How to Set Up a Graphic Design Business

You will need an eye not only for composition but also for opportunity, new graphic design trends and technology, plus the will to promote and network yourself, if you want to set up a graphic design business. The field is overflowing with small, upstart graphic design businesses, many run right out of the homes of designers and artists. To set up your graphic design business, start by buying the right software, then register your business and find clients. Here are a few quick tips.

Things You'll Need

• Business name and registration
• Graphic design software
• Advertising outlets
• Business management software

Instructions

1. Register your business with your state. This requires filling out a simple form and paying a small fee to place your business name on the state's permanent records. Now you are ready to approach clients.

2. Select a specific area of expertise. It could be 3-D graphics, T-shirt graphics, business logos, Web design or a combination of two or three areas. Whatever you choose, be sure there is a growing need for this type of work, and be sure you can deliver excellent results at a very low cost. Then buy the right software for your graphic design needs. Today many companies use the Adobe Creative Design Suite, Quark, Pagemaker or Microsoft Publisher. If you are really into design, you already know this.

3. Decide whether you want to hire employees, outsource or do the work yourself. Eventually, you will want to hire employees, but for the time being, you might consider outsourcing your overflow to freelancers, in exchange for a small percentage of their hourly rate. Hire only the best freelancers to complete your overflow assignments, because companies will judge you by how they perform.

4. Decide whether you want to run the business as a sole proprietorship (using your Social Security number for tax purposes) or as an LLC, corporation, joint venture and so forth. Forming an LLC is a good way to save on taxes, but consult your tax professional first before you incorporate or register your business name.

5. Manage your contacts and expenses with a program like Quickbooks bookkeeping software. Set up your program to keep track of expenses like ink, paper, photocopying, time spent on mock-up creations, client visits, outsourced work and any other expenses you incur. When it comes time to do your taxes, you might be amazed at how much you are allowed to deduct.

6. Find clients. Finding the right clients is crucial to success. Good clients will return to your business again and again, and if they are happy with your work, they will return the favor by recommending you to other businesses. Advertise in the phone book and on search engines, and network with other design companies, freelancers, business owners and clients you have freelanced for in the past.

7. Keep networking and use past clients for freelance or full-time roles to find new clients. Many times your old co-workers will be happy to help you out.

8. Set your rates. Do not hire yourself out cheap just to get new work. You will not benefit in the long run, and companies will expect you to do work cheaply.

Tips & Warnings

• Graphic design is a competitive field, and new graphic design businesses are set up every day! Make sure you can bring something special to the table.

• Software, office expenses and tracking down new clients will be a full-time job in itself. Many graphic design businesses spend more time doing this than they do designing logos or posters. If you have a partner, decide ahead of time who will handle the mundane office tasks, and divide your time wisely.

Resources

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Incorporating a business
• Quickbooks expense and payroll software