1. Brand yourself. Practically any company or corporation falls apart without an established style. Without a notable personalized logo you will only fade into the background where literally 1000's of freelance designers wander.
2. Create an effective internet portfolio. It is almost impossible to achieve success in graphic or internet design without having an impressive online presence. Any possible clients or bosses will need to see your work and many of them will prefer to type in a URL and click what they wish to see.
3. Make an equally effective print portfolio, business cards, resume, etc. This is somewhat a combination of the other two steps. Be sure to develop a powerful tangible portfolio that you could give to people that want to see your work "in person". Also utilize your branding and identity to create business cards, stationery, etc. Any time you could slap your personal logo on something, do it.
4. Be brave, daring, and professional. Don't be afraid to call people, provide services, email corporations and more. Recently, I was printing a job for a customer and at the printing shop, a person complimented me on the design of the piece. After participating in friendly discussion, he asked me for some recommendations on the piece he was printing for his own business. Although I was short on time, I was happy to assist him and after I got ready to leave, I offered my future services then handed him a calling card. Believe that people will admire your skills.
5. Go the extra mile for your clients. Word of mouth is a very powerful tool you have. Nothing can help you or harm you a lot more than rumors and compliments shared by other people for whom you may have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I do comes from word-of-mouth advertising.
6. Take the smaller opportunities first. Doing well at a smaller job for somebody will help open doors for your client to do greater, better things. I entered a logo contest for a specific group and out of the 4 logos I entered, 2 tied for 1st place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to make their online page as well. Comparable offers can be made for a corporation's stationery, business cards, etc. Find a niche and then take courage and offer much more.
7. Don't underestimate yourself. This goes along with Number four. Be sure to believe in yourself. No one will ever employ a designer that thinks he might not do as good a job as another guy. Make sure you reflect your confidence in your pricing. If your work is great, charge good money for it.
8. Network. Graphic and web design are rapidly transforming. Each day new methods and styles are developed and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Join social networks similar to twitter, linkedin, fb, digg, and more. Set up a weblog and regularly add meaningful feedback on others' sites. Making a reputation for yourself in the design world takes a while but can be done using social networking sites.
9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing will show you how to increase in self-confidence and talent more than practice. If work is a bit slow, nail down a few of those personal tasks you've been meaning to complete. Be a part of a group at school or in the community where you may freshen your skills. Engage in design forums, contests, and workshops. Nothing could take the place of real life application and experience.
10. Pay attention. I like to carry a smaller note pad around with me. Whenever I see an advertising campaign, photo, building, person, etc. that influences my imaginative thinking.
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