining a niche, such as focusing on sustainable brands or luxury items, making your agency highly sought after in that particular market. With the right skills and experience, you could turn your design talents into a profitable venture, steadily growing your clientele and income.

3. Start a digital agency ($186K/month)

As a Designer, you could leverage your existing design skills to establish a digital agency, helping businesses achieve their advertising, marketing, or technology-related goals. By expanding your focus beyond just design, you could offer comprehensive services such as branding, social media management, and website development. This diversification could not only supplement your income but also place you at the forefront of the rapidly growing digital agency market, which saw a valuation of nearly $305B in 2020.

Given the continued rise of digital content consumption, the demand for cohesive and visually appealing digital marketing strategies is high. Your design expertise would allow you to craft compelling digital experiences that stand out in a crowded marketplace. With the right skill set, tools, and entrepreneurial mindset, you could build a successful digital agency that serves a wide range of clients, from small businesses to major corporations.

4. Start a marketing agency ($250K/month)

Starting a marketing agency makes great sense for designers looking to supplement their income or establish an entirely new business. As a designer, you already possess a keen eye for aesthetics, branding, and user experience, which are crucial elements in successful marketing campaigns. By leveraging your design skills, you could offer comprehensive marketing solutions that include visual content creation, web design, and advertising materials.

Moreover, many businesses are eager to outsource their marketing efforts to avoid the expenses of hiring full-time staff and investing in specialized equipment. Your agency could provide these services, meeting the increasing demand for creative and effective marketing strategies. This venture could open exciting possibilities for you to diversify your projects and potentially scale your business by learning from other successful agencies.

5. Become a digital product designer ($89.1K/month)

If you’re a designer looking to branch out, starting a digital product designer venture might be the perfect side hustle for you. As a digital product designer, you have the opportunity to be involved in the entire process from initial concept to product launch, allowing you to leverage your design skills in a more holistic and impactful way.

You could create and sell user interface design PSD templates or entire design systems to new businesses, tapping into the growing demand for high-quality digital products. This not only helps you build a diverse portfolio but also creates an additional revenue stream beyond the confines of traditional freelancing. With the right strategies, this entrepreneurial path could quickly evolve into a highly sustainable business.

6. Start a branding agency ($66.5K/month)

As a designer, you have a keen eye for aesthetics and an understanding of how to communicate visually, making you well-suited for starting a branding agency. This venture would allow you to leverage your creative skills to help businesses create, develop, maintain, and improve their brands. You could support businesses in conveying their unique values and culture through compelling narratives, effectively reaching more customers and staying relevant in a competitive market.

The demand for branding solutions is high as companies consistently seek to attract new customers and maintain loyalty among existing ones. Starting a branding agency could be a profitable and satisfying business venture, as you help clients plan, measure, and manage their branding strategies for advertising and other promotions. By weaving together disparate pieces of data and information, you could create a cohesive and engaging brand story that sets your clients apart from the competition.

7. Start an electronics store ($67K/month)

As a designer, opening an electronics store could provide a lucrative way to supplement your income or create a full-fledged side business. The opportunity to curate a visually appealing and uniquely branded store, whether online or brick-and-mortar, allows you to leverage your design skills to stand out in a competitive market. Your eye for aesthetics could help you create an engaging and user-friendly shopping experience that attracts and retains customers.

Additionally, with the electronics sector projected to grow by 5.6 percent over the next five years, there is significant potential for financial gain. Your background in design could also aid in effectively marketing your store and products, setting you apart from other retailers. By positioning your store in a prime location and strategically pricing your products, you could capture a share of this expanding market and turn your design experience into entrepreneurial success.

8. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)

Starting a subscription box business could be an excellent way for you to supplement your income while leveraging your design skills. As designers, you have an innate ability to curate visually appealing and thoughtfully themed boxes that can offer a uniquely delightful experience to your customers each month. Your keen eye for detail and quality will ensure that each box is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

By focusing on a niche market, you could cater to specific interests such as eco-friendly products, artisanal crafts, or design tools and supplies. Perfecting your box design and building strong relationships with fulfillment companies could set your business apart, offering a premium unboxing experience that keeps subscribers eagerly awaiting the next delivery. Marketing your service effectively will help in building a loyal customer base, making your subscription box not just an extra income source but potentially a thriving main business.

9. Start a dolly product

As a designer with an entrepreneurial spirit, launching a dolly product could be a lucrative side venture or even a full-fledged business. Utilizing your skills in aesthetics and functionality, you could create or source high-quality, versatile, and durable hand trucks that cater to various needs—whether for businesses moving inventory or homeowners shifting furniture. By focusing on innovative designs such as stair-climbing or foldable dollies, you could set your products apart in a niche market with steady demand.

