How to become a Successful Freelance Graphic Designer
So you want to be a freelance graphic designer?
Sounds great, but do you have what it takes to be a successful graphic designer?
Leaving your 9 to 5 job maybe scary at first, because the market is filled with so many seasoned creative designers, you often wonder how can I get to that level?
Below are just a few tips that will help you take that jump into the life of a successful graphic designer.
Who Are You?
Branding is key to the start of your freelance career.
“A business is not worth much if no one knows it exists.”
This is the number one reason why you need to build a brand, because a brand is essentially the public face of the business. Creating your style and evoking a WOW first impression on your clients will for sure help you stand out above your competitors. Read Branding for Small Businesses to get a start on what and how to build a brand.
Your Portfolio is You!
Your portfolio should be apart of your brand. You want to be sure your work reflects your niche of work, and that it displays your personal style. If your niche is brand identity, logo design, and magazine design, be sure your portfolio displays only your strongest pieces from each of these categories.
Portfolio Presentation
First impressions are everything, and this also applies to how your present your portfolio. With all the free tools available online presenting your portfolio to a mass audience is simple and easy. All potential clients, and employers will want to see your work first before they design to hire you.
Be sure your online portfolio is branded properly with your style, and is effective for the type of work you’re trying to win. Along with an online portfolio it’s always great to have a print portfolio handy. If you’re a print designer, having a print portfolio when you meet your client in-person is sure to leave a great first impression. When creating a print portfolio be creative, think out side the box, and remember to evoke your brand through it.
Stay Motivated!
This is perhaps the hardest part of taking the jump into becoming a freelance graphic designer.
At a normal job, you have your peers, incentives, and your supervisor there to help motivate you day in and day out. As a freelancer, you have to be a self starter and a self motivator. Take time to read some motivational quotes. We post Monday Motivations weekly here at Von Watts Graphics.
You must believe in yourself before anyone else will. Stay Motivated and keep your confidence level high.
Network! Network! Network!
Networking is great for engaging and interacting with potential clients. It can help establish new business and add on to your current client roster.
As a creative person most of us struggle with meeting people face to face, or even talking to someone about what we do. Now with technology at our fingertips you can network via social media, email, blogging, and via your website. Be sure you sign up for social medias such as
Twitter
Facebook
Linkedin
Instagram
Behance
And much more
Networking takes time, and consistency you have to stay at it and keep it updated to create a great name for you and your business.
There you have it! These are just a few tips to you started. Remember taking the jump into the freelance world is not easy. You will hit some rocks along the way, but as long as you keep your self motivated, have confidence in yourself and your brand, the parachute will open, and you’ll have a soft landing.
So what are some tips you have for becoming a successful graphic designer?