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Freelance Designer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

BDR Solutions LLC

UX Designer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

Two to three years of UX design experience (in industry, freelance, etc.) Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate experience designing complex solutions for complete digital ...

Crateandbarrel

Designer

Tysons Corner, VA

Designers work with customers to help plan and design their spaces. Through elevated designs and delivering on the CB2 Experience (Be Positive. Inspiring. Finding a way), the Designers will maximize ...

Douron

Designer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

The Designer also acts as a resource to Project Management as needed during the logistical planning and fulfillment of the project. This role delivers beautiful designs that further the company ...

Douron

Designer

Rockville, MD

$30 - $40/hr

The Designer also acts as a resource to Project Management as needed during the logistical planning and fulfillment of the project. This role delivers beautiful designs that further the company ...

Summit Fire & Security

Designer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

The Designer position responsible for operating with minimal supervision while completing project designs and submittals. Expected to be very familiar with SFS's quality documents, procedures, and ...

Summit Fire & Security

Designer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$75K/yr

The Designer position responsible for operating with minimal supervision while completing project designs and submittals. Expected to be very familiar with SFS's quality documents, procedures, and ...

Summit Companies

Designer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

The Designer position responsible for operating with minimal supervision while completing project designs and submittals. Expected to be very familiar with SFS's quality documents, procedures, and ...

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DESIGNER to join our team in QUANTICO, VA. This role is pivotal for shaping the future for our Marine Corps customer, driving the ...

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DESIGNER to join our team in QUANTICO, VA. This role is pivotal for shaping the future for our Marine Corps customer, driving the ...

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DESIGNER to join our team in QUANTICO, VA. This role is pivotal for shaping the future for our Marine Corps customer, driving the ...

LandDesign

Designer II

Alexandria, VA

We are currently seeking a Landscape Architect Designer to join us in our Alexandria office. Key Responsibilities: * Support the Design Studio to develop and advance creative design concepts for ...

Rosendin Electric, Inc.

Designer II

Sterling, VA · On-site

Designer II is a mid-level designer responsible for creating marked drawings, model development, and other documents showing equipment and device layouts and branch circuiting for power, lighting ...

LandDesign

Designer II

Alexandria, VA · On-site

We are currently seeking a Landscape Architect Designer to join us in our Alexandria office. Key Responsibilities: * Support the Design Studio to develop and advance creative design concepts for ...

Troon

Foodservice Designer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$70K/yr

RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design (RFHSD) is excited to be adding another Foodservice Designer to our team. We are looking for someone who takes pride in their well-developed design skill set ...

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All JobsFreelance Designer JobsFreelance Designer Jobs in Reston, VA

Freelance Designer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$15

$49

$137

How much do freelance designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance designer in Reston, VA is $49.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $64.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance designer do?

A freelance designer creates visual content such as logos, websites, branding materials, and advertisements for clients on a project basis. They use tools like Adobe Creative Suite and must manage their own schedules, often working remotely or independently. Strong communication skills and a portfolio are essential for securing clients and projects.

How do freelance designers typically manage client relationships and project expectations?

Freelance designers often juggle multiple clients and projects, making clear communication and expectation-setting essential. They usually establish project scopes, deadlines, and deliverables upfront, often using contracts to formalize agreements. Regular check-ins and updates help maintain transparency and foster trust, while tools like project management software or shared documents can keep both parties aligned. Building strong client relationships not only ensures smoother projects but can also lead to repeat business and referrals.

How to get jobs as a freelance designer?

Freelance designers can find jobs by building a strong portfolio showcasing their work, creating profiles on freelance platforms, and networking with potential clients through social media and industry events. Developing skills in popular design tools and maintaining a professional online presence can also increase opportunities. Consistent outreach and positive client relationships help secure ongoing projects.

What is a freelance designer?

A freelance designer is a self-employed creative professional who offers design services to clients on a project-by-project basis, rather than working as a full-time employee for a single company. Freelance designers often specialize in areas like graphic design, web design, branding, or illustration. They have the flexibility to choose their clients, set their own rates, and manage their schedules. Freelance designers are responsible for finding clients, managing contracts, and delivering high-quality design work.

What Is a Freelance Designer?

A freelance designer is a type of self-employed freelancer that works on design projects for business clients. Most freelance designers specialize in a specific field, such as graphic design or web design. While your responsibilities vary from gig to gig, they always revolve around carefully managing your time to complete and deliver client projects by a deadline, and to their exact specifications. You must communicate directly with your clients to figure out the scope of the project and decide on the payment specifics. As with all self-employed jobs, being a freelance designer requires self-motivation and basic knowledge of how to run your own business, along with technical skills in your chosen specialty.

How to find freelance work as a designer?

Freelance designers can find work by creating a strong online portfolio on platforms like Behance or Dribbble, networking through social media, and joining freelance marketplaces such as Upwork or Fiverr. Building a reputation through client reviews and continuously improving skills with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite can also help attract clients.