You could leverage e-commerce platforms and local ads to market your dolly products efficiently, targeting both individual consumers and business clients. Providing excellent customer service along with additional services like delivery and maintenance could help you build a loyal customer base. With an initial investment in inventory, especially if you tap into local moving companies, warehouses, and retail stores, you could see steady returns on this innovative enterprise.

10. Start an online jewelry store ($165K/month)

As a Designer, you could leverage your creative skills and eye for aesthetics to start an online jewelry store, tapping into the rapidly growing industry. The U.S. jewelry market was valued at around $76 billion in 2020, indicating a significant opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded individuals. With many people preferring to buy jewelry online for its convenience and extensive selection, you could attract a wide range of customers.

By choosing the right e-commerce platform, you could showcase your unique designs, manage inventory efficiently, and process payments securely. This venture could allow you to supplement your income or even create a full-time business while expressing your creative flair through beautiful, handcrafted pieces. An online jewelry store would be an excellent way to combine your design skills with a profitable entrepreneurial endeavor.

11. Start a rave clothing store

If you have a fascination with festival fashion, launching a rave clothing store could be a natural extension of your design skills. You'd curate a collection of vibrant, extravagant clothing items like neon tops, holographic pants, LED-infused accessories, and UV-reactive makeup, embodying the expressive and flamboyant styles that define rave culture.

Such a venture allows you to exercise your creative latitude, whether through sourcing unique pieces or designing your own standout items. Given the dedicated following of rave fashion, this niche market represents a growing opportunity for a loyal customer base. While it requires a good sense of current trends and some initial capital for inventory and marketing, the dynamic nature of rave culture offers a rewarding and engaging entrepreneurial path for a designer.

12. Start a 3D Printing Business ($166K/month)

As a designer, starting a 3D printing business presents an exciting opportunity to leverage your creative skills and technical expertise. With your background in design, you could produce custom prototypes, intricate models, or personalized products that cater to niche markets. This venture could also allow you to explore new dimensions of design, bringing your digital creations to life in tangible form.

Investing in the right equipment and materials, as well as honing your 3D modeling skills, will be essential to delivering high-quality outputs. You'll also need to plan meticulously for shipping and logistics to ensure your products reach customers efficiently. By staying ahead of industry trends and regularly maintaining your 3D printers for consistency, you could unlock innovative applications of 3D printing across various sectors, from fashion to architecture.

13. Start a men's clothing line ($60.4K/month)

Starting a men's clothing line presents an exciting opportunity for designers looking to supplement their income or launch a new business. With the menswear market growth outpacing women's fashion, now is an ideal time to capitalize on this trend. You could leverage your design skills to create unique, stylish menswear that appeals to a market increasingly focused on appearance.

The diversity within men's fashion, ranging from casual wear to professional attire, offers extensive growth potential. By identifying the target market and understanding customer preferences, you could carve out a distinctive brand identity. A thoughtful marketing strategy, combining online and traditional methods, could help you reach a broader audience and ensure the success of your clothing line.

14. Start a journal brand ($33.1K/month)

Starting a journal brand could be a lucrative side business for a designer, leveraging your creativity and eye for aesthetics. Your unique ability to craft visually appealing layouts can set your journal apart in a crowded market. By sharing your personal experiences and design insights, you could create meaningful content that resonates with a targeted audience passionate about design and creativity.

Moreover, the flexibility of journaling means you could explore various themes—such as design trends, creative processes, or even daily inspirations. This not only allows you to express your thoughts and feelings but also builds a sense of community as readers connect with your experiences. Begin by establishing a writing routine and focus on a niche that sparks your interest, blending it with your design expertise to craft a compelling and engaging journal brand.

15. Start a hammock brand ($40.1K/month)

As a designer, leveraging your skills to start a hammock brand could be a brilliant way to supplement your income or launch a side business. With the global hammock market projected to reach $639 million in the next few years, there is a growing demand among campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Utilizing your keen eye for design, you could create aesthetically pleasing and functional hammocks that appeal to this burgeoning market.

You could differentiate your hammock brand by focusing on unique designs, color schemes, and customizable features that resonate with outdoor lovers who value both utility and style. By seamlessly blending your expertise in design with market research, you could ensure that your products stand out in a crowded marketplace. From hammock production to retail or wholesale distribution, the opportunities are plentiful and ripe for entrepreneurial minds.

16. Start a mechanical engineering business ($220K/month)

If you're a designer looking to diversify your income, starting a mechanical engineering business could be an exciting venture. By leveraging your technical skills, you could offer engineering solutions, design mechanical systems, and provide consulting services across various industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.

Imagine tackling real-world problems and seeing your innovative designs come to life, thereby improving efficiency and safety. This venture could lead to the creation of groundbreaking technology, giving you not only financial rewards but also the satisfaction of making a significant impact.

