Top 10 tips on becoming a successful freelance designer

Freelance designing is wonderful but the market is so saturated that we often lack what we need to become successful.

Below you will find the top 10 tips on becoming a successful freelance designer:

1.    Brand yourself: Nearly any company or organization falls apart without an established style. Without an impressive personalized logo, you will simply fade into the background. Becoming a successful freelance designer means becoming a successful, memorable, quality brand.

2.    Create an effective online portfolio: It is nearly impossible to become a successful freelance designer without having an impressive online presence.  Any potential clients or employers will want to see your work. Take some time to create an effective online portfolio to become a successful freelance designer.

3.    Create an equally effective print portfolio, business cards, resume, etc: This is somewhat a combination of the previous two steps.  Be sure to create an impressive tangible portfolio that you can give to those who want to see your work “in person”. If you’re a print designer, that is. Also use your branding and identity to create business cards, stationery, etc.

4.    Be brave, bold, and professional:  Don’t be afraid to call people, offer services, email businesses and more. Becoming a successful freelance designer means having confidence that people will appreciate your skills.

5.    Go the extra mile for your customers: Word of mouth is the most important tool you have. Nothing can help you or hurt you more than rumors and compliments spread by those for whom you have done work before.

6.    Take the small jobs first: Doing well at a small job for someone can help open doors for your client to do bigger, better things. Becoming a successful freelance designer means finding a niche and then taking courage and offering more.

7.    Don’t underestimate yourself: This goes along with Number 4.  Be sure to believe in yourself. You can become a successful freelance designer. But no one will ever hire a designer that thinks he may not do as good a job as the next guy.  Be sure to reflect your confidence in your pricing.  If your work is good, charge good money for it.

8.    Network: Design is always rapidly changing.  Every day new techniques and styles are developed and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Sign up for social networks like Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Digg, and more.  Start a blog and frequently add meaningful comments on others’ blogs.

9.    Practice, practice, practice: Nothing will help you increase in confidence and ability more than practice. If work is a little slow, nail down some of those personal projects you’ve been meaning to finish.  Join a group at school or in the community where you can freshen your skills.  Participate in design forums, contests, and workshops.  Nothing can take the place of real-life application and experience.

10.    Pay attention: Carry a small notebook around with you.  Whenever you see an advertisement, photograph, building, person, etc. that influences Your creative thinking, try to write it down.  When you go to places, pay attention to new trends.  Collect successful design pieces that you find at restaurants, at the mall, or anywhere you go just to relax.  Always be on the lookout for creative inspiration.