Ever wonder how creative people actually break into high-paying jobs? One Reddit user recently shared how they went from small freelance gigs to landing a six-figure graphic design role — and the post resonated with thousands.
It wasn’t luck. It wasn’t just talent. It was a mix of persistence, smart moves, and learning when to walk away from low-paying clients. If you’re a creative professional (or trying to become one), here’s what that Reddit story reveals — and how you can learn from it.
1. Start Small — But Don’t Stay Small
The designer explained how they began with:
- $100 flyer jobs for local events
- Free projects for their portfolio
- Constant outreach through Reddit, Facebook, and Fiverr
“The work wasn’t glamorous, but I treated every project like it mattered.”
Eventually, their portfolio began to reflect consistency and range — two things that caught recruiters’ eyes later on.
2. Charge What You’re Worth (Eventually)
One turning point: realizing that undercharging was holding them back.
“Once I raised my rates, I started attracting clients who actually respected the work.”
Redditors backed this up — saying pricing too low invites poor clients and burnout. When the designer started charging fair market rates, they had fewer but better clients.
Tip: Don’t jump to six figures overnight — but make pricing growth part of your plan.
Read More: Sudden Job Loss Survival Guide
3. The Real Move? In-House Work.
The big breakthrough came when the designer switched from freelance to full-time:
“I landed an interview at a media startup. They loved my freelance background — it showed I could manage time, clients, and creative direction.”
Within a few months, they were hired as a lead designer with a six-figure salary.
Redditors noted: freelance teaches soft skills that many in-house roles need — just present it well in interviews.
4. What Made Their Portfolio Stand Out
The original post (and follow-up comments) emphasized:
- Keep your website simple and fast
- Show before and after project examples
- Highlight your thinking, not just the final result
“Most clients want to see how you think — not just how you design.”
5. Don’t Just Network — Build Relationships
The designer credited much of their progress to community:
- Sharing work-in-progress on Reddit design forums
- Asking for feedback (and applying it)
- Offering advice to newer designers
Tricklings Tip: The more value you offer others, the more doors open later. Networking isn’t begging — it’s building.
Read More: How to Be Disciplined in Your 30s
This story isn’t a fantasy. It’s a roadmap. If you’re grinding through low-budget freelance work, stuck wondering how to level up — let this Redditor’s journey remind you:
- Start messy, but grow with purpose
- Charge more when you’re worth more
- Treat your portfolio like a product
- Talk to people — not just algorithms
You don’t need to wait for someone to hand you a six-figure job. You just need to show them why they should.
Been there? Trying to get there? Share your creative story or ask your questions below .
