How to Become a Self-Employed Graphic Designer
Widespread use of the Internet means companies large and small need quality graphic design help for websites. A clever graphic designer will also make the case for skills in the print realm since direct mail, brochures, and signage remain proven ways to attract customers. Designers who specialize in areas like laying out manuals for attorneys, insurance companies, or pharmaceutical companies can discover a few substantial projects account for an annual salary. Work hard in the beginning to satisfy initial clients and word-of-mouth referrals should increase the client list.
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Instructions
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Make sure a logo is easy to understand and replicate Design a logo that reflects a chosen personality and even an industry like designing for small manufacturing companies. Draw the logo so it readily understandable and easily transferable from online usage to print.
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Launch the business following guidelines of the Internal Revenue Service at irs.gov that "a sole proprietor is someone who owns an unincorporated business by himself or herself". Use schedule SE for self-employment tax returns.. Mark a calendar with dates to pay the Internal Revenue Service quarterly self-employment tax. Use the first name, last name and choose either "associates" or "graphic design" to follow and start the business as a sole proprietor.
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Design a three-page to five-page website and personally code it or approach a programmer skilled in Flash development to code it. Build the home page frames so one small portion animates a portfolio. Build the website in a platform like Wordpress.org or Joomla.org to display creativity in how a customized website will look using a popular platform. Upload the logo.
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Design business cards, letterhead and postcards. Assemble a small instructional giveaway for prospective clients like "10 Killer Design Ideas for Websites" or "5 Surefire Ways to Make a Brochure Sizzle". Write copy for the instructional one-sheet or booklet citing case studies on industry-leading sources like the redesign of the National Public Radio website as described on Aiga.org. Develop a reputation for excellence in a particular niche that may include brand identity packages under a certain dollar amount.
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Attend chamber of commerce business mixers, practice a 30-second introductory elevator pitch, and add a unique twist such as specializing in custom illustrations or designing Wordpress websites for less than $ 1,000.00. Find complementary individuals like writers and web designers within the larger group to create a mini-association.
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Leave a clever give-away at offices of prospective clients Approach a former employer, if appropriate, and offer freelance graphic services. Use a local business directory like the Gale Directories in the reference section at libraries to get contact information for companies that may find it more cost-effective to outsource design work instead of hiring an internal staff. Call art directors for local ad agencies or ad agencies across the nation. List services on industry directories like Design-agency.com and compare skill sets with competitors. Ask clients for testimonials and referrals to companies they know that may need design assistance.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Woman Using A Graphic Tablet And Pen image by Monika 3 Steps Ahead from Fotolia.com logo but image by Danielle Bonardelle from Fotolia.com ad about event image by Indigo Fish from Fotolia.com
