What You Should Know To Be A Great Freelance Designer

1. Brand yourself. Almost any firm or organization falls apart without an established style. Without an impressive personalized brand you will just fade into the background where literally thousands of freelance designers wander.

2. Create an effective internet portfolio. It is almost impossible to be successful in graphic or web design without having an impressive web presence. Any possible clients or employers will want to see your work and most of them will choose to type in a URL and click on what they want to see.

3. Create an equally effective print portfolio, business cards, resume, et cetera. This is somewhat a combination of the other two steps. Be sure to create a powerful concrete portfolio that you can give to those who want to see your work "in person". Also make use of your branding and identity to make business cards, stationery, etc. Any time you can slap your own personal brand on something, do it.

4. Be brave, bold, and professional. Don't be afraid to call people, offer services, email organizations 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 engaging in friendly discussion, he asked me for a few tips on the piece he was printing for his own business. Although I was short on time, I was happy to assist him and once I got ready to leave, I offered my future services and handed him a card. Trust that people will recognize your skills.

5. Go the extra mile for your customers. Word of mouth is the most important tool you have. Nothing can help you or harm you a lot more than rumors and compliments spread by those for whom you have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I accomplish comes from word-of-mouth publicity.

6. Take the small jobs first. Doing well at a smaller job for somebody can help open doors for your client to do bigger, better things. I entered a logo contest for a specific group and out of the four logos I entered, two tied for first place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to make their online page as well. Similar offers can be made for an organization's stationery, business cards, etc. Find an area of interest and then take courage and offer much more.

7. Don't underestimate yourself. This goes along with Number 4. Make sure you believe in yourself. Nobody will ever hire a designer that thinks he may not do as good a job as the next guy. Remember 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 rapidly changing. Every single day new methods and styles are developed 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. Create a blog and frequently add meaningful feedback on others' websites. Creating a name for yourself in the design world takes a while but could be done using social networking resources.

9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing will show you how to increase in self-confidence and ability more than practice. If work is a little slow, nail down some of those private tasks you've been meaning to finish. Join a group at school or in the community where you'll be able to freshen your own skills. 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 smaller notebook around with me. Whenever I see an advertisement, picture, building, person, etc. that influences my artistic thinking.

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