Online Branding and Identity Design: A Business Built On Creativity, Flexibility, and Freedom

SPONSORED BY NEEDTOBEMARKETING

THE MAP - THE TOOLS - THE GUIDE
By Shelly Leroux · May 08, 2025

Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

Hey there, fellow Side Hustler,

You know those moments when you see a brand's logo and think, “I could’ve done that better”? Or when you scroll past a mismatched, off-brand Instagram profile and feel a deep, uncontrollable urge to fix it?

Yeah — that’s not just a random design instinct.

That’s potential. And maybe… a hidden income stream.

If you’ve ever played with color palettes for fun, helped a friend pick a business name, or obsessed over fonts like they were Pokémon cards, this might just be your calling: providing Online Branding and Identity Design services as a side hustle.

Now, before your inner critic chimes in with “But I’m not a business,” or “I’ve never charged money for this,” let’s be clear: You don’t need a fancy degree or a big design agency to start. What you do need is what you likely already have:

This newsletter is your roadmap — from possibility to profit.

We’ll show you how to:

It’s time to stop treating your talents like a hobby and start treating them like the asset they are.

So let’s kick things off with a look at the bigger picture —

Could this be the perfect side hustle for you? Let’s find out.

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Is Branding Your Hidden Superpower?

Let’s start with a bold truth: in the digital world, perception is everything. If you’ve ever looked at a website or logo and thought, “I could do better,” you’re not just being picky — you might be sitting on a seriously profitable skill.

Welcome to the world of Branding and Identity Design services — a side hustle where creativity meets strategy, and tech-savvy thinkers like you turn ideas into irresistible identities for businesses.

This isn’t just about logos and color palettes (though those matter too). It’s about helping businesses tell their story in a way that connects, converts, and builds long-term loyalty. And here’s the kicker: you may already have the skills to do this — you just haven’t packaged them into a business yet.

Because it’s more than a side hustle — it’s a modern-day superpower. In an era where every brand competes for digital attention, businesses need to stand out visually and emotionally. That’s where you come in.

Whether it’s a solopreneur needing a professional look, a startup trying to establish credibility, or a rebrand for a local shop ready to go online — your design eye and strategic brain can become someone else’s business breakthrough.

And here's a secret: branding is never just "design." It’s psychology. It’s marketing. It’s tech. It’s knowing how to tell a story through visuals, voice, and vibe — and when you combine those skills, you're not just offering a service. You're offering transformation.

And for the business owners you help? You’re giving them the confidence to charge more, market better, and be remembered. You’re helping them show up like pros — and that ripple effect can change someone’s trajectory.

You don’t need a degree in design or marketing (though if you have one, great!). What matters is a foundation in:

If you've ever played with Canva, built a website, edited a video thumbnail, or chosen fonts for a friend’s event — you’re closer than you think. Add in a willingness to learn and a sharp sense for what works, and you’ve got the core of a business.

Branding and Identity Design services are high-value offerings. While rates vary based on experience and depth of service, here’s a rough scale:

As a part-time side hustle, even two small clients a month can generate a few hundred to a few thousand dollars — and that’s before scaling, referrals, or retainer work. Full-time? You could build a six-figure creative business.

If you already have basic design skills and a creative streak, you could be ready to offer services in a matter of weeks, not months. This side hustle rewards momentum over perfection. You learn by doing, refine with each client, and level up fast.

AI is making waves, sure — but it’s not here to take your seat. Instead, it’s becoming your creative sidekick. With tools like AI-generated moodboards, logo drafts, or brand voice analyzers, you can speed up workflows and impress clients faster.

But here’s the catch: AI can mimic style, not strategy. It can assist, but it can’t art direct. That’s your job — and clients know the difference between cheap visuals and intentional branding. Human creativity + smart AI = unstoppable.

Pros:

Cons:

If you’re tech-comfortable, creatively inclined, and excited by the idea of turning your sense of what looks and feels right into an income stream — yes. This is a side hustle that rewards vision, strategy, and consistency. Not just talent.

Even if you’re starting small, the potential to grow is massive — because great branding never goes out of style. It evolves. And you? You’re the one who helps it evolve.

So now you know what this side hustle is and why it’s such a powerful opportunity — but how do you actually start? What tools make the work easier? What mindset shifts will help you succeed faster?

In the next section, we’ll dive into the resources, software, and strategic thinking that will help you turn your design instincts into a profitable branding business. Let’s build the foundation for your first (or next) client.