10 Strategies For Start-Up Freelance Graphic Design Professionals

The internet has increased the chances of freelance graphic design to find potential clients from virtually anywhere, making it easy for them to get started, but it has also increased competition because of easier access. This means preparation is needed for creative graphic designers who want to stand out from the crowd. Below are some guidelines on how you can get started as well as what it takes to be a freelance graphic designer:

1. Kick-off!

Speed ​​up your energy; don’t plan very long instead of quickly implementing your to-do list. Thinking is important, but ACTION would bring in new ideas for you and give you a sense of accomplishment and vigor to follow through with your strategies.

2. Check the flow or source of your funds

Being a freelance graphic designer wouldn’t guarantee instant income, or it would even be months that might not be projected, so you will have to plan for that. Plus, to get started, you need to invest in your laptop or computer, internet connection, and other equipment.

3. Know your talent or niche

Only work with designs that you are really interested in and think you are good at (e.g., logo design, cartoon illustration). In the short term, you might be persuaded to take on a task that is not your strong suit or right for you but will provide you with an income, but in the long term, this project will give you the most time.

Difficult, the worst that you might have to pay back to clients by not meeting their deadlines, mainly because it will be difficult to accomplish a task you don’t like to do. Saying NO in some cases will get you out of trouble and waste a lot of time and effort.

4. Build your portfolio

Create a web portfolio to showcase what you are capable of doing, use blogging platforms like Blogger.com or WordPress.com. These are free. But there are several other platforms that you can use.

You can start getting leads from Odesk, Freelancer, Elance, or another virtual job provider. In this way, you achieve different goals: getting used to dealing with customers, earning money, building your portfolio, and developing your proof of reliability or positive feedback from fully satisfied customers.

For those who do not have design experience, it is possible to consider design favors from your family or friends or your local community where they will need some creative work, e.g., banner designs, invitations; this will allow you to build your portfolio Or simply create your own creations according to the target services you want to offer

5. Obtain clients or market your service

One of the most essential in the freelance business would be to have a continuous flow of clients, either a returning client or a new client; this will, of course, determine your income and your success. The customer or client is, of course, the heart of your business. Newbie graphic designers would be amazed to know that, in fact, after all, your responsibility is not just to make sure that you are able to do the designs, but rather to know how you are going to retain your clients or get new clients.

6. Customer maintenance or management

It is important to plan your communication with your customer (s), especially for online transactions. Here are some valuable ideas you will need to consider:

Don’t under-sell

Make sure you assess your specific niche market how much they charge based on your clients’ project details. Even when you charge very low, many customers worry; they actually doubt you can do what they ask.

Design a simplistic system: in terms of payments, presentation of studies, and how they will achieve the end results of your design. At all times, require a certain deposit amount before starting any project.

• Take note of instructions or agreements – Write a contract or make sure there is written evidence of the client’s instructions and agreed on terms.
• Customers aren’t always right; they’re just well behaved and explain your part carefully. In some cases, in the event that they choose not to listen to you, at least you are simple in telling them what is going to be the downside, and they won’t blame you if it ever happens.
• Have good customer service. Always respond with respect. If they’re pissed off even though it’s their fault or your fault, try not to fight back right away; just calm down so you can think about what to do next.

7. Set up your office and equipment

If you are working from a home office, you absolutely need to differentiate your home or office or build a dedicated workplace to avoid disruption. However, to start and you do not have enough funds, be practical, do not wait to have your entire desktop installed if you have your computer or laptop, fast internet connection, graphic design software (photoshop, illustrator), then you are already operational.

8. Establish your work time

Have a balanced life for your self-employment, health, and social life. In my opinion, work often seems unstoppable, but it would certainly only affect the value of your work and your overall health. Organize your week’s goals, including client deadline, marketing, and allocate time for your training and other social activities that will definitely boost your creativity.

9. Be Productive

A simple to-do list can be very helpful, so keep it handy. This is also to make sure that you can keep your word on deadlines, remember that happy customer will come back if they are more satisfied with your work, and one of the considerations is the deadlines you both set. Don’t use social media and your email to distract yourself.

10. Enjoy what you do

It’s going to be tough, but as long as you know this is what you really want to do and will benefit from it at the same time, you won’t waste that energy and passion for doing it Each project.