What You Should Know To Be A Successful Freelance Designer

1. Brand yourself. Practically any company or organization falls apart without an established style. Without an impressive personalized logo you will only fade into the background where literally thousands of freelance designers wander.

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

3. Develop an equally effective print portfolio, business cards, resume, et cetera. This is somewhat a combination of the other two steps. Remember to create a formidable tangible portfolio that you can give to people 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 very own personal logo on something, do it.

4. Be brave, bold, and professional. Don't be scared to call people, offer services, email companies 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 exchange, he asked me for some 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 card. Have faith that people will appreciate 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 those for whom you have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I complete comes from word-of-mouth advertising.

6. Take the small jobs first. Doing well at a small job for somebody can help open doors for your client to do bigger, better things. I entered a logo contest for a specific organization and out of the four logos I entered, two tied for first place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to make their internet site 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 more.

7. Don't underestimate yourself. This goes along with Number 4. Remember to believe in yourself. Nobody will ever hire 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 good, charge good money for it.

8. Network. Graphic and web design are rapidly changing. Every single day new strategies 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. Start a blog and regularly add meaningful comments on others' sites. Creating a name for yourself in the design world takes a while but can be done using social networking sites.

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 projects you've been meaning to finish. Be a part of a group at school or in the community where you'll be able to freshen your very 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 small notebook around with me. Every time I see an advertisement, picture, building, person, etc. that influences my imaginative thinking.

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