What You Have To Know To Be A Great Freelance Designer
1. Brand yourself. Almost any firm or organization falls apart without an established style. Without an impressive personalised logo you will just fade into the background where literally thousands of freelance designers wander.
2. Develop an effective on-line portfolio. It is almost impossible to be successful in graphic or internet design without having a powerful online presence. Any possible clients or employers will need to see your work and most of them will choose to type in a URL and click on what they want to see.
3. Develop an equally efficient print portfolio, business cards, resume, etc. This is somewhat a combination of the other two steps. Remember to create a powerful concrete portfolio that you can give to people who need to see your work "in person". Also use your branding and identity to make business cards, stationery, etc. Any time you can slap your own personal brand on something, do it.
4. Be brave, bold, and professional. Don't be scared to call people, provide services, email businesses and more. Not too long ago, I was printing a job for a client and at the printing shop, a man complimented me on the design of the piece. After engaging in friendly discussion, he asked me for a few tips on the piece he was printing for his own business. Though I was short on time, I was glad to help him and once I got ready to leave, I offered my future services and handed him a card. Believe that people will recognize your skills.
5. Go the extra mile for your customers. Word of mouth is an important tool you have. Nothing will help you or hurt you a lot more than rumors and compliments spread by people for whom you have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I accomplish comes from word-of-mouth publicity.
6. Take the small opportunities first. Doing well at a small job for somebody can help open doors for your client to do bigger, better things. I entered a logo contest for a particular group and out of the four logos I entered, two tied for 1st place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to design their online page as well. Comparable offers can be made for an organization's stationery, business cards, etc. Find a niche and then take courage and offer much more.
7. Don't underestimate yourself. This goes along with Number four. Be sure to believe in yourself. Nobody will ever hire a designer that thinks he may not do as good a job as the next guy. Make sure to reflect your self-confidence in your pricing. If your work is good, charge good money for it.
8. Network. Graphic and web design are rapidly transforming. Every day new methods and styles are developed and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Sign up for social networks like twitter, linkedin, facebook, digg, and more. Create a blog and regularly add significant comments on others' websites. Creating a name for yourself in the design world takes some time but could be done using social networking sites.
9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing would help you increase in self-confidence and ability more than practice. If work is a bit slow, nail down some of those personal tasks you've been meaning to finish. Be a part of a group at school or locally where you can freshen your own skills. Take part in design forums, contests, and workshops. Nothing can take the place of real life application and experience.
10. Pay attention. I like to carry a smaller notebook around with me. Every time I see an advertising campaign, photograph, building, person, etc. that influences my artistic thinking.
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