With a strong foundation in engineering principles and effective project management, your efforts could position you as a reputable player in the field. This path combines the thrill of innovation with the stability of a lucrative business opportunity.

17. Start a wig store

Starting a wig store could be a lucrative side business for a designer, leveraging your keen eye for detail and aesthetic sensibilities. You could tap into the growing beauty and fashion industry by creating custom wigs that cater to diverse styles and needs. As a designer, your skills in color theory, texture, and materials would set your products apart, offering unique and personalized options for your customers.

Moreover, you could explore partnerships with stylists, beauty salons, and theater companies, widening your customer base and market reach. The online space offers a rich avenue for e-commerce, allowing you to showcase your designs and attract a global audience. In this way, your background in design can enhance the quality and appeal of your wigs, turning your creativity into a profitable venture.

18. Start a balloon decor business ($20K/month)

As a designer, launching a balloon decor business could be a creative and profitable venture that allows you to leverage your design skills in new and exciting ways. Balloon decorations, which include everything from thematic shapes to majestic entrance arches, are in high demand for corporate events, children’s parties, weddings, and other social gatherings. Your innate eye for color, balance, and composition would serve as a significant advantage in crafting visually stunning balloon installations.

The low overhead costs of a balloon décor business are appealing since you could operate from home with minimal equipment, making it an excellent side business or even a full-time endeavor over time. Such a venture would require sound planning and logistical skills, something a designer often excels at, ensuring that every project is executed flawlessly. By venturing into balloon decor, you could transform your creative talent into a revenue-generating enterprise, enriching events and celebrations with your artistic touch.

19. Start a computer accessory business

Starting a computer accessory business could be a natural extension of your skills as a designer. Your keen eye for aesthetics and user experience would allow you to select and perhaps even design accessories that are both functional and visually appealing. This could give you an edge in the market, as consumers often seek products that not only work well but also look good on their desks.

By leveraging your understanding of design principles, you could create marketing materials and an online presence that resonates with a tech-savvy, design-conscious audience. Additionally, staying current with computer accessory trends and technologies would enable you to offer the latest and most sought-after products.

Whether you aim to supplement your income or transition into a full-fledged business, a computer accessory venture taps into an ever-growing market with continuous demand.

20. Start a museum tours business

As a Designer, your keen eye for detail and appreciation for aesthetics could make a museum tours business a perfect side venture or full-time endeavor. You could leverage your expertise in visual storytelling to create engaging and memorable tours that highlight the intricacies of art, history, and culture. By weaving compelling narratives around exhibits, you can offer guests enriched experiences that go beyond what they might find on their own.

Your background in design can help you craft visually appealing marketing materials and itineraries that attract customers and set your business apart. Additionally, collaborating with museum staff and other local experts to enhance your tours could open up networking opportunities and establish you as a knowledgeable and connected figure in the cultural community. By offering a blend of education and entertainment, you could transform your passion for design and history into a profitable and fulfilling business.

21. Start an online fitness business ($78K/month)

Thinking of starting an online fitness business? As a designer, you could harness your creative skills to build a unique and visually appealing online platform for fitness enthusiasts. Designing a slick, user-friendly website with engaging graphics and intuitive interfaces could set you apart in the rapidly growing online fitness market, where convenience and accessibility are key.

Additionally, your expertise in visual storytelling could be leveraged to create compelling marketing materials and workout videos, making your fitness programs not only effective but also aesthetically pleasing. With minimal overhead costs and the ability to work from home, this venture is both a financially viable and creatively satisfying way to supplement your income or even pivot to a full-time business.

22. Start an ecommerce marketing agency ($411K/month)

As a designer, starting an eCommerce marketing agency could be a natural extension of your creative expertise. You could leverage your design skills to help online sellers develop compelling visuals, branding, and user experiences that captivate their audience and drive sales. By assisting with everything from website design to promotional materials, you can offer a full suite of services that help eCommerce businesses stand out in a competitive market.

Given that the eCommerce industry is constantly evolving, your knack for staying updated with the latest trends will be invaluable. With online sellers often overwhelmed by the demands of production, creative launches, and brand growth, your agency could provide much-needed relief by handling these crucial marketing tasks. This way, you could turn your creative proficiency into a profitable and fulfilling side business or potentially a full-time endeavor.

23. Build an analytics tool ($170K/month)

As a designer, your eye for aesthetics and user experience can give you a unique edge in creating an analytics tool that stands out in the market. By leveraging your technical skills to develop a tool that visualizes data in an intuitive and appealing way, you could help businesses of all sizes make more informed, data-driven decisions. This type of tool is in high demand, as the rise of big data has made analytics an integral part of business strategy.

An analytics tool can serve various industries, from small businesses looking to optimize operational decisions to larger corporations aiming to enhance performance tracking. By designing a user-friendly interface and sophisticated data visualization features, you could create a product that not only simplifies complex data but also provides actionable insights.

