1. Brand yourself. Practically any firm or organization falls apart without an established style. Without a notable customized logo you will just fade into the background where literally 1000's of freelance designers wander.
2. Make an effective web portfolio. It is virtually impossible to be successful in graphic or online design without having a formidable online presence. Any possible clients or bosses will wish to see your work and many of them will want to type in a URL and click on what they want to see.
3. Make an equally efficient print portfolio, business cards, resume, etc. This is somewhat a combination of the other 2 steps. Be sure you develop a formidable solid portfolio that you can give to people that wish to see your work "in person". Also use your branding and identity to make business cards, stationery, et cetera. Any time you could slap your very own personal brand on something, do it.
4. Be brave, bold, and professional. Don't be anxious to call people, provide services, email businesses 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 exchange, he asked me for various tips on the piece he was printing for his own business. Even though I was short on time, I was glad to help him and once I got ready to leave, I offered my future services then gave him a business card. Have faith that people will admire your skills.
5. Go the extra mile for your customers. Word of mouth is a very powerful tool you have. Nothing will help you or hurt you a lot more than rumors and compliments shared by other people for whom you might have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I complete comes from word-of-mouth marketing.
6. Take the smaller projects first. Doing well at a small job for somebody may also help open doors for your customer to do bigger, better things. I entered a logo contest for a specific group and out of the four logos I entered, 2 tied for 1st place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to design their online page too. Related offers can be made for a corporation's stationery, business cards, etc. Find an area of interest and then take courage and offer much more.
7. Don't underestimate yourself. This goes together with Number four. Be sure to believe in yourself. Nobody will ever employ a designer that thinks he might not do as good a job as another guy. Make sure you reflect your self-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 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, fb, digg, and more. Set up a blog and continuously add important comments on others' websites. Making a reputation for yourself in the design world takes a while but may be done using social networking websites.
9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing can help you increase in self-confidence and talent more than practice. If work is a little bit slow, nail down a few of those private tasks you've been meaning to finish. Be part of a group at school or in the neighborhood where you can freshen your own talents. 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 little notebook around with me. Each time I see an advertising campaign, photograph, building, person, etc. that influences my artistic thinking.
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Other readings
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