What You Really Need To Know To Be A Great Freelance Designer
1. Brand yourself. Nearly any firm or organization falls apart without an established style. Without a notable personalised brand you will just fade into the background where literally thousands of freelance designers wander.
2. Develop an efficient online portfolio. It is virtually impossible to be successful in graphic or internet design without having a powerful internet presence. Any possible clients or employers will need to see your work and a number of of them will prefer to type in a URL and click on what they want to see.
3. Develop an equally efficient print portfolio, business cards, resume, and so forth. This is somewhat a combination of the other two steps. Make sure you make an impressive solid portfolio that you can give to people who need to see your work "in person". Also utilize your branding and identity to make business cards, stationery, etc. Any time you could put your personal brand on something, do it.
4. Be brave, bold, and professional. Don't be scared to call people, provide services, email corporations and more. Not too long ago, I was printing a job for a client and at the printing shop, a person complimented me on the design of the piece. After participating in friendly conversation, he asked me for various tips on the piece he was printing for his own business. Though I was short on time, I was glad to assist him and once I got ready to leave, I offered my future services and gave him a calling card. Have confidence that people will admire your skills.
5. Go the extra mile for your customers. Word of mouth is an important tool you have. Nothing will help you or harm you a lot more than rumors and compliments spread by people for whom you may have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I do comes from word-of-mouth marketing.
6. Take the smaller opportunities first. Doing well at a smaller job for somebody can help open doors for your customer to do greater, better things. I entered a logo contest for a particular group and out of the four logos I entered, 2 tied for 1st place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to create their online page as well. Comparable offers can be made for a company's stationery, business cards, etc. Find a niche and then take courage and offer much more.
7. Don't underestimate yourself. This goes together with Number four. Be sure you believe in yourself. Nobody will ever hire a designer that thinks he might not do as good a job as the other guy. Be 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 quickly transforming. Each day new methods and styles are developed and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Join social networks similar to twitter, linkedin, facebook, digg, and more. Set up a blog and regularly add significant feedback on others' websites. Creating a reputation for yourself within the design world takes some time but may be done using social networking sites.
9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing would provide help to increase in self-confidence and ability more than practice. If work is a bit slow, nail down a number of those personal tasks you've been meaning to finish. Be a part of a group at school or locally where you may freshen your own skills. 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 little notebook around with me. Every time I see an advertising campaign, photo, building, person, etc. that influences my artistic thinking.
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