This venture could supplement your income significantly or even blossom into a full-fledged business. With the potential for high profitability—evident in the success of tools like QlikView, which generated $750M in revenue in 2022—developing an analytics tool could be a lucrative opportunity for an entrepreneurial designer.

24. Start an outdoor sports store ($31.4K/month)

As a designer, starting an outdoor sports store could align perfectly with your entrepreneurial aspirations and passion for the outdoors. Leveraging your design skills, you could create a visually appealing and functional store layout, whether it be a brick-and-mortar shop in a high-traffic area for outdoor enthusiasts or an eye-catching online storefront.

Curating popular items from well-known brands and providing expert advice could set your store apart, while your understanding of seasonal trends could help optimize inventory. Additionally, hosting workshops or demo days could foster community engagement and drive sales, offering a rewarding and profitable venture that blends your creative talents with a love for outdoor adventure.

25. Start a waste hauling business ($165K/month)

As a Designer, you could diversify your income by starting a waste hauling business, leveraging your keen eye for detail and project management skills. Waste hauling is relatively easy and profitable; owning or renting a dump trailer allows you to enter this lucrative market. Your design expertise can also help you brand your new venture effectively, distinguishing your business from competitors.

Springboard your entrepreneurial aspirations by acquiring the necessary waste carriers' licenses and outfitting yourself and your staff with personal protective equipment. This business not only supplements your income but also provides a hands-on way to contribute to eco-friendly practices, turning waste management into a profitable endeavor.

26. Start a board game business ($54.4K/month)

Starting a board game business could be a perfect fit for you as a designer. Utilizing your design skills, you could create visually appealing and intuitive game interfaces, making your game stand out in a crowded market. Board games are an integral part of our culture, enjoyed by people from all walks of life, and they offer endless possibilities for creativity and innovation.

You could leverage your existing knowledge and experience to design compelling gameboards, cards, and other game components that draw players in and enhance their gaming experience. With basic programming skills or a few hours of dedicated practice, you could bring your game ideas to life. Moreover, board games are relatively easy to manufacture and can even be produced from home, offering a cost-effective way to start and scale your business.

27. Become a mindfulness coach ($18K/month)

As a designer, you could use your unique understanding of aesthetics and user experience to create a mindfulness coaching business that resonates with clients seeking relaxation and focus. You already possess a keen eye for detail and an innate understanding of how to craft spaces—whether physical or digital—that evoke certain emotions. These skills could seamlessly translate into creating serene and impactful mindfulness sessions for individuals looking to relieve stress, lower blood pressure, improve sleep, reduce chronic pain, and decrease anxiety and depression.

To get started, you could create a visually appealing website and list the various mindfulness services you intend to offer. A blog featuring insightful content on mindful living and relaxation techniques could also help establish your authority in the field. Additionally, leveraging social media to showcase your unique approach could be instrumental in building a loyal client base and supplementing your income or even turning it into a full-fledged business.

28. Start a clothes business ($221K/month)

As a Designer, leveraging your skills to start a clothing business could be a natural and lucrative extension of your creative talents. With the clothing manufacturing industry poised for growth due to increasing demand for quality items worldwide, you could carve out a niche that aligns with your personal style and market trends, whether it be streetwear, fitness and athletic wear, or leisure clothing.

Your experience in design enables you to create unique and compelling apparel that resonates with consumers. By determining your niche and capitalizing on your aesthetics and technical skills, you could build a brand that stands out in the crowded fashion market. This could not only supplement your income but also afford you the opportunity to eventually turn your passion for design into a thriving full-time business.

29. Start a wallet brand ($28.8K/month)

As a designer, starting a wallet brand offers a compelling opportunity to leverage your creative skills while tapping into a growing market, anticipated to reach $8.78 billion with a CAGR of 8.87%. You could create unique, aesthetically pleasing wallets that stand out in the marketplace, addressing specific gaps identified through thorough market research.

By understanding the competition and focusing on the lifestyle needs of your target customers, you could design wallets that not only serve a practical purpose but also appeal to the modern consumer's sense of style. This venture could become a lucrative side business or even evolve into a full-time endeavor, allowing you to supplement your income while flexing your design muscles in a new, profitable niche.

30. Start an airport bus shuttle services

As a Designer, branching into an airport bus shuttle service offers a dynamic way to supplement your income or even establish a side business. With your eye for detail and understanding of user experience, you could craft a seamless, visually appealing shuttle service that stands out in the market. Your ability to design engaging promotional materials and an intuitive booking system could elevate your service’s appeal to travelers.

In addition, your skills in networking and building relationships could be pivotal in forming alliances and partnerships with local businesses and companies to secure a steady stream of customers. Combining your design expertise with the operational aspects of an airport shuttle can lead to a profitable venture and even provide a uniquely branded travel experience for your clients.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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