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Freelance Designer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities. * Incorporate modeling and simulation tools ...

Crateandbarrel

Designer, CB2

Tysons Corner, VA · On-site

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 ...

Tt

Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

You'll join a team that is always learning and adapting as we perform risk assessments and advise architects and owners on improving the security of their designs and facilities. Responsibilities We ...

Rosendin Electric, Inc.

Designer II

Sterling, VA

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 ...

Perkins Eastman

Designer I

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$74K - $79K/yr

We are looking for a creative and design-focused Architectural Designer I to join our team. The ideal candidate is passionate about developing innovative architectural solutions and translating ideas ...

Troon

Foodservice Designer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$75K/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 ...

Cornerstone Chapel

Graphic Designer

Leesburg, VA

The Graphic Designer's job will be to use design software to complete projects and make revisions based on ministry feedback. The Graphic Designer will report to the Creative Director of ...

Synertex LLC

Graphics Designer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

TS/SCI with a Polygraph Synertex is seeking a Graphics Designer to work with a Government Intelligence Community client in Bethesda, MD or McLean, VA. Benefits include competitive PTO, 11 days Paid ...

Synertex, LLC

Graphics Designer

Bethesda, MD

TS/SCI with a Polygraph Synertex is seeking a Graphics Designer to work with a Government Intelligence Community client in Bethesda, MD or McLean, VA. Benefits include competitive PTO, 11 days Paid ...

Cornerstone Chapel

Graphic Designer

Leesburg, VA · On-site

The Graphic Designer's job will be to use design software to complete projects and make revisions based on ministry feedback. The Graphic Designer will report to the Creative Director of ...

Imperative Systems

Graphics Designer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

The Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating, editing, and producing visual content in support of Counter\-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C\-UAS) operations conducted on a worldwide basis. This ...

Imperative Systems

Graphics Designer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

The Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating, editing, and producing visual content in support of Counter\-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C\-UAS) operations conducted on a worldwide basis. This ...

USA Thornton Tomasetti, Inc.

Designer

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

You'll join a team that is always learning and adapting as we perform risk assessments and advise architects and owners on improving the security of their designs and facilities. Responsibilities We ...

USA Thornton Tomasetti, Inc.

Designer

Washington, DC

$85K/yr

You'll join a team that is always learning and adapting as we perform risk assessments and advise architects and owners on improving the security of their designs and facilities. Responsibilities We ...

USA Thornton Tomasetti, Inc.

Designer

Annandale, VA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

You'll join a team that is always learning and adapting as we perform risk assessments and advise architects and owners on improving the security of their designs and facilities. Responsibilities We ...

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All JobsDesigner 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 Aug 10, 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.

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.

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 do freelance designers find work?

Freelance designers find work through online platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Behance, where they can showcase their portfolios and bid on projects. Networking, social media, and word-of-mouth referrals also play a key role in securing clients, along with maintaining a strong online presence and developing specialized skills in design tools like Adobe Creative Suite.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance designer?

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.

How much does a freelance designer get paid?

Freelance designers typically earn between $25 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, specialization, and project complexity. Many also charge fixed project rates or retainers, with annual earnings varying widely based on workload and client base.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,235 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Wargame Designer

MANTECH

Quantico, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

ManTech rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 242 rated software companies

Job description

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DESIGNER to join our team in QUANTICO, VA.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities.
  • Incorporate modeling and simulation tools within game design in order to continue advancing the customer towards the future wargaming concept.
  • Develop both physical and digital products for wargames to include detailed design documents, rule sets, player guides, maps, tokens and other playing pieces to contribute toward a positive player experience and engagement.
  • Facilitate and adjudicate wargames, ensuring they run smoothly and effectively and meet required objectives.
  • Collaborate effectively with other wargame designers, developers as a part of a wargame design team to include the game director and lead analyst to create an environment that is conducive in achieving the analytical objectives of the game.
  • Provide coordination assistance across various wargaming initiatives as needed to ensure customer satisfaction in every step of the planning process.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of wargame design experience. A total of 10 years’ experience without a degree.
  • Must be familiar with a wide variety of game mechanics, adjudication methods, and game methodologies.
  • The ability to leverage digital wargaming platforms and simulation tools.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience with planning and accomplishing designer goals and successfully directing others in this work.
  • Proficiency in creating, designing, and delivering professional, aesthetically appealing presentations using Microsoft products (e.g., PowerPoint) for diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience in leveraging digital wargaming platforms and simulation tools and serving as a trusted advisor, capable of immediate contribution within these environments.
  • Prior experience in a military or government contracting environment

Clearance Requirements:

  • Must have a current and active TS/SCI clearance.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able and willing to perform occasional manual labor and warehouse duties, with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.

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