My First Paid Design: The Small Sale That Changed Everything
The First Time I Got Paid for My Work
I still remember the first time someone paid me for a design. It wasn’t a big corporate gig or a high-profile project—just a simple book cover. At that time:
- I was still figuring out Photoshop.
- I had zero formal training.
- I had no real pricing strategy.
Then, someone asked me, “How much do you charge?”
I had no clue how to price my work, so I just threw out a number—150 shillings.
That was my first sale.
The Mindset Shift That Started It All
It wasn’t a life-changing amount of money. But it was a life-changing realization.
That one payment made me see: ✔ Skills can be monetized—even while you’re still learning.
✔ People will pay for value—even if you don’t feel like an expert yet.
✔ Progress starts when you stop doubting yourself and just start.
From that book cover, I went on to design posters, flyers, business cards, and even billboards. But it all started with that one, small sale.
Stop Waiting. Start Charging.
If you’re waiting to feel “ready” before putting yourself out there, you’re wasting time. Start. Charge something. Learn as you go.
What was the first thing you ever got paid for? Let’s hear your story.
