Picture this, you oversleep, and when you wake up, you see the time is 11 AM. You were supposed to be at your office at 9 AM.
In a regular job, you might start to panic. But when you’re your own boss and your office is your local café, those early morning struggles go out the window. For this reason and many more, freelance graphic design has become one of the most in-demand careers.
In 2019, there were almost 60,000 freelance graphic designers in the US. And due to people working from home during the pandemic, the number is continuously growing.
You can be part of the growing community. But first, you need to keep reading to learn how to start a career in this field!
Enroll in a Course or Classes
You might already have experience in freelance graphics but you can never have too much education. If you’re not, it’s the first place to start.
We live in a world of convenience, so it’s easier than ever to get educated without leaving your home. Udemy and Skillshare are subscription-based online education centers. It’s great for anyone on a budget or a busy schedule.
A degree from a college will look great on your CV, but it’s not necessary.
Gain Experience
A degree or a course isn’t always enough to land yourself graphic design work. Clients want to see that you can produce work for professionals. Luckily, there are a few ways you can do so.
The first is volunteering for local businesses and charities. Here you will be working for free, but you will gain a lot of experience. Not only that, you’re giving back to the community, and it looks good on your CV.
Another option is to apply for an internship. It lets you work in a professional environment and experience the life of a graphic designer. Some are paid but don’t be surprised if you have to work for free, especially for the first six months.
Build Your Portfolio
As a freelance graphic designer, your portfolio will act as your CV. Employers will be able to visually judge your work and see if you’re the right fit for the job.
Social media is free and easy to set up, so it’s the first place to start. You can display your work and promote yourself to millions of potential customers.
Once your social media is up and running, it’s time to set up your website. Wix offers website plans starting at $14 a month. Now clients can view your work, contact you and book your services.
Sort Out Finances
Freelances have plenty of job benefits, but sorting out finances is one of the few drawbacks.
As a freelancer, you must set up budgets. First, focus on your career and include taxes, subscriptions, and website hosting. Second, set up a home budget and incorporate everything in your daily life, from rent to groceries.
Add both of your budgets together and make sure you can afford to live. If not, you can try freelancing part-time until you get enough customers.
Keep Your Clients Happy
You should always branch out and discover new customers. But you also need to make sure the ones you do have keep coming back.
The primary way to keep your loyal clients coming back is by always keeping your work to a high standard. But offering amazing customer service will also do the trick. Thank them for their business, offer support, and use the best invoice templates.
Become Your Own Boss With a Freelance Graphic Design Career
A freelance graphic design might seem scary at first. But thousands of people once felt the same way. And now they’re working their dream job.
So now it’s time to turn your dream into reality!
If you want more tips to develop your career, keep reading our blog for free!
