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Freelance Graphic Designer

Today's freelance graphic designers enjoy tremendous opportunities. Graphic design has never been as integrated into our daily popular culture as it is right now. The
popularity levels of products like the iPod, the Scion and the TiVo have soared not only because of their solid product design, but because of the creative and consistent use of groundbreaking graphic design in everything from ad campaigns to instruction manuals. Consumers equate strong graphic design with a quality experience with a product or service. Therefore, large companies and small businesses compete for their share of talented graphic designers to help instill confidence in their wares.

Clever freelance graphic designers can translate this frenzy of demand into rewarding, high-paying, steady work. Many small businesses can't afford to put a designer on salary. Meanwhile, large companies may sacrifice the value of an in-house designer in order to pull in the creative talent of a popular freelancer or design firm.

To build a reputation as a graphic designer worth fighting for, a freelancer must first endure some of the trials of building a business. Startup freelancers must get through building a portfolio, chasing down their first few business leads, tolerating the "lumpy money" syndrome and keeping themselves on the cutting edge of their field.

Many freelance graphic designers start their careers performing "pro bono" work for local charities while still working at their day jobs. This process allows them to hone
their skills while building a portfolio and generating steady income at the same time. After generating some solid example pieces, a new freelancer can stretch out and start to bid for work from local businesses.

Although you may enjoy the rush of energy when winning your first few successful bids, keep in mind that you will have to underbid your competitors in order to win many of your first few paying gigs. Most freelance graphic designers admit that the kind of clients that go for the low bid can be challenging and sometimes overly demanding of your time and energy. As your experience grows, you will attract pleasant, well-paying clients.

Follow the advice of experienced freelancers who caution that you should keep that day job for as long as possible until you have enough work in the pipeline to keep you busy for many, many weeks, if not months. This can help you avoid the "lumpy money" syndrome that plagues so many first-time business owners. You might receive a big lump of money and projects in the first week of the month, followed by three weeks of drought. Secure freelance graphic designers keep an emergency fund of three to six months of living expenses in case a disaster strikes or a large client suddenly disappears.

Finally, remember to stay current with design trends, especially after you leave school or complete your design training. Successful freelance graphic designers maintain their own unique style while studying trade publications and analyzing popular trends to keep their work fresh and attractive to new clients.

Start your graphic design career today by requesting information from one of our highly respected graphic design schools! Find a school near you >>

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