How to Start a Freelance Design Company
Whether you're laying the foundation to eventually work for yourself, tired of "working for the man" or are unemployed (or underemployed), starting your own design firm is an attractive option. Establishing a freelance design company happens to be one of the easiest ventures to start because there is very little overhead. Beyond the required computer equipment, start-up costs are minimal. Office and storage space isn't required and most work can be completed either at your home or at your client's office.
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Instructions
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Define the niche and scope of your business. It isn't possible to be everything to everybody, so decide how you plan on structuring your company. You can position yourself to be "one of the cogs on the wheel" and provide services that clients are unable to or be more of a "full service firm" and work with other designers, copywriters, marketing pros and printers to deliver a finished product. You can specialize in one type of design work (product packaging, Web design or brochures and marketing material, for example) or be more of a generalist.
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Print up business cards and stationary, hook up a dedicated phone line, establish an online presence (including an email account) and creating marketing material. Set some guidelines on how much you plan on charging for your services; this depends on the economy, your geographical location and the amount of competition in the area.
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Establish yourself with an online profile at LinkedIn and work that angle; join a small business networking group and alert friends, family, co-workers and business contacts that you've started your own company.
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Market yourself in every area of your professional world. Don't be shy about contacting ex-employers (assuming you're still on good terms), former coworkers and even others involved in a similar line of work.
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Establish your own network of "go to" professionals; people that you can confidently refer work to. This include IT professionals, Flash designers, QuickBooks accountants, instructors and teachers as well as other designers who possess a different skill sets or levels of expertise. Refer jobs that require less skill (and which are generally lower-paying) to a junior designer, and jobs that are out of your comfort zone to your expert in that area.
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Promote your business, even when clients start signing on. A professionally designed postcard is an inexpensive way to outline your capabilities, but there are other ways. Establishing ties with creative directors at local marketing firms is a good way to meet and network with other freelancer professionals and even donating your design services to a non-profit organization can get your name out there.
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Tips & Warnings
The ability to work with all types of clients is paramount in the freelance business.
Renting a post office box for your address can provide a more professional image than listing a home address.
Always have multiple backup copies of your data.
A good accountant can help you maximize your tax benefits.
Establish profiles on reputable freelance sites and local business sites.
Check local zoning laws before operating out of your house.
Plan on spending nights and weekends working on admin work; billing, following up on to-do items, paperwork, banking and tax info.
