ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Magazine Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Dapifer

Freelance Fashion Editors/Writers

New York, NY

$23.25 - $29.75/hr

The Dapifer is a top independent fashion magazine based in NYC and distributed internationally ... Familiarity with emerging and established designers and product Additional Information As a member ...

The Dapifer

Freelance Fashion Editors/Writers

New York, NY · On-site

$23.25 - $29.75/hr

The Dapifer is a top independent fashion magazine based in NYC and distributed internationally ... Familiarity with emerging and established designers and product Additional Information As a member ...

Hearst Magazines

Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$112K - $119K/yr

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is home to 30 brands that reach millions of ... Manage freelance design resources and budgets as needed to support business priorities.

US Equestrian Fed

Graphic Designer

Lexington, KY · On-site

Assists Creative Director with design creation and magazine production & branding. * Communicates ... Process and approve vendor & freelance invoices as needed. * Branding of visual communications is ...

Hearst Magazines Division

Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$112K - $119K/yr

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is home to 30 brands that reach millions of ... Manage freelance design resources and budgets as needed to support business priorities.

Scholastic Corporation

Designer

New York, NY · On-site

Meet with editors, find and hire illustrators /packagers and freelance designers. Manage schedules ... classroom magazines, and award-winning, entertaining children's media. As the world's largest ...

Scholastic

Designer

New York, NY

Meet with editors, find and hire illustrators /packagers and freelance designers. Manage schedules ... classroom magazines, and award-winning, entertaining children's media. As the world's largest ...

Scholastic

Senior Designer

New York, NY

$111K - $119K/yr

Meet with editors, find and hire illustrators /packagers and freelance designers. Manage schedules ... classroom magazines, and award-winning, entertaining children's media. As the world's largest ...

Scholastic Corporation

Senior Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

Meet with editors, find and hire illustrators /packagers and freelance designers. Manage schedules ... classroom magazines, and award-winning, entertaining children's media. As the world's largest ...

Hearst Newspapers

Senior Designer

New York, NY · Hybrid

$111K - $119K/yr

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is home to 30 brands that reach millions of ... Manage freelance design resources and budgets as needed to support business priorities.

Hearst

Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$112K - $119K/yr

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is home to 30 brands that reach millions of ... Manage freelance design resources and budgets as needed to support business priorities.

Hearst

Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$112K - $119K/yr

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is home to 30 brands that reach millions of ... Manage freelance design resources and budgets as needed to support business priorities.

Hearst

Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$112K - $119K/yr

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is home to 30 brands that reach millions of ... Manage freelance design resources and budgets as needed to support business priorities.

Hearst

Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$112K - $119K/yr

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is home to 30 brands that reach millions of ... Manage freelance design resources and budgets as needed to support business priorities.

Hearst

Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$112K - $119K/yr

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is home to 30 brands that reach millions of ... Manage freelance design resources and budgets as needed to support business priorities.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFreelance Magazine Designer Jobs

Freelance Magazine Designer information

See salary details

$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance magazine designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance magazine designer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do freelance magazine designers typically collaborate with editors and writers during the design process?

Freelance magazine designers often work closely with editors and writers to ensure that the visual layout complements the content and aligns with the publication’s vision. Communication usually happens via email, project management platforms, or video meetings, where designers receive briefs, discuss story angles, and provide mockups for feedback. Designers may need to adjust layouts based on editorial changes, image availability, or updated content, requiring flexibility and strong collaboration skills. This teamwork helps maintain consistency and high-quality standards across the magazine.

Can graphic designers work for magazines?

Yes, graphic designers can work for magazines, often as magazine designers responsible for layout, visual storytelling, and cover design. They typically use design software like Adobe InDesign and need strong visual communication skills to create engaging content for print or digital publications.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Magazine Designer, you need a solid grasp of graphic design principles, layout composition, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, often supported by a degree in graphic design or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard design software like Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator is essential, as well as experience with digital publishing platforms. Creativity, attention to detail, time management, and strong communication skills help you stand out when collaborating with editors and clients. These skills ensure visually compelling, on-brand magazine layouts delivered on deadline, which is crucial for client satisfaction and repeat business.