What are red flags when hiring a designer?

Red flags when hiring a freelance designer include a lack of a strong portfolio or inconsistent work quality, poor communication skills, and reluctance to provide references or demonstrate relevant experience. Additionally, an unwillingness to use common design tools or meet deadlines can indicate reliability issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Designer, you need a strong portfolio showcasing proficiency in design principles, creativity, and expertise with visual communication, typically supported by relevant education or self-taught skills. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or Sketch is essential, and certifications in these tools can be advantageous. Excellent time management, client communication, and adaptability help freelancers deliver quality work and build lasting relationships. These skills are crucial for consistently meeting client expectations, managing multiple projects, and sustaining a successful freelance career.

What is the difference between Freelance Designer vs Graphic Designer?

AspectFreelance DesignerGraphic Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, design skills, sometimes certificationsDegree in Graphic Design or related field, portfolio
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote or client-siteIn-house or agency setting, remote or on-site
Employer & Industry UsageSelf-employed, freelance platforms, clientsDesign firms, marketing agencies, companies
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance opportunities or projectsSeeking full-time or part-time employment

Freelance Designers work independently on various projects for multiple clients, often remotely, and manage their own schedules. Graphic Designers are typically employed by companies or agencies, working on branding, advertising, or print materials within a structured environment. Both roles require strong design skills and portfolios, but their work settings and employment types differ significantly.

More about Freelance Designer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Designer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Designer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Freelance Designer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Freelance Designer job openings:
Freelance Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Designer job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,235 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

UX Designer

BDR Solutions LLC

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

About us:

BDR Solutions, LLC, (BDR) supports the U.S. Federal Government in successfully achieving its mission and goals. Our service and solution delivery starts with understanding each client’s end-state, and then seamlessly integrating within each Agency’s organization to improve and enhance business and technical operations and deployments.

(Military Veterans are highly encouraged to apply)

  • Role Overview: Use the design process to create user flows, wireframes, and prototypes that are optimized for a wide range of devices and interfaces that successfully merge stakeholder and end-user needs.
  • Work closely with the UX Manager and UX/UI Team Lead to create usability strategies, test plans, and report deliverables.
  • Work closely with the Usability Lab Manager and UX/UI Team Lead to conduct usability studies for a multitude of health-related products and services; analyze study data and identify trends that fuel report deliverables.
  • Collaborate with other UX designers, developers, project managers, and stakeholders in an Agile scrum environment.
  • Translate clients' product vision into tangible digital experiences by researching, conceiving, sketching, wire-framing, prototyping, and testing experiences.
  • Identify design problems and devise elegant, simple solutions that are based on user needs and goals.
  • Validate design decisions and concepts through user research, heuristic analysis, and user testing.
  • Efficiently balance multiple projects and tasks.


Responsibilities:


  • Bachelor's Degree in Human Centered Design/UX (or equivalent nomenclature)Or, UX design certification: 4 years relevant experience may substitute a Bachelor's Degree
  • Two to three years of UX design experience (in industry, freelance, etc.) Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate experience designing complex solutions for complete digital environments regardless of cumulative years of experience.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Clearance.
  • US Citizenship Required.
  • Ability to understand color and visual design principles.
  • Firm research and usability foundation.
  • Experience planning and conducting user research, user testing, A/B testing, rapid prototyping, heuristic analysis, usability and accessibility concerns.
  • Proficient in visual and interaction design.
  • Experience with mobile and progressive web apps as well as websites and SharePoint sites.
  • Expertise in Figma and Adobe Suite products. Figma expertise is a plus.
  • 508 compliance and accessibility knowledge.
  • Experience in using UX design best practices with a deep understanding of mobile-first and responsive design.
  • Ability to effectively work with clients to understand detailed requirements and design complete user experiences that meet client vision and end-user needs.
  • Strong written and spoken communications skills and ability to present ideas to all levels of stakeholders, including VIPs.
  • Ability to iterate designs and solutions quickly, efficiently and intelligently.
  • Must possess problem-solving skills, an investigative mentality, and a proactive attitude with the courage to speak up and take charge when necessary.
  • Maintains growth mindset, is a team player and collaborates with team effectively.
  • Ability to operate with minimal guidance and direction.
  • Strong time and project management skills to ensure all deadlines are met.
  • Must have a valid driver's license as some local travel is required.
  • Able to perform duties, deliver high quality results and work in a team environment both in-person and remotely.


Required Minimum Qualifications:

Public Trust Clearance Needed

The annual compensation range for this position is $95,000-100,000. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to location, skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

In addition, U.S Citizenship is required. Select applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and be able to obtain a government-granted security clearance. Individuals may also be subject to a background investigation including, but not limited to criminal history, employment and education verification, drug testing, and creditworthiness.

BDR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or genetic information.


Requirements:
None