#FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO HOW TO#
#FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO SOFTWARE#
#FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO PROFESSIONAL#

You’ll need to have at least 4 portfolio pieces (6-8 is ideal). Your portfolio is your showcase - it proves to new clients that you know what you’re doing as a graphic designer and that you can help their business, too. It shouldn’t be the landing page, but every potential client will definitely hit it, as they are looking for what you have already created. Your portfolio feature page is the main page of your website. You’ll probably have a few pages such as Home, About, Services, Portfolio, Blog, and Contact. Your website is such an important step in your business, it needs to be planned and published strategically. Your website needs to have a couple of pages (in addition to the landing page) and information showing clients what hiring you will give them.Ī plug-and-play website can be created easily, using online templates, but you could also invest in your business’ success by hiring a web designer and/or developer to give you expert help.

#FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO PROFESSIONAL#

This kind of exposure is great, but if you are serious about growing your business, you’ll need to create a professional website.

You might have your portfolio on Behance or Adobe Portfolio, or you might have posted your work on Instagram already. You will need to start with these immediately, if you don’t have them already: Your business’s website and online portfolio.Įven if you have these already, you might need to spend some time upping your game, improving your business’ online presence (so you’ll be ready to replace your 9-to-5 paycheck with paying clients!). Your Freelance Graphic Design Website & PortfolioĮvery successful freelance graphic designer has two foundational elements in their business. If you at some of the most well-known North American graphic designers and design studios, you’ll see that they often use a typography logo with simple fonts.Īnd remember that your business’ colors shouldn’t be defined based on what you like (because you are not trying to impress yourself!) - really think about what colors will resonate with your target clients and choose what they would like to see. It’s true that your visual identity needs to look good, but don’t go overboard. Your clients won’t hire you because of your business’s logo - they will hire you because of what’s in your portfolio (more on this in a minute!). Your logo and colors aren’t that important. You don’t need to use golden ratio or select pantone colors for matte and glossy surfaces. As a graphic designer, you know that visual identity is essential when attracting clients.ĭespite the importance of your visual branding, don’t spend too much time perfecting your logo. Now that you have a business name, you’ll need to create your logo and pick your colors and fonts. Do you want to be a solo freelancer, or you want to open a design studio? Your answer will inform what type of name is most suitable.

#FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO HOW TO#

Here’s a quick tip on how to make your decision - ask yourself where you want to be in 5 years. There’s no right or wrong answer, so you can focus on selecting exactly what you want. The name you choose can be just your first and last name, or it can be a unique and professional business name you create. This might sound obvious, but you’ll need to decide on a name for your business. Your Freelance Business Name & Visual Identity

#FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO SOFTWARE#

You could always add more to our list (and undoubtedly you will!), but there are key elements to consider as you begin, like your portfolio, proposals, and invoicing software (so you won’t forget to get paid!). In this article, we’ll give you practical guidance for starting your freelance graphic design business and a list of the things you’ll need to get underway. Imagine! You’ll have your own freelance business, projects you love working on, control of your time and work hours, and more money as you grow!

So many women freelance graphic designers have taken the plunge and created a business they are proud of - and you can do it, too! The freelance path won’t always be easy, but it will be rewarding in ways your 9-to-5 can’t match.

Gone are the days when you give your best creative work away for an hourly paycheck! We want to start by saying: C ongrats on your decision! We are confident for you! Once you’ve decided to take the plunge and explore your first steps, your future freelance business will emerge. You might wonder where to start and what to do first. You’ve dreamed of creating your own freelance graphic design business, and when you think about it, you can feel the excitement! But it can also feel exhausting and confusing as you contemplate quitting your 9-to-5 job.

Freelance graphic design studio