How much do magazine designers get paid?

Magazine designers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Freelance magazine designers may charge hourly rates ranging from $25 to $100 or more, with rates influenced by skill level and portfolio quality.

How to get a job working for a magazine?

To become a freelance magazine designer, build a strong portfolio showcasing your layout and design skills using tools like Adobe InDesign or Photoshop. Gain experience through internships or freelance projects, network with industry professionals, and apply to magazines or design agencies that work with publications. A good understanding of editorial standards and deadlines is essential for success in this role.

What is a Freelance Magazine Designer?

A Freelance Magazine Designer is a creative professional who works independently to design the visual layout of magazines. They are responsible for creating appealing page layouts, selecting fonts and colors, and integrating images and graphics to enhance the reader's experience. Freelance magazine designers often collaborate with editors, writers, and photographers, ensuring the magazine’s visual style aligns with its content and target audience. They typically work on a project-by-project basis for various clients rather than being employed by a single magazine publisher.

How much do freelance designers earn?

Freelance magazine designers typically earn between $25 and $75 per hour, depending on experience, project complexity, and client budget. Annual earnings can range from $30,000 to over $100,000 for experienced professionals working on multiple projects or high-profile publications.

What is the difference between Freelance Magazine Designer vs Freelance Graphic Designer?

AspectFreelance Magazine DesignerFreelance Graphic Designer
Primary FocusMagazine layouts, editorial design, visual storytellingVarious design projects including branding, marketing materials, digital graphics
Skills & ToolsInDesign, Photoshop, layout compositionPhotoshop, Illustrator, branding principles
Work EnvironmentFreelance, client-based, publishing industryFreelance, diverse industries, digital and print projects
Industry UsageMagazines, publishing houses, editorial teamsAdvertising agencies, corporate clients, small businesses

While both roles involve graphic design skills, a Freelance Magazine Designer specializes in creating magazine layouts and editorial visuals, often working within the publishing industry. A Freelance Graphic Designer has a broader scope, handling various visual projects across multiple industries. The key difference lies in the focus on magazine-specific design versus general graphic design services.

More about Freelance Magazine Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Magazine Designer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Magazine Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Magazine Designer jobs? The most popular types of Magazine Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Magazine Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Magazine Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Magazine Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Magazine Designer jobs are:
Freelance Magazine Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Magazine Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Freelance Fashion Editors/Writers

Freelance Fashion Editors/Writers

The Dapifer

New York, NY

$23.25 - $29.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Company Description

THE DAPIFER is an international fashion media destination. We curate, embrace, and produce the NEXT of fashion. Our style is uniquely modern, honest, and provocative-and our readers are too. Started in 2011 as a personal project to offer viewers an intimate, introspective view into the world of fashion,art, and culture, The DAPIFER positions itself amongst a new generation of fashion creatives.The Dapifer is a top independent fashion magazine based in NYC and distributed internationally. With a focused audience of over 50,000 influential,innovators and curators,we welcome you to the NEXT of fashion.

Job Description

THE DAPIFER is seeking freelance journalists, editors, essayists, and writers to create original features and content for thedapifer.com. We are looking for original reporting and strong writers for intelligent and thought provoking features on fashion, style, entertainment, pop culture, art and other great creative areas.

This position is ideal for professional freelancers/creators who are experienced in the art/fashion space. Innovative ideas and an understanding of the connection between art, fashion, and culture is key. Independent thinking is also a must. This position relies heavily on your pitches personal pitches in addition to assignments given by the editorial team.

Please note: You will be required to submit work samples and complete a short edit test to be considered. 

Qualifications
  • Past Editorial/Writing experienced with work samples (REQUIRED) 
  • Editorial experience at a print or digital magazine preferred 
  • Familiarity with digital/print marketing space and enthusiasm for working with creatives
  • A strong and distinguished voiced and strong editing eye
  • Ability to communicate effectively and take ownership of multiple projects 
  • Familiarity with emerging and established designers and product
Additional Information

As a member of our team you'll have an opportunity to network with top creative talent and brands from around the world. You'll be able to see your ideas come to life before your eyes. There's also great opportunity for growth as we continue to expand our presence.

Apply