Fancy a career as a freelance graphic designer working for yourself? Perhaps you’re new to this profession seeking freelance experience or maybe you’re already an established graphic designer looking for a more challenging way of earning money.
Whatever the case may be, this article can help you answer the age-old question, “How do I become a freelance graphic designer?” Using wise advice and helpful hints.
Here’s what you can expect to learn.
Becoming a freelance graphic designer
Attend graphic design programs
The first step you’ll need to take if you plan on answering the age-old question, “How do I become a freelance graphic designer?” is to check out your local community college and see what professional graphic design programs are available.
Depending on your level of experience, you may qualify for an associate’s degree in design or a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. Typical coursework for students taking classes toward a two-year degree is in mathematics, art history, psychology, business, computer technology, communications, marketing, and psychology.
Of course, these aren’t the only subjects you can take, but they are good places to start.
Put together your portfolio
After completing your education, you’ll need to put together a portfolio of your own artwork and other freelance graphic design work.
You will need to submit a completed portfolio to potential employers when looking for a job. The portfolio will provide information that will allow the employer to evaluate you as an individual as well as determine your ability to present quality freelance graphic design work.
It will also show your clientele what type of work you can do for them.
Once you’ve completed your education and your portfolio, you can move on to learning how to become a freelance graphic designer through self-study programs. Freelance graphic designers work on their own, but some businesses hire employees as contractors.
These individuals are called freelance graphic designers, or contractors. They generally work on projects that don’t require a contract but rather one that needs some touch-up, such as new graphics.
Build your clientele
In today’s market, it’s imperative to build up a client base. Without clients, you won’t be able to offer your services as a freelance graphic designer. There are a variety of ways to build your client base, such as networking within industry groups, providing samples of your work, and advertising in publications geared towards the creative industry. Advertising in online classifieds, such as Craigslist, is another way to reach potential clients.
If you’re interested in becoming a freelance graphic designer, you should consider joining a networking group or freelance social media website. These websites provide an ideal way of getting your name out into the world.
Your profile can contain professional information, such as your portfolio and contact information. You can also talk about your ideas and promote yourself through your profile. These social media websites also allow you to place ads for your services.
Sign up for freelance job sites
Another way to get jobs as a freelance graphic designer is through freelance job sites. There are many people who use job sites such as Odesk to find work. Job sites such as this will give you the opportunity to network with other freelance graphic designers.
You can ask related questions to jobs that you’re interested in, and you can use other people’s portfolios to help you make a good impression.
One thing to remember when trying to land jobs as a freelance graphic designer is that many companies do not hire first-time designers.
In order to attract and retain top graphic designers, many companies will require a combination of communication skills, creativity, and technical abilities. The best way to do well is to develop your own unique style.
If you do, you can develop a trusted clientele and work with some of the best firms in the business.