What You Really Need To Know To Be A Professional Freelance Designer

1. Brand yourself. Nearly any company or group falls apart without an established style. Without an impressive customized brand you will simply fade into the background where literally 1000's of freelance designers wander.

2. Develop an efficient on-line portfolio. It is nearly impossible to achieve success in graphic or web design without having a formidable internet presence. Any potential clients or bosses will need to see your work and a number of of them will prefer to type in a URL and click what they need to see.

3. Create an equally efficient print portfolio, business cards, resume, and so forth. This is somewhat a combination of the previous 2 steps. Remember to make an impressive tangible portfolio that you could give to those who wish to see your work "in person". Also utilize your branding and identity to create business cards, stationery, et cetera. Any time you can put your personal logo on something, do it.

4. Be brave, daring, and professional. Don't be afraid to call people, provide services, email corporations and more. Recently, I was printing a job for a customer and at the printing shop, a man complimented me on the design of the piece. After participating in friendly conversation, he asked me for some recommendations on the piece he was printing for his own business. Although I was short on time, I was glad to assist him and when I got ready to leave, I offered my future services then handed him a calling card. Believe that people will appreciate your skills.

5. Go the extra mile for your clients. Word of mouth is the most important tool you have. Nothing can assist you or harm you more than rumors and compliments shared by people for whom you may have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I do comes from word-of-mouth advertising.

6. Get the small projects first. Doing well at a smaller job for someone will help open doors for your client to do greater, better things. I entered a logo contest for a particular organization and out of the 4 logos I entered, two tied for 1st place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to create their website too. Comparable offers can be made for a company's stationery, business cards, etc. Find a niche and then take courage and offer more.

7. Do not underestimate yourself. This goes along with Number four. Be sure you believe in yourself. No one will ever employ a designer that thinks he may not do as good a job as the other guy. Make sure to reflect your confidence in your pricing. If your work is great, charge good money for it.

8. Network. Graphic and web design are rapidly transforming. Each day new techniques and styles are created and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Sign up for social networks similar to twitter, linkedin, facebook, digg, and more. Start a weblog and frequently add important feedback on others' blogs. Making a name for yourself within the design world takes some time but can be accomplished using social networking resources.

9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing can provide help to increase in confidence and talent more than practice. If work is a bit slow, nail down a number of those personal projects you've been meaning to accomplish. Join a group at school or in the neighborhood where you may freshen your talents. Take part in design forums, contests, and workshops. Nothing could take the place of real life application and experience.

10. Pay attention. I like to carry a small note pad around with me. Whenever I see an advertising campaign, photo, building, person, etc. that influences my creative thinking.

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What You Really Need To Know To Be A Professional Freelance Designer

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