Stories you may like
Template Designer
A template designer creates ready-made layouts that people can use to quickly put together things like websites, documents, presentations, or social media posts. These templates help save time and make everything look neat and professional, without having to design from scratch.
Template designers use tools like Canva, PowerPoint, Google Docs, or website builders like WordPress. They focus on making the templates look good and easy to use. Whether it’s a flyer, a blog layout, or a slideshow, their work helps others create great-looking content more easily.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of a template designer can vary based on the type of templates they create and the needs of their audience. However, here are some common tasks associated with the role:
- Designing Templates: Creating visually appealing and easy-to-use templates for websites, presentations, social media, or print materials. This includes arranging elements like text, images, and graphics in a way that’s both functional and attractive.
- Understanding User Needs: Researching the audience or client to design templates that are practical, relevant, and on-brand. This may involve reviewing brand guidelines, user preferences, and the purpose of the template.
- Maintaining Consistency: Ensuring all design elements—like colors, fonts, spacing, and icons—are consistent and professional. This helps create a cohesive look across all templates and supports brand identity.
- Testing and Refining: Making sure templates work well across different devices or software platforms and are easy to customize. This may involve previewing templates on multiple screen sizes or using different programs to ensure compatibility.
- Organizing Files: Keeping design files neat and editable so users can easily update them as needed. Well-labeled layers, grouped elements, and clear naming conventions help streamline future edits.
- Staying Current: Following design trends and updates to software tools to keep templates fresh and competitive. This includes exploring new styles, layouts, or features in design programs to enhance user experience.
Workplace of a Template Designer
The workplace of a template designer is usually digital and flexible. Most template designers work on a computer using design software like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Figma. They can work from home, a co-working space, or anywhere with a good internet connection. Many are self-employed or freelance, while others might work for design agencies or tech companies.
The daily environment is often quiet and focused, with a lot of time spent designing, organizing files, and testing how templates look on different devices or platforms. Some days may include working with clients or answering customer questions, especially if they sell templates online. Communication is mostly done through email or chat.
A template designer’s workspace doesn’t need much—just a reliable computer, design tools, and creative ideas. It’s a good fit for people who enjoy working independently, solving design problems, and creating digital products that others can easily use and customize.
How to become a Template Designer
Becoming a template designer involves developing design skills, learning the right tools, and building a portfolio to showcase your work. Here are some general steps to get started:
- Learn Design Basics: Start by learning the principles of design—such as layout, color theory, typography, and user experience. You can take online courses, watch tutorials, or study design books to build a strong foundation.
- Master Design Software: Get comfortable using tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Figma, or Canva. These programs are essential for creating professional-looking templates for websites, presentations, social media, and more.
- Choose a Niche: Decide what kind of templates you want to create. Common options include social media templates, website layouts, business cards, resumes, or digital planners. Focusing on a niche helps you stand out.
- Create a Portfolio: Design sample templates and organize them into a portfolio. This will help potential clients or customers see your style and capabilities. You can display your work on platforms like Behance, Dribbble, or your own website.
- Sell or Share Your Work: You can sell your templates on marketplaces like Etsy, Creative Market, or your personal website. If you work with clients directly, offer custom template design services based on their needs.
- Keep Learning and Improving: Stay updated with design trends, explore new tools, and always look for ways to improve your templates. Strong attention to detail and good customer feedback can help your work grow over time.
Formal Training
Formal training is not always required to become a template designer, but it can be very helpful. Many template designers learn through online courses, tutorials, and hands-on practice. Formal education, such as a degree or certificate in graphic design, visual communication, or interactive media, can provide a strong foundation in design principles and software skills. However, building a strong portfolio and staying updated with design trends are equally important for success in this field.
Helpful Resources
Here are some useful resources for template designers to learn, create, and sell their work:
- Canva: A beginner-friendly platform with thousands of customizable templates for social media, resumes, and more.
- Figma: A collaborative design tool ideal for creating digital interface templates like websites and apps.
- Templett: A platform to create and sell printable templates for events such as weddings and baby showers.
- Design Bundles: Offers free and paid templates, graphics, and fonts for various creative projects.
- Free Design Resources: A curated site sharing high-quality free templates, fonts, and mockups.
