Hey everyone. Today I bring you the next edition of my “Extra Income” series. If you would like to be featured, please send me an e-mail. Other profiles in this series include: I Run a Resume Business and I Help Businesses Create Online Campaigns.
I’ve been working on the web for more than seven years, and I speak from experience as a seasoned graphic designer and creative web entrepreneur. My path has taken me through many challenges—unexpected turns, hard lessons, and perseverance. My website is www.hifiverr.info.
I’m Dion, a Level Two graphic designer on one of the most active freelance marketplaces, Fiverr.
Many people are curious about earning income on Fiverr, and I want to share my story honestly. I’ll walk you through how I started, what I learned, and how I’ve grown my services over time.
How did you get started with your side hustle?
I joined Fiverr in 2009, shortly after my daughter was born. I began thinking seriously about working from home. At the time, images of young freelancers posing in front of fancy backdrops—mansions and sports cars—felt aspirational. My 9-to-5 at FedEx Kinko’s barely covered our needs, so I wanted an alternative that could improve our situation.
What got you interested in this job?
Before Fiverr, I worked at FedEx Kinko’s for about 3.5 years, designing primarily for print. That job functioned like an extended internship: for nearly four years I designed, printed, and developed a deep understanding of print production. That experience introduced me to the idea that entire businesses could operate solely online, and that concept intrigued me.
Tell me more about your services.
I design a wide range of business assets starting at five dollars: logos, headers, banners, icons, profile images, book covers, flyers, and much more. Being a Fiverr seller opened my eyes to the possibilities the web offers. Over time I expanded my offerings to include themes, icon sets, ebooks, and tutorials in addition to graphic and web design services.
What sets you apart from your competition?
There are many talented designers online and on Fiverr, but what differentiates me is my instinctive approach. I design from personal experience within specific niches or products. That perspective often leads to unique designs, superior customer service, and a delivery experience that clients remember.
What has surprised you most about owning a business?
Entrepreneurship is a roller-coaster ride. Some days you feel empowered and optimistic; other days you’re uncertain and anxious. I’ve surprised myself by how driven I’ve become. As someone who once had little direction or expectation, I now focus constantly on the next level and on making my daughter proud.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a small business owner?
To reach the goals you imagine, you must keep learning and keep believing. Confidence that “it can happen” is a large part of the battle. I’m not yet where I want to be, but I’ve made significant progress. Appreciate the journey—those highs and lows shape your growth and clarify what success means to you.
What are the start-up costs?
For most online ventures, the greatest cost is opportunity cost—time spent learning and researching instead of immediately earning. Designing consumes only part of my time; much of it goes to studying opportunities and building a scalable strategy. The initial investment is largely hours and dedication rather than large financial outlays.
What’s the most positive thing about your side job?
The most rewarding aspect has been how much I’ve learned about myself. I’m more knowledgeable than I often give myself credit for and have become a resource for friends and colleagues who want to understand online business. Many non-web business owners still find the digital world intimidating, and I’ve been able to demystify it for them.
What are your business goals for the upcoming year?
After about four years of refining my direction, I’m focusing on simplifying my plan—eliminating distractions and clarifying a focused business model and brand that can scale. My aim is to sharpen what matters and build a strategy that grows sustainably.
Have you ever thought about offering services on Fiverr? Why or why not?
I already offer services on Fiverr because it’s been a practical platform to gain exposure, build a client base, and test different offerings. For anyone considering Fiverr, it’s useful as a low-cost way to start, learn customer expectations, and gradually expand into complementary products and services.