10 Steps To Become A Successful Freelance Designer
1. Brand yourself. Practically any company or organization falls apart without an established style. Without a notable customized logo you will only fade into the background where literally 1000's of freelance designers wander.
2. Make an efficient on-line portfolio. It is almost impossible to achieve success in graphic or internet design without having a powerful web presence. Any potential clients or bosses will wish to see your work and many of them will choose to type in a URL and click on what they wish to see.
3. Make an equally efficient print portfolio, business cards, resume, and so forth. This is somewhat a combination of the other two steps. Make sure you create an impressive tangible portfolio which you could give to people that want to see your work "in person". Also make use of your branding and identity to create business cards, stationery, etc. Any time you could slap your very own personal logo on something, do it.
4. Be brave, daring, and professional. Don't be afraid to call people, offer services, email companies and more. Not too long ago, I was printing a job for a customer and at the printing shop, a person complimented me on the design of the piece. After engaging in friendly discussion, he asked me for various tips about the piece he was printing for his own business. Although I was short on time, I was glad to assist him and when I got ready to leave, I offered my future services then handed him a card. Have confidence that people will appreciate your skills.
5. Go the extra mile for your prospects. Word of mouth is a very powerful tool you have. Nothing will help you or hurt you more than rumors and compliments spread by people for whom you have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I complete comes from word-of-mouth advertising.
6. Get 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 particular organization and out of the 4 logos I entered, 2 tied for 1st place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to make their website also. Comparable offers can be made for an organization'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. 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 transforming. Every day new methods and styles are created and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Join social networks just like twitter, linkedin, facebook, digg, and more. Create a weblog and frequently add important comments on others' sites. Creating a name for yourself in the design world takes some time but may be done using social networking sites.
9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing will show you how to increase in self-confidence and skill more than practice. If work is a little slow, nail down some of those private tasks you've been meaning to complete. Join a group at school or in the neighborhood where you'll be able to freshen your own skills. Engage 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 note pad around with me. Every time I see an advertising campaign, photograph, building, person, etc. that influences my imaginative thinking.