10 Steps To Becoming A Productive Freelance Designer

1. Brand yourself. Practically any company or organization falls apart without an established style. Without a notable customized logo you will simply fade into the background where literally 1000's of freelance designers wander.

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

3. Develop an equally efficient print portfolio, business cards, resume, etc. This is somewhat a combination of the previous 2 steps. Remember to develop a formidable tangible portfolio that you can give to people who wish to see your work "in person". Also use your branding and identity to create business cards, stationery, et cetera. Any time you can put your very own personal logo on something, do it.

4. Be brave, bold, and professional. Don't be scared to call people, provide services, email companies and more. Recently, I was printing a job for a customer and at the printing shop, a man complimented me on the design of the piece. After participating 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 glad to help him and when I got ready to leave, I offered my future services then handed him a business card. Trust 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 assist you or hurt you more than rumors and compliments shared by 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 projects first. Doing well at a small job for someone will help open doors for your client 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 1st place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to design their website too. Comparable 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. Don't underestimate yourself. This goes together with Number four. Remember to believe in yourself. No one will ever employ a designer that thinks he may not do as good a job as another guy. Remember to reflect your confidence in your pricing. If your work is good, charge good money for it.

8. Network. Graphic and web design are quickly transforming. Every day new techniques and styles are created and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Sign up for social networks just like twitter, linkedin, fb, digg, and more. Start a blog and regularly add important comments on others' blogs. Making a name for yourself within the design world takes a while but can be done using social networking sites.

9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing can help you increase in confidence and talent more than practice. If work is a bit slow, nail down a few of those private projects you've been meaning to finish. Be a part of a group at school or in the neighborhood where you can freshen your talents. Take part 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 notebook around with me. Every time I see an advertising campaign, photograph, building, person, etc. that influences my creative thinking.

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