Success Tips

Skills of a Successful Freelance Graphic Designer

If you are psychologically suited a career as a freelance graphic designer can be creatively rewarding. Here is a list of some of the top skills you must have to be a successful freelance graphic designer:

• A passion for what you do.
• Confidence in what you do.
• Ability to market yourself.
• Excellent communication skills through speaking and writing.
• Ability to "read" your client and personalize the services provided for them.
• Very good organizational skills.
• Self-motivated, driven and excited about what you do!
• Good production and technical skills.
• Ability to be efficient and productive.
• Ability to prioritize.
• Ability to deliver quality results within a a reasonable time frame.
• Actively seek work on a consistent basis and stay in contact with current clients.
• Be objective and not too emotionally attached to your work.
  
• Understand yourself, how you work best and what motivates you - this will develop over time.

Deciding to be a Generalist or Specialist

 First let me define the two as best as I can. A generalist is someone who takes on a variety of project types. For example, print design, identity design, web design, product design and so on. A specialist is someone who... well, specializes in something specific. For example, a pattern designer for kids clothing or a graphic designer who focuses on corporate identity design.

In my opinion neither is a better option than the other. However, starting out you may find yourself as more of a generalist and as you develop you'll probably discover a niche.

MY THOUGHTS: Over the past few years I discovered that I have a somewhat specific style but a broad range of production and design skills ranging from print to web to photography. At some point I may decide to specialize in one particular area.

How To Be More Attractive To Clients

Here is a list of a few ways to be more attractive to potential clients. Most important though just be yourself!

• Being personable and having a sense of humor.
• Being mature and responsible.
• Having a personal style.
• Not having a personal style.
• Keeping cool when things are not so cool.
• Really connecting with your client beyond what they do.
• Appropriate pricing for the market.
• Having relationships with vendors.
• Show that you are working for the client not just for yourself.

MY THOUGHTS: I have found that being yourself is the most important thing you can do when meeting with a potential client. You want to show your passion about what you do and that can be a real struggle when you're not yourself. A sense of humor also goes a long way! :)

The Daily Life of a Freelancer

The daily challenges of a freelancer will change overtime. When starting out you may be spending most of your time searching for potential clients and jobs.

Here is a list of a few things that most freelancers deal with on a daily basis:

• Juggling projects.
• Managing stress.
• Knowing when to take a break.
• Staying focused.
• Keeping up with your own business duties.
• Isolation. Get out of the house!
• Dealing with everyday frustrations.
• The fluid nature of the job.

Like I've said before, every topic can be explored more thoroughly. But, I genuinly hope that this will stir up some thoughts, questions and inspire you to do what you love and love what you do!