The internet has unfolded the chances for Freelance Graphic Creative designers to find potential clients from virtually everywhere making it easy for them to launch but as well as it heightened the competition because access is easier. Which means preparation is necessary by graphic creative designers who want to STAND OUT from the crowd. Below you will find some guidelines on ways you can start out as well as what it requires to be Freelance Graphic Designer:
1. Kick off! - Accelerate your energy, don't plan very long instead put into action promptly your to do list. Thinking is important but ACTION would place in new ideas to you and will give you sense of achievement and vigor to keep up with through your strategies.
2. Check the Flow or Source of Your Fund - being a freelance graphic designer would not guarantee instant revenue or their would even be months that might be no projects so you would need to planfor that. As well as, as a starting out you need to invest in your laptop or computer, internet connection, and other equipment.
3. Know your Talent or Niche - Work only with Designs that really interests you and you think you excel on that area (ex. logo design, cartoon illustration). In the shorter term, you maybe persuaded to accept task which isn't your forte or your not good at but will provide you income but in the long run this project will give you the hardest time, worst you might need to pay back to clients by not meeting their deadlines mainly because it will be hard to do a task you actually don't like to do. Saying NO in certain cases will spare you with troubles and losing much of your time and effort.
4. Make Your Portfolio - make a web-based portfolio to showcase what you are able to do, use blogging platforms like Blogger.com or Wordpress.com. These are free of charge. But there are several other platforms you could use.
You can start to get prospects from Odesk, Freelancer, Elance or other virtual jobs provider. In this manner you are striking different objectives: getting accustomed to dealing with clients, making money, putting up your portfolio and developing your dependability proof or positive feedbacks by fully satisfied clients. For those without designing experience, it's possible to consider design favors from your family or friends or your local community where they will need some creative works for example banner designs, invitations this will make it possible to build up your portfolio Or just make your own designs according to the target services you would like to offer
5. Get Clients or Marketing your Service - one of the most essential in freelancing would be to have a continuous stream of clients either a returnee client or new client this will of course determine your earnings and your success. Client or Customer is of course the core of your business. Beginning graphic designers would be dumbfounded to know that in fact after all your responsibility now is not just to ensure that you are able to do the designs but instead how you will keep your clients or obtain new clients.
6. Client Maintenance or Management - It is important to plan out your communication with your client or customers especially for online transactions. Here are a few valuable ideas that you'll need to take into consideration:
a. Don't undersell yourself - make sure you assess your specific niche market how much they are charging based on the details of the project of your clients. Many clients are even worried when you are charging very low, they are actually doubtful if you can do what they are asking.
b. Design a simplistic system: in terms of payments, presentation of studies and how they will obtain the final results of your design
c. At all times require a certain amount of deposit before you commence any project.
d. Take note of Directions or Agreements - Write contract or make sure there are written proofs about the client's guidelines and your agreed terms
e. Clients are not at all times right, simply being well-mannered and explain carefully your part. In some cases in the event that they choose not to listen to you at least you are straightforward to inform them what's going to be the downside and they would not blame you if ever that happens.
f. Have a good/quality client service. Respond always with respect. If they're furious even it's their fault or your fault, try not to retort straightaway just quiet down so you could think what's right to do next.
7. Put in place your Office and Equipments- If you are working from a home office you should definitely differentiate your home or office or build a dedicated place of work in order to avoid disturbances. However for a start and you do not have that sufficient funds, be practical don't wait until you set up your whole office if you have your computer or laptop, fast internet connection, graphic design software(photoshop, illustrator... ) then you're already up and running.
8. Establish Your Working Time - have a balance life for your freelance work, your health and social life. In my opinion, often times work appears to be unstoppable but this would definitely only affect the value of your work and your over-all health. Arrange your week's objectives including client's deadline, marketing and allocate time for your workout and other social activities which will definitely pump up also your creativity.
9. Be Productive - A simple list of things to do may help a lot so keep it handy. This is also to ensure that you can keep your word on the deadlines, remember a satisfied client will come again if they are more satisfied about your work and one of the considerations are the deadlines that both of you set. Don't use social media and also your email to distract you.
10. Enjoy what you are doing - it's going to be tough but as long as you know this is what you really want to do and you will earn from it at the same time you will not lose that energy and passion to do every project.
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