It’s difficult to get started as a designer. Sometimes you have to work for very little or nothing. Regardless of the amount you are charging for your work, all designers usually get at least 2 things out of each completed project.
—> a portfolio piece and experience for their resume
In the beginning this is very valuable being that all of your work is most likely projects from college or for friends and family.
Of my early adventures freelancing, I have 2 experiences that I gained all except money from.
1. Working for sweat equity or probono.
While I was in Arizona I met a guy who had a few internet businesses and got in touch with me threw a mutual friend. Once I had moved to Chicago, he contacted me for graphics. After several promises for getting rich quick and gifts that never materialized, I ended our working relationship. The good news is that all the work I produced made its way into my portfolio for a period of time and got me additional work that actually paid me.
(A few examples of what I created below)
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1. Entering design contests.
There are a few websites out in cyber space that serve as a platform for designers who think they are amazing can put their logos where there mouth is, or however that goes… Clients give the details of what they want and how much they will pay for it. While designers from all over the world do their best to create exactly what these clients want. The site I was spending a lot of energy at was Logo My Way. I got to the top of a few contests, but I never won.
(A few examples of what I created below)
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I did have a few more experiences that allowed me to grow my portfolio some were very rewarding and some were a giant waist of time.
[su_animate type=”fadeInLeft” duration=”4″ delay=”3″]BONUS: My advise to those of you who want to get into the creative services game…
1. Set expectations
If everyone is on the same page, thing are less likely to go sideways
2. Half up front
This is for the big projects that you would charge hundreds to thousands for
3. Your portfolio
Let your client know that the work you complete may be featured in your portfolio
4. Circle back
It is good to reconnect with previous clients to see if they need anything else done
5. Testimonials
If you felt that you did a great job and that your client is super happy, ask for a testimonial [/su_animate]