- Microsoft Designer: An AI-powered tool that helps users quickly create beautiful designs using built-in templates.
- Toools.design: A collection of design resources including templates, icons, and illustrations.
- Resource Boy: Provides free mockups, fonts, graphics, and Photoshop add-ons.
- Shillington Design Blog: Offers tutorials, design tips, and roundups of the best free tools and resources for designers.
Key skills needed for a Template Designer
Design & Creative Skills
- Strong visual design principles (layout, alignment, balance)
- Color theory & typography expertise
- Branding consistency and style guidelines
- Creativity and aesthetic sense
- User-friendly and adaptable design thinking
Technical & Software Skills
- Design tools:
- Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
- Figma, Canva, Sketch
- Presentation tools: PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote
- Web basics (for web templates): HTML, CSS (basic knowledge)
- File optimization and export formats (PDF, PNG, SVG, PSD)
Template-Specific Skills
- Creating editable and reusable layouts
- Grid systems and spacing standards
- Designing for scalability and multiple formats
- Placeholder usage (text, images, icons)
- Version control and template documentation
User Experience (UX) Skills
- Understanding user needs and workflows
- Designing intuitive and easy-to-edit templates
- Accessibility awareness (font size, contrast, readability)
- Mobile-responsive design (where applicable)
Business & Professional Skills
- Time management and meeting deadlines
- Client communication and feedback handling
- Market and trend awareness
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving mindset
Marketing & Platform Knowledge (Bonus)
- Social media platform specs (Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.)
- Email marketing tools (Mailchimp, HubSpot)
- Marketplace guidelines (Etsy, Creative Market, Canva Creators)
- SEO basics for template listings
Template Designer Salary
India
- Entry-level: ₹2.5 – ₹4.5 LPA
- Mid-level (3–5 yrs): ₹5 – ₹9 LPA
- Senior / Lead Designer: ₹10 – ₹18+ LPA
- Freelancers: ₹800 – ₹3,000 per template
(Top sellers earn ₹1–5+ lakh/month from marketplaces)
International (Approx.)
- USA: $45,000 – $90,000 per year
- UK: £30,000 – £60,000 per year
- Canada: CAD 50,000 – 85,000 per year
- Australia: AUD 60,000 – 100,000 per year
Factors That Affect Salary
- Design tools expertise (Figma, Adobe, Canva)
- Template niche (UI kits, pitch decks, social media, resumes)
- Experience & portfolio quality
- Freelance vs full-time role
- Platform reach (Creative Market, Etsy, Canva Creators)
Extra Income Opportunities
- Sell templates on Etsy, Creative Market, Envato
- Canva Creator royalties
- Custom template design for brands
- Passive income from digital products
Career Outlook for a Template Designer
The career outlook for Template Designers is very positive, driven by digital content growth, remote work, and the creator economy.
Demand & Growth
- Growing need for ready-made, customizable designs across businesses
- High demand from startups, educators, marketers, influencers, and corporates
- Rise of no-code / DIY platforms like Canva, Notion, Webflow
- Increasing preference for remote and freelance designers
Employment Opportunities
Template Designers can work in:
- Design agencies
- Marketing & branding firms
- EdTech companies
- SaaS and tech startups
- Media & publishing houses
- Corporate communications teams
Freelance & Passive Income Growth
- Sell templates on Etsy, Creative Market, Envato, Canva
- Build passive income streams (once designed, sell repeatedly)
- Opportunity to create niche-focused templates (business, education, healthcare)
Career Progression Path
- Junior Template Designer
- Template Designer
- Senior / Lead Designer
- Brand Designer / UI-UX Designer
- Creative Director
- Independent Digital Product Entrepreneur
Global & Remote Opportunities
- Remote jobs with international clients
- Cross-border freelancing and royalty income
- High scalability compared to traditional design roles
Challenges to Be Aware Of
- High competition in generic templates
- Need for constant skill and trend updates
- Success depends on niche focus & marketing
Future Outlook
- Automation will increase template demand, not replace designers
- Designers who combine creativity + usability + business thinking will thrive
- Best prospects for designers with strong portfolios and niche expertise
User's Comments
No comments there.