What You Really Need 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 customized logo you will simply fade into the background where literally 1000's of freelance designers wander.
2. Create an efficient on-line portfolio. It is almost impossible to achieve success in graphic or web design without having a formidable web presence. Any potential clients or employers will wish to see your work and a number of of them will prefer to type in a URL and click what they wish to see.
3. Develop an equally efficient print portfolio, business cards, resume, et cetera. This is somewhat a combination of the previous two steps. Be sure to make a powerful tangible portfolio that you could give to those who wish to see your work "in person". Also utilize your branding and identity to make business cards, stationery, et cetera. Any time you can slap your very own personal brand on something, do it.
4. Be brave, daring, 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 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 various tips on the piece he was printing for his own business. Although I was short on time, I was glad to help him and once I got ready to leave, I offered my future services then handed him a calling card. Have faith that people will admire your skills.
5. Go the extra mile for your prospects. Word of mouth is the most important tool you have. Nothing could help you or hurt you a lot more than rumors and compliments spread by those for whom you might 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 someone may help open doors for your customer to do bigger, better things. I entered a logo contest for a specific organization and out of the 4 logos I entered, two tied for first place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to create their online page also. Similar 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 together with Number 4. Make sure you believe in yourself. No one will ever hire a designer that thinks he might not do as good a job as another guy. Remember to reflect your confidence in your pricing. If your work is excellent, charge good money for it.
8. Network. Graphic and web design are rapidly changing. Each day new strategies and styles are made and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Join social networks like twitter, linkedin, facebook, digg, and more. Start a weblog and regularly add meaningful comments on others' websites. Creating a name for yourself in the design world takes a while but may be achieved using social networking resources.
9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing will help you increase in self-confidence and talent more than practice. If work is a little slow, nail down some of those private projects you've been meaning to finish. Be a part of a group at school or in the community where you can freshen your own skills. Engage 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. Every time I see an advertisement, photo, building, person, etc. that influences my imaginative thinking.
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