Entering the world of freelance graphic design can be a rewarding career move, allowing you to leverage your creativity while enjoying the flexibility of working on your own terms. As a freelancer, you can explore various projects, from branding to digital content, including mastering platforms like Instagram for effective visual storytelling. For those looking to enhance their skills in creating engaging content, especially video, check out this guide on how to create Instagram reels.
Going freelance is an act of independence. It allows for the liberty of working from your living room couch, lounging in your finest dinosaur pajamas with an ice-cream bowl at hand. It is the freedom of working on a huge project while singing along to your favorite songs really, really loud. Going freelance is also an act of empowerment that gives you the satisfaction of knowing that every cent you made is the direct result of your own hard work and sharp skills. In other words, going freelance means being your own boss, which is both liberating and empowering, but also not the easiest path to take. Every Image Credit Goes to pixelsDefine Your Goals.
Without clearly defined, easily measurable goals, you’re going to have a very difficult time getting to where you want to go.
- Is freelancing a path to just earning extra income on the side of your day job?
- Do you eventually want to become a full-time freelancer because of the lifestyle benefits of being your own boss?
- Or, are you looking to use freelancing as a stepping stone to eventually achieving a different goal entirely?
“Only once you know where you want freelancing to take you, can you become successful.”
Self-branding is key
Some newly-freelance graphic designers feel that their portfolio is unsatisfactory for the kind of jobs they want and that they are compelled to add work on personal projects before even looking for their first jobs. But if you’re as well-trained and professional as we know you to be, remember that your portfolio grows with experience, and that’s fine.
Web portfolio:
A sharp online presence is a must for getting the clients and projects you want. Create a personal website that has more to offer than just your work uploaded by category. A good portfolio should be the foundation of your branding efforts and the way you introduce yourself to potential clients.
Your freelance portfolio needs to do the following, in order to be truly effective at selling your services:
- Communicate the specialty & display examples of your work.
- List your contact information & show off your personality.
- Highlight your relevant skills, education, and accomplishments.
- Display testimonials (even if they’re from coworkers or former bosses when you’re just getting started).
- Have regular updates that show your evolution, new clients, and updated sample work.
“Your portfolio website is a destination to demonstrate your expertise.”
Personal logo:
A logo for a graphic designer is not mandatory, but don’t type your name in Arial font at the top of your paperwork or business card. Whether it’s an actual logo, an icon or some other creative interpretation, make your skills stand out across all platforms.Creating Your Own Personal Brand
I’m a firm believer that you’re developing a personal brand for yourself in everything you do. Deciding to start a freelance business and tie your name to the work you do for a broad range of clients, is one of the best ways to start getting your name out into your industry.
“You’re developing a personal brand for yourself in everything you do.”
GOOGLE IS DESIGN IDEAS
Use Google as an idea not to copy the design as it is. It will help you make a new design. Dribbble is also a google platform to see new designs and ideas.USE MOCKUPS FOR PRESENTATION
Keep reading and learning so you can reach the latest trends & mockups for your design presentation. Even after the completion of any formal training, keep reading about the new design tools and applications that launch.
The cheapest prize better quality
Freelance work is by definition much more fluid and dynamic than a nine-to-five job. You could be overloaded with work for several months and then scratching for any gig you can find for the following months. It’s common for workers to come and go in cycles and it’s nothing to worry about.
You need to give back to those who have given it to you. Work for love and charity instead of money sometimes. Well, this should not happen all the time because it is going to be a burden on you, but once in a while, do some free work for someone or an organization, and make sure it’s great.
Stay Connected
Everyone needs to stay connected always. You need people to get to the top and people also need you to get to the top. No matter how stern and straight forward you are with your clients, remember not to burn the bridges between. You will always need your clients. You need to understand the thin line between knowing when to fire your clients and when to keep the bridge between.
Charge appropriately
You don’t ever want to undersell your work, and you don’t ever want to work for free. You’ve worked hard to get to where you are and the designs you create are likely going to be used for a while. Establish a minimum amount for each type of project you think you’ll end up doing (logo design, brochure design, etc).Hunt for clients
You can’t really call yourself a freelance graphic designer if you don’t have any clients to design for. So, where are they supposed to come from?“Choose freelance clients that’ll help you get to where you want to go.”
