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What You Have To Know To Be A Successful Freelance Designer
1. Brand yourself. Nearly any firm or organization falls apart without an established style. Without a notable personalized logo you will only fade into the background where literally hundreds of freelance designers wander.
2. Develop an efficient online portfolio. It is almost impossible to be successful in graphic or internet design without having an impressive online presence. Any possible clients or employers will need to see your work and many of them will prefer to type in a URL and click on what they want to see.
3. Develop an equally effective print portfolio, business cards, resume, etc. This is somewhat a combination of the other two steps. Remember to develop an impressive concrete portfolio that you can give to people who want to see your work "in person". Also use your branding and identity to make business cards, stationery, etc. Any time you can put your personal brand on something, do it.
4. Be brave, bold, and professional. Don't be scared to call people, offer 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 participating in friendly conversation, 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 happy to help him and after I got ready to leave, I offered my future services and handed him a business card. Have confidence that people will recognize your skills.
5. Go the extra mile for your customers. Word of mouth is an important tool you have. Nothing can help you or hurt you a lot more than rumors and compliments spread by people for whom you might have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I do comes from word-of-mouth publicity.
6. Take the smaller jobs first. Doing well at a small job for somebody may help open doors for your client 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 internet site also. Comparable offers can be made for a corporation'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. Be sure to believe in yourself. Nobody will ever get a designer that thinks he may not do as good a job as another 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 strategies and styles are made 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. Create a blog and regularly add meaningful comments on others' sites. Creating a name for yourself within the design world takes some time but could be done using social networking sites.
9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing will help you increase in self-confidence and skill more than practice. If work is a bit slow, nail down a few of those personal tasks you've been meaning to finish. Be a part of a group at school or in the community where you can freshen your very own abilities. 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 smaller notebook around with me. Every time I see an advertisement, photograph, building, person, etc. that influences my imaginative thinking.
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