A Step by Step Guide to Starting Your Graphic Design Business

By Veronica Cruz

If you’ve ever pictured yourself as the next prominent commercial artist and bagged applauses for your drawing style, then graphic designing is the business for you. With such excellent software available today, you can conjure logos, letterheads, website design, social media creatives, and whatnot.

Graphic design business image 222Graphic designers work on a freelance basis or in-house, creating materials for corporate clients, advertising agencies, public relations firms, and publishers. But they do more than sketching—they create visuals solutions for companies to enhance their brand value. The advantages of being a graphic designer are you can work according to your will— full time or part-time. You need to have an excellent working knowledge of your design; that’s an integral part of graphic designing.

The market

You already have an ample number of clients—ad agencies, publishing companies, small magazines, product manufacturers, and so on. Find your clients by marketing your services on social media platforms, Print and TV advertisements, etc. Build a community of likeminded people and keep your ear to the ground for hints of new businesses. When you get an opportunity, pitch with your services and portfolio and discuss how you can be of assistance.

Here, I‘m enumerating a step by step guide to a successful freelancing business.

  1. Develop a mission and vision

Graphic designing is a competitive industry, and you won’t be able to make a place for yourself if you don’t have a clear vision and long term goals. Once you’ve your goals and mission in place, it will be easy to develop your business strategy. Jot down what would you like to achieve and how are you going to make it happen. How many clients you want to build over the next quarter, and how will you ensure their retention? 

Your objectives will dictate your marketing strategy. You have to have one, or maybe two backup plans in case your first attempt doesn’t yield the expected results. Having long as well as short term goals is crucial to keep you on track. Check your progress regularly and measure how far you are from where you want to be.

  1. Understand your skills

 If you want to start your graphic designing business, you need to understand your skillset. You must understand your client’s requirements and map with the current market trends. Analyze your skills and figure out how you can transform them into a revenue-generating model for your clients.

  1. Read books, blogs and everything else

When it comes to something as innovative as graphic designing, the best learning will not come from the classroom. You need to pick books, expert advice, online tutorials, everything that helps groom your passion. There are countless learning material available online and offline for designers like you to brush up skills and carve a niche for yourself.

  1. Create a website

 How will you show it to your potential client in a single go? The answer lies in creating a website that showcases your portfolio, contact information, and your story. Give more room to your work to shine over your website. Also, narrate why did you delve into this creative and competitive field of graphic designing and what sets you apart from others?

  1. Take the plunge

Once you have your website in place, it’s time to find jobs. Apply to freelance sites like Fiverr, People per hour and so on. Write a proper sales pitch comprising your information, work, and contact information. The first few applications may be a little nerve-wracking, but remember, you have nothing to lose. Look for work all over— whether it is social media platforms, communities, job boards; leave no stones unturned to find your first big break.

Wrapping up

Make it a point to plan, execute, and commit to whichever job you’re picking up. Have a clear understanding of the market and offer your rates accordingly. Offer tips and tricks related to your industry on social media; this enhances your online presence and portrays you as a brand. Be consistent, confident, and work hard in the pursuit of achieving your dreams!

Author Bio

This is Sharon Winget, Staff Writer with GoodFirms, a review and rating platform of top IT companies & software. A tech geek at heart, I firmly believe technology can transform societies. I enjoy blogging about web design, email marketing, and content marketing.