What You Have To Know To Be A Great Freelance Designer
2. Develop an efficient online portfolio. It is virtually impossible to be successful in graphic or online design without having an impressive online 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 on what they want to see.
3. Make an equally effective print portfolio, business cards, resume, etc. This is somewhat a combination of the previous 2 steps. Make sure you make an impressive solid portfolio that you can give to people that want to see your work "in person". Also use your branding and identity to create business cards, stationery, et cetera. Any time you could put your personal brand on something, do it.
4. Be brave, bold, and professional. Don't be anxious to call people, offer services, email companies and more. Recently, I was printing a job for a customer 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. Even though I was short on time, I was happy to help him and when I got ready to leave, I offered my future services then 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 a very powerful tool you have. Nothing can help you or hurt 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 marketing.
6. Take the smaller jobs first. Doing well at a small job for someone will 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 first place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to design 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 much more.
7. Don't underestimate yourself. This goes together with Number 4. Remember to believe in yourself. No one will ever employ 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 changing. Every day new techniques and styles are created 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 continuously add meaningful comments on others' blogs. Making a reputation for yourself within the design world takes some time but may be done using social networking websites.
9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing will help you increase in confidence and talent more than practice. If work is a bit slow, nail down a number of those personal tasks you've been meaning to finish. Be part of a group at school or in the community where you can 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 little notebook around with me. Each time I see an advertisement, photograph, building, person, etc. that influences my creative thinking.
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