What You Need To Know To Be A Great Freelance Designer
1. Brand yourself. Nearly any firm or corporation falls apart without an established style. Without an impressive personalised logo you will simply fade into the background where literally thousands of freelance designers wander.
2. Create an efficient on-line portfolio. It is virtually impossible to achieve success in graphic or internet design without having a powerful online presence. Any potential clients or employers will want to see your work and many of them will prefer to type in a URL and click on what they wish to see.
3. Develop an equally efficient print portfolio, business cards, resume, etc. This is somewhat a combination of the previous two steps. Remember to develop an impressive solid portfolio which you could give to people who need to see your work "in person". Also use your branding and identity to create business cards, stationery, etc. Any time you can put your personal brand on something, do it.
4. Be brave, daring, and professional. Don't be scared to call people, provide services, email businesses and more. Recently, I was printing a job for a client and at the printing shop, a man complimented me on the design of the piece. After participating in friendly conversation, he asked me for various tips about the piece he was printing for his own business. Though I was short on time, I was glad to help him and when I got ready to leave, I offered my future services and handed him a business card. Believe that people will admire your skills.
5. Go the extra mile for your prospects. Word of mouth is an important tool you have. Nothing will help you or hurt you more than rumors and compliments spread by those for whom you might have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I do comes from word-of-mouth marketing.
6. Get the small opportunities first. Doing well at a small job for someone can help open doors for your client to do greater, better things. I entered a logo contest for a particular group and out of the 4 logos I entered, two tied for 1st place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to design their website as well. Similar offers can be made for a corporation's stationery, business cards, etc. Find a niche and then take courage and offer much more.
7. Never underestimate yourself. This goes along with Number four. Be sure to believe in yourself. No one will ever hire a designer that thinks he may not do as good a job as another guy. Make sure to reflect your self-confidence in your pricing. If your work is excellent, charge good money for it.
8. Network. Graphic and web design are rapidly transforming. Every day new techniques and styles are developed and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Sign up for social networks just like twitter, linkedin, facebook, digg, and more. Set up a weblog and regularly add significant comments on others' blogs. Creating a name for yourself within the design world takes some time but may be achieved using social networking sites.
9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing would help you increase in confidence and ability more than practice. If work is a little slow, nail down a few of those personal tasks you've been meaning to complete. Be a part of a group at school or locally where you can freshen your skills. Participate 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 pad around with me. Every time I see an advertising campaign, photograph, building, person, etc. that influences my creative thinking.
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