Expectations as a Graphic Designer
As a Graphic Design student I have recognised as a graduate it is unlikely great opportunities will simply be handed to you or job positions made available for me. Starting out as a designer it is unlikely to involve working with a huge client such as Nike. Although smaller business' may not be as big and successful I have recognised these to be opportunities to develop and continue to improve my own personal design practice cultivating a good reputation essential for working in the design industry.
"Rather than pursue beasts ... adjust your sights and go after those you need most."
Bigger design studios will have benefits such as access to award winning, highly reputable design studios evidenced in the high quality of their campaigns.
"Adrian Shaughnessy in “How to be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul” puts it nicely when he says “There is more personal satisfaction in taking a client with no apparent potential and producing effective and resonant work for them than there is in working for so-called ‘cool brands’.”
Word of Mouth
Graphic design is such a good way to enhance value of any business. Potential clients may not realise this but are everywhere. Building a good client base is an essential part of being a Graphic Designer. Even in modern day one of the most effective ways of doing so remains old fashioned, by word of mouth. A business card is a good way of spreading the word of your availability of your design work and search for clients. Existing clients may also prove a useful source to spread the word by recommending your work to associates.
Online Prescence
Creating a website and having your own alternate digital platforms can also prove beneficial both by spreading the word and encourage new and existing clients to give you business over your competitors. For example social media such as Twitter can be used as a good way of making contacts gaining a network of online contacts can prove valuable.
Self Promotional Material
Printed promotional material is also an important part of branding yourself as a designer. This can also be a good way of gaining contacts when starting out. For an example a postcard with a piece of your work on one side and your details on the other. Or a more challenging intricate design with a folding piece of paper displaying a selection and wider range of your work adding a tactile element for the user. An example is a Graphic Design Studio Turnbull Grey letterpress they print their own greetings cards and use them frequently use for self promotional purposes.Self initiated projects and briefs
These encourage experimentation and can prove more intriguing than commercial projects by some. Self initiated projects often have less restraints on the designer enabling them to have full control over their creative impulses, allowing potential clients gain a better insight into the designer and their work.Summary
As a freelancer maintain realistic goals by being aware of your surroundings acting with originality and precision in your work. Self promotion is ongoing process rather than one process. Maintain critical and always strive to work on your own integrity and professionalism.
(Blog : The Graphic Design School : www.thegraphicdesignschool.com)
(Blog : The Graphic Design School : www.thegraphicdesignschool.com)
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