1. Brand yourself. Practically any firm or organization falls apart without an established style. Without a notable personalised logo you will only fade into the background where literally thousands of freelance designers wander.

2. Create an efficient web portfolio. It is almost impossible to be successful in graphic or online design without having a powerful online presence. Any possible clients or employers will want to see your work and many of them will want to type in a URL and click on what they want to see.

3. Make an equally efficient print portfolio, business cards, resume, etc. This is somewhat a combination of the other two steps. Remember to develop a formidable concrete portfolio that you can give to people that need to see your work "in person". Also use your branding and identity to make business cards, stationery, etc. Any time you can put your very own personal brand on something, do it.

4. Be brave, bold, and professional. Don't be anxious to call people, provide services, email businesses and more. Not too long ago, I was printing a job for a client and at the printing shop, a man complimented me on the design of the piece. After participating in friendly exchange, he asked me for a few tips on the piece he was printing for his own business. Even though I was short on time, I was glad to help him and after I got ready to leave, I offered my future services and handed him a business card. Have faith that people will recognize your skills.

5. Go the extra mile for your customers. Word of mouth is a very powerful tool you have. Nothing will help you or hurt you a lot more than rumors and compliments spread by those for whom you might have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I complete comes from word-of-mouth publicity.

6. Take the smaller opportunities first. Doing well at a small job for somebody can help open doors for your client to do greater, better things. I entered a logo contest for a specific group and out of the four logos I entered, 2 tied for 1st place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to design their internet site as well. Similar offers can be made for a corporation's stationery, business cards, etc. Find an area of interest and then take courage and offer much more.

7. Don't underestimate yourself. This goes together with Number four. Be sure to believe in yourself. Nobody will ever hire a designer that thinks he may not do as good a job as another guy. Make sure you reflect your self-confidence in your pricing. If your work is good, charge good money for it.

8. Network. Graphic and web design are quickly transforming. Every day new strategies and styles are developed and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Sign up for social networks just like twitter, linkedin, fb, digg, and more. Create a blog and continuously add significant comments on others' sites. Creating a name for yourself within the design world takes a while but could be done using social networking websites.

9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing would help you increase in self-confidence and ability more than practice. If work is a little slow, nail down a few of those private tasks you've been meaning to finish. Be part of a group at school or locally where you can freshen your very own skills. Participate in design forums, contests, and workshops. Nothing could take the place of real life application and experience.

10. Pay attention. I like to bring a smaller notebook around with me. Each time I see an advertising campaign, photograph, building, person, etc. that influences my imaginative thinking.


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