10 Steps To Become A Productive Freelance Designer

1. Brand yourself. Almost any company or corporation falls apart without an established style. Without an impressive customized brand you will just fade into the background where literally 1000's of freelance designers wander.

2. Make an efficient on-line portfolio. It is nearly impossible to achieve success in graphic or web design without having a formidable web presence. Any potential clients or bosses will wish to see your work and a number of of them will choose to type in a URL and click what they wish to see.

3. Create an equally efficient print portfolio, business cards, resume, et cetera. This is somewhat a combination of the previous 2 steps. Be sure you make a powerful tangible portfolio which you could give to those who wish to see your work "in person". Also make use of your branding and identity to create business cards, stationery, et cetera. Any time you could put your own personal logo on something, do it.

4. Be brave, daring, and professional. Don't be afraid to call people, provide services, email organizations and more. Recently, I was printing a job for a customer and at the printing shop, a person complimented me on the design of the piece. After participating in friendly discussion, he asked me for some tips about the piece he was printing for his own business. Although I was short on time, I was glad to assist him and once I got ready to leave, I offered my future services then gave him a calling card. Believe that people will appreciate your skills.

5. Go the extra mile for your prospects. Word of mouth is the most important tool you have. Nothing can assist you or harm you more than rumors and compliments shared by other people for whom you may have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I accomplish comes from word-of-mouth advertising.

6. Get the small projects first. Doing well at a smaller job for someone will help open doors for your customer to do greater, better things. I entered a logo contest for a particular organization and out of the 4 logos I entered, two tied for 1st place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to make their online page too. Related offers can be made for a company's stationery, business cards, etc. Find a niche and then take courage and offer more.

7. Never underestimate yourself. This goes along with Number four. Make sure you believe in yourself. No one will ever employ a designer that thinks he might not do as good a job as the other guy. Make sure 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 transforming. Every single day new methods and styles are created and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Join social networks similar to twitter, linkedin, facebook, digg, and more. Start a weblog and frequently add important feedback on others' websites. Making a reputation for yourself within the design world takes some time but can be achieved using social networking resources.

9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing can show you how to increase in confidence and talent more than practice. If work is a little bit slow, nail down a number of those personal projects you've been meaning to complete. Join a group at school or in the neighborhood where you'll be able to freshen your own talents. 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 pad around with me. Whenever I see an advertising campaign, picture, building, person, etc. that influences my artistic thinking.

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