Working in the freelance design field requires a proficiency in both graphic design and small business skills. This is an exciting field for qualified individuals, as work opportunities are available in several subgenres of the design field. There is still a demand for traditional print design. The electronic design field is quickly growing with web-related media, sometimes referred to as "new media," where one of the most exciting new fields is web animation.
Instructions
do Freelance Design
1. Before working in the exciting but highly competitive freelance design field, it is important to master the skills of the design discipline in which you intend to work. One sure path is to attend a junior college, college or university that offers a program in graphic design, such as Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. Visit with freelance designers in your area and interview them about their training. Check to see if the Graphic Artists Guild has a chapter in your city and join it. The guild has an "at large" chapter for freelancers living where there is no local chapter. Purchase graphics programs such as Adobe Photoshop to practice with. It is possible to download most programs for a free 30-day trial to see which one you like best. Many graphics programs have lessons or tutorials bundled with the software to help with learning.
2. Although it is possible to work as a freelance designer without formally opening a business, it is essential to learn the basics of small business. For example, some states require designers to charge sales tax, in which case it is necessary to register as a sole proprietor at the city, county or state level. If you decide to operate under an assumed business name, it will be necessary to obtain a business license in that name in order to open a business bank account. The federal government requires self-employed people to make quarterly estimated tax payments. As you become successful as a freelance design business, consider the benefits of liability insurance for your shop.
3. Focus on the area of freelance design that best suits your skills, expertise and interest. Some of the leading areas of the design field are corporate design, branding design, advertising and promotion design, collateral design, publication design, book jacket design, typeface design, environmental design, web animation and Internet design, also known as new media design. Some design specialties require a particular software expertise, for example, Adobe Flash for web animation.
4. As freelance designers work with a variety of clients, it is important to spell out in writing the particulars of each job in advance. These include hourly pay rate or project-based fee, and the terms of payment of the fee (for example, half the fee paid in advance with the balance paid upon completion). The designer also may cite a fee for additional work or changes beyond the scope of the project as commissioned. The rights to the work must be negotiated, for example, how, when, where and for how long the work can be used by the client. Traditionally, if a client wants to buy the copyright for a design, the fee will be higher. The fee for limited use will be less. The copyright can only be transferred to the client in writing by the designer. In addition, the designer may charge for outside expenses such as digital output of film or proofs, with a markup of 15 to 25 percent. The client has the responsibility to proof or proofread the project before acceptance and final payment.
5. Marketing and self-promotion are the keystones of a successful freelance design career. They should be a top priority of the freelance design professional in order to maintain a steady flow of work and clients. Promotion is an ongoing process that must be addressed on a regular basis. Many freelancers maintain a website, online portfolio and blog in order to keep their name and work in front of potential clients. Some still go the traditional routes of mailing promotional pieces to a targeted list of potential clients, or buying an ad in one of the design annuals. Remember to put your best foot forward when creating your promotional materials, as they literally show what your work looks like and can do for your clients.
