1. Brand yourself. Practically any company or organization falls apart without an established style. Without an impressive personalized brand you will simply fade into the background where literally hundreds of freelance designers wander.
2. Create an efficient web portfolio. It is nearly impossible to be successful in graphic or internet design without having an impressive internet presence. Any potential clients or employers will want to see your work and a number of of them will want to type in a URL and click what they want to see.
3. Develop an equally effective print portfolio, business cards, resume, and so forth. This is somewhat a combination of the previous two steps. Be sure to make a formidable tangible portfolio that you can give to people who want to see your work "in person". Also utilize your branding and identity to create business cards, stationery, etc. Any time you can put your very own personal logo on something, do it.
4. Be brave, bold, and professional. Don't be scared to call people, offer services, email corporations and more. Recently, 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 some tips on the piece he was printing for his own business. Though I was short on time, I was happy to assist him and when I got ready to leave, I offered my future services and handed him a calling card. Have faith that people will appreciate your skills.
5. Go the extra mile for your customers. Word of mouth is an important tool you have. Nothing can help you or harm you more than rumors and compliments spread by those for whom you may have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I complete comes from word-of-mouth advertising.
6. Take the small jobs first. Doing well at a smaller job for someone may help open doors for your client to do greater, better things. I entered a logo contest for a specific organization and out of the four logos I entered, two tied for first place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to create their website also. Similar offers can be made for a company's stationery, business cards, etc. Find an area of interest and then take courage and offer more.
7. Don't underestimate yourself. This goes along with Number 4. Be sure you believe in yourself. No one will ever get a designer that thinks he may not do as good a job as the other guy. Make sure you reflect your confidence in your pricing. If your work is good, charge good money for it.
8. Network. Graphic and web design are rapidly changing. Each day new techniques and styles are made and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Sign up for social networks similar to twitter, linkedin, fb, digg, and more. Start a blog and regularly add meaningful feedback on others' blogs. Creating a name for yourself within the design world takes a while but can be done using social networking sites.
9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing will provide help to increase in confidence and skill more than practice. If work is a little slow, nail down a number of those private projects you've been meaning to finish. Be a part of a group at school or in the community where you may freshen your abilities. 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 small notebook around with me. Every time I see an advertisement, photo, building, person, etc. that influences my creative thinking.
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