Build Illustrator fluency plus production literacy — 1:10 scale documents, bleed, panel layout, and CutContour files that survive an installer's squeegee. Expect roughly $75-$150/month in tool costs, start hourly in the $40-$100 range, and move to flat fees ($650-$850 for full-wrap design) as you speed up; wrap shops make better repeat clients than vehicle owners. Career guide: wraptor.io/blog/how-to-become-a-freelance-wrap-designer.