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Essential Steps To Become A Productive Freelance Designer
1. Brand yourself. Practically any company or corporation falls apart without an established style. Without a notable personalized brand you will just fade into the background where literally 1000's of freelance designers wander.
2. Create an effective web portfolio. It is nearly impossible to achieve success in graphic or internet design without having an impressive web presence. Any potential clients or bosses will want to see your work and most of them will want to type in a URL and click what they wish to see.
3. Develop an equally effective print portfolio, business cards, resume, et cetera. This is somewhat a combination of the previous 2 steps. Remember to create a formidable tangible portfolio which you could give to people who want to see your work "in person". Also make use of your branding and identity to create business cards, stationery, et cetera. Any time you can slap your very own personal logo on something, do it.
4. Be brave, daring, and professional. Don't be scared to call people, offer services, email organizations and more. Recently, I was printing a job for a customer and at the printing shop, a man complimented me on the design of the piece. After engaging in friendly exchange, he asked me for some tips about the piece he was printing for his own business. Though I was short on time, I was happy to assist him and once I got ready to leave, I offered my future services then handed him a card. Have faith that people will appreciate your skills.
5. Go the extra mile for your prospects. Word of mouth is an important tool you have. Nothing can help you or harm you more than rumors and compliments shared by those for whom you have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I complete comes from word-of-mouth advertising.
6. Get the smaller jobs first. Doing well at a smaller job for someone will help open doors for your client to do bigger, better things. I entered a logo contest for a specific organization and out of the 4 logos I entered, 2 tied for first place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to make their online page too. Similar offers can be made for an organization's stationery, business cards, etc. Find an area of interest and then take courage and offer more.
7. Never underestimate yourself. This goes together with Number 4. Make sure you believe in yourself. No one will ever employ a designer that thinks he may not do as good a job as the next guy. Make sure you reflect your confidence in your pricing. If your work is excellent, charge good money for it.
8. Network. Graphic and web design are quickly changing. Every single day new methods and styles are created and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Sign up for social networks like twitter, linkedin, fb, digg, and more. Start a weblog and regularly add meaningful feedback on others' websites. Making a name for yourself in the design world takes a while but can be achieved using social networking sites.
9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing will show you how to increase in confidence and talent more than practice. If work is a little slow, nail down some of those private projects you've been meaning to complete. Be a part of a group at school or in the community where you'll be able to freshen your own talents. Participate in design forums, contests, and workshops. Nothing can take the place of real life application and experience.
10. Pay attention. I like to bring a small pad around with me. Every time I see an advertisement, picture, building, person, etc. that influences my artistic thinking.
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