Essential Steps To Become An Excellent Freelance Designer

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

2. Make an efficient internet portfolio. It is nearly impossible to be successful in graphic or online design without having an impressive online presence. Any possible clients or employers will wish to see your work and many of them will want to type in a URL and click what they need to see.

3. Make an equally effective print portfolio, business cards, resume, etc. This is somewhat a combination of the other two steps. Make sure you develop a formidable tangible portfolio that you could give to people that want to see your work "in person". Also use your branding and identity to make business cards, stationery, etc. Any time you could put your very own personal logo on something, do it.

4. Be brave, bold, and professional. Don't be anxious to call people, offer services, email businesses and more. Not too long ago, I was printing a job for a client and at the printing shop, a person complimented me on the design of the piece. After participating in friendly exchange, he asked me for some recommendations on the piece he was printing for his own business. Even 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 gave him a business card. Trust that people will appreciate your skills.

5. Go the extra mile for your clients. Word of mouth is a very powerful tool you have. Nothing could help you or hurt you a lot more than rumors and compliments spread by other people for whom you might have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I complete comes from word-of-mouth advertising.

6. Take the smaller jobs first. Doing well at a small job for somebody can help open doors for your customer to do greater, better things. I entered a logo contest for a specific organization and out of the four logos I entered, 2 tied for first place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to design their internet site as well. Related offers can be made for a corporation's stationery, business cards, etc. Find an area of interest and then take courage and offer more.

7. Do not underestimate yourself. This goes together with Number 4. Be sure to believe in yourself. Nobody will ever hire a designer that thinks he might not do as good a job as another guy. Remember to reflect your confidence in your pricing. If your work is great, charge good money for it.

8. Network. Graphic and web design are quickly changing. Every day new strategies and styles are developed and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Join social networks just like twitter, linkedin, fb, digg, and more. Start a blog and continuously add meaningful comments on others' sites. Creating a reputation for yourself within the design world takes a while but can be accomplished using social networking websites.

9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing will help you increase in self-confidence and ability more than practice. If work is a little bit slow, nail down a few of those private projects you've been meaning to accomplish. Be part of a group at school or in the community where you can freshen your very own skills. Engage in design forums, contests, and workshops. Nothing could take the place of real life application and experience.

10. Pay attention. I like to bring a small note pad around with me. Each time I see an advertisement, photograph, building, person, etc. that influences my imaginative thinking.

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