And have a fallback plan if the freelance lifestyle ends up not being for you. How much income do you need to make it work? What about costs from healthcare to taxes to software and computers and marketing? What services and contractors do you need (legal, CPA, licenses, and insurance)?Ĭreate measurable goals to help you figure out if your plan is working. If you plan to enter into freelancing as a full-time job, you need a business plan and goals. But you still need to think about time, taxes, and the balance of revenue and expenses. If you plan to use freelance work as merely a side gig, a full business plan might not be necessary. It’s laying a solid business foundation to facilitate future success. So much of becoming a freelance graphic designer isn’t creative at all. You need to think about time, taxes, and the balance of revenue and expenses. Even if you don’t start using them right away, there’s a lot of brand value in owning your name – or business name – across the board. Step 2a: Claim everything out there you can with your business name, such as vanity URLs, social media handles, etc. This is a common path for many freelancers and shows how a strong personal brand can grow into and contribute to a business name or brand as well. As my business and reputation grew, I incorporated the freelance business. I started doing small freelance projects under my own name nearly a decade ago. There are pros and cons to both options – using your name or creating another company name – making it a personal choice of how you want to do business as a freelance graphic designer. (You might want to do the footwork for both if you are on the fence.) While you are doing this brand work, consider whether you plan to do freelance work under your name or create a business name. They might be the same (if you plan to do work under your name) or could include a business name that you represent.īuy a domain, create an email address, and establish an online presence as a graphic designer. You’ll need a strong personal and professional brand to make it as a freelance graphic designer. Step 2: Establish a Personal BrandĬonsider whether you plan to do freelance work under your name or create a business name. Feel free to note that it was part of work as a paid employee for that company if you like. You did that work too, even if it wasn’t as a freelancer and it is acceptable to include it in your portfolio. Step 1b: Don’t be afraid to use other paid design work in your portfolio, such as from a full-time job while you are establishing yourself. (They can also lead to more of the kind of work that you want to do.) Sometimes these pieces can show your depth of work and love for design more than commercial jobs. Even unpaid projects that you have a personal connection to can be part of your portfolio. Step 1a: Include passion projects in your portfolio. You’ll quickly find that the type of work you showcase often results in similar inquiries for future projects. Use your portfolio as a showpiece to sell your work to potential clients. (If you plan to focus on print, don’t pack your portfolio with digital projects.) Only include projects and examples that are stellar examples of the kind of freelance work you want to do. While it can be tempting to dump everything you’ve done recently into a portfolio, be selective. Simplified Design Tip: Want to have all your colleagues or clients have hands-on participation in your design ? With Simplified’s collaborative workspace, you can easily communicate brand expectations and execute changes– real-time and right from your workspace.A strong portfolio is a must if you plan to bring in clients on your own. Aim for regular check-ins and frequent in-person meets about your designs to avoid any final stage rejections.Stay in touch with clients and form professional relationships through video calls and texting channels.Work away from the same spot you sleep in, like working from a bedroom.Find a workstation or a collaborative workspace to ensure a dedicated headspace.Work efficiently and within limits of your other commitments.Don’t make any purchases before payment, like buying products for the project out of your own pocket.State your pricing beforehand, and in clear to avoid conflicts.Keep invoices ready with all services you provide.Be prompt with payments and don’t hesitate with follow up reminders.Respect your personal boundaries and needs, like eating healthy, and limiting screen time.Be ready according to the client’s daily schedule for better communication.Don’t take up more work than you can actually finish.Self-care, weekend breaks, and vacations as any other full time employee might need.Maintain a routine that balances work, life, and leisure.State your work hours clearly to your recruiters or clients.
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