How to Start a Sign & Graphic Design Business
From gum wrappers, billboards and T-shirts to letterform and website logos, graphic artists have a variety of mediums in which to express their creativity. Graphic designers can draw, paint, photograph or generate their designs on computers and then sell these designs to individuals or businesses. If you're artistic or willing to spend time honing your artistic abilities,you can start a sign and graphic design business.
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Things You'll Need
- Website
- Domain name
- Business entity
- Software design program
- Sign equipment (e.g., vinyl cutters, sheet metal, magnetic sheeting, corrugated plastics, PVC foam, foam-core, coated cardboard, pressboard, tape, measuring tape, a precision craft knife, banners)
- Computer
- Fax machine
- Worktable
- Telephone
- Contracts
Instructions
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1
Select a name for your graphic design business. Check with a domain registration site to ensure that your business name is available as a domain for your website (see Step 4). If it is available, purchase your domain name. Register your business with your county clerk and select a business designation (e.g., sole proprietor, limited liability company [LLC]).
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2
Select a software design program you'd like to use. Some of the more popular options start at about $400; there are also free software programs available. Once you've selected your program, invest a good amount of time to learn your way around the tools.
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3
Review online tutorials that offer advice on maneuvering through your specific software program. Review tips and tricks for creating images and logos. For a variety of tutorials, visit the online Graphic Design and Publishing Center.
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4
Select a Web host for your site. See the Resources section for a list of top Web hosting sites. Begin designing your website. Your Web host may provide you with some free basic templates. If you're not satisfied with the templates provided by your Web host, you can purchase a template for your store from sites such as Templateshome.com.
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5
Purchase sign supplies and equipment such as vinyl cutters, sheet metal, magnetic sheeting, corrugated plastics, PVC foam, foam-core, coated cardboard, pressboard, tape, measuring tape, a precision craft knife and banners.
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6
Create a workspace for your sign and graphic design business. You can rent a small space or work out of your home. You'll need room for your worktable, computer, fax machine, phone and supplies.
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7
Build a portfolio for your sign and graphic design business. Populate your website with examples of your work. Create a physical portfolio that you can present to local businesses and organizations.
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Set your graphic design business apart by providing faster service, working with a variety of media, working weekends, responding quickly to inquiries or specializing in a one-of-a-kind style.
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9
Contact musicians, schools, local organizations, local government, and new and existing businesses about designing signage and logos for them. Hand out business cards whenever possible. Create a spreadsheet of all potential clients and when you last contacted them. Every few months, follow up to see if they have any graphic design or signage needs that you can fulfill.
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Tips & Warnings
Set realistic prices that will allow you to make a profit. Conduct research to get a better idea of what to charge. Create a list of all of your business expenses so that you'll know how much you'll need to charge to make a profit.
Draw up a contract (which both you and the client will sign) that details the nature of the work to be completed.
Consider teaming up with a copywriter or learning how to write copy to be able to provide your clients with a complete package.
