So, you've been pondering the idea of becoming a freelance graphic designer. You've dabbled in graphic design and believe you have the skills to start freelancing. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know and consider to become a successful freelance graphic designer and launch your own business. But before we delve into the specifics, let's first explore what being a freelance designer truly means.

Being a freelance graphic designer means liberation from the constraints of a boss, company culture, and office politics. You gain the freedom to work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection, and the perk of choosing your own clients. However, it also means not knowing when your next "pay check" will be, dealing with challenging clients, and constant multitasking! If you're thinking of escaping the 9-5 grind for more free time, think again. While you won't be bound to a 9-5 schedule, starting your freelance journey often means working odd hours to establish and grow your business.

If you've read this far and thought, "Yes, I'm ready for this challenge," then let's dive into the essential steps you need to know to become a successful freelance designer!

Before venturing into freelancing, build a solid foundation in graphic design. Invest time in learning through online courses, tutorials, or formal education. Now, the age old question.. "do I need to go to school for graphic design and get a degree?"

This will depend on the person and their learning style... but my personal opinion is NO YOU DON'T!

Did I go to school for graphic design... yes ... but I went for a certificate in graphic design vs. a degree which would have cost 4x as much. But what I found out, is that all the things I learned through it... I could have EASILY taught myself!

So NO, you don't need to go and get a fancy degree to become successful!!

What should you do?

   1. Learn the basic fundamentals and principles of design! Check out my Design Fundamental Course

   2. Understand topics like, resolution, CMYK vs RGB, Vector vs Rastor etc.

   3. Learn design programs! Like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop (Look up some free YouTube tutorials!)

   4. Practice! Work on creative briefs to put your knowledge to the test and start refining your design skills!

Even after you feel you've "mastered" your skills... always go back and refresh your knowledge, keep building your skills, learn new techniques, software and new industry standards!

When you start out freelancing, one of the MOST important steps you do is building your portfolio! Your design portfolio is your "resume", this is crucial to have so potential clients can see if your skills and style align with what they are looking for, for their project. 

The first thing I did when I was starting out was work on my own personal projects, building my brand up. I created my logo, business cards, branded social media posts and more. This allowed me to create a professional looking brand, potential clients would want to work with, but also allowed me to have a starting point for building my portfolio. I then started working on design briefs, so I could gain experience in various industries ... and I was able to build a portfolio even though I had no clients yet!

Here are my TOP TIPS for building your portfolio: 

   1. Quality Over Quantity

   2. Show Diversity

   3. Show Your Work / Creative Process

   4. Keep it Clean

   5. Get Feedback From Other Designers

Read my full step by step process on how to build your best portfolio, whether you are just starting out or an experienced designer here. 

Start working on your online presence. Post your work through use social media platforms, like Instagram and Behance to showcase your work and connect with potential clients. This will be your main way for clients to find you. My top tip when starting out ... don't think too much about your posts. SPOILER ALERT - your designs are not going to be your best work when you first start out, but keep posting because IT WILL GET BETTER, and the sooner you get in the routine of posting it will make your life 1000x easier. 

When I first started, I  posted all my design work and work in progress on my Instagram page (even the "crappy" stuff). It's important to get as much out there as possible in the beginning so potential clients have lots to look through. And don't worry ... your skills will refine, and your designs will get better. You can go through your old - not so great - design posts and delete them later on!

I see a lot of advice out there saying to niche down so you can stand out in the market. Yes, this can be good advice for freelance designers that have been in the industry for a while, but I would NEVER suggest this for someone just starting out!

First off, what does defining your niche mean? This means focusing on a specific design "category" such as logo design, branding, web design, or print design, and solely working on that category ONLY. This is a great way for deisgners to become an expert in a speciic "niche", which can make it easier to attract clients.

BUT, why is this not great advice for individuals just starting out? Well, to make it short and sweet... you don't know what you like working on yet, or what you excel at!

Take time practicing and exploring techniques, styles and design types, this way you can refine your skills and this gives you time to find what you ENJOY working on!  (If you're trying to get out of the 9-5 grind, at least make it worth your wile and find joy in what you do every day)

My biggest tip! This is what got me my first client. Let your family and friends know you are in business. They might not need designs done, but they can refer you to others who do!

When I was first starting out, I let my friends and family know that I was starting my freelance business, and my first client was from my cousin recommending me to a friend! After I got my first client, I was able to showcase them on my Instagram page and portfolio and BOOM I booked 2 more clients within that month.

Embarking on your freelance graphic design journey is not just about your skills and design work, but your professionalism and delivering an exceptional client experience is crucial to your success as a business. Here's how you can ensure a smooth and positive interaction with your clients from the start:

Prepare a Comprehensive Questionnaire:
Have a detailed questionnaire ready for your first client interaction so you can create the design brief for their project. This ensures you gather all necessary information about the project, preventing misunderstandings and minimizing the chances of errors. Make sure to go over project goals, target audience, preferred styles, and any specific preferences your client may have. Don't worry, if you don't know what needs to go in these questionnaires or don't know where to start on building one, you can get my questionnaire / design brief template here.

Conduct Thorough Research:
Before diving into the design process, conduct a comprehensive market analysis. Understand the industry trends, competitors, and the audience that the design will be targeting. This not only will help your design process, but also demonstrates to the client that you are invested in creating a product tailored to their needs. Get my market analysis template here.

Determine a Fair Price:
While it's crucial not to undervalue your skills, be mindful of setting a fair and competitive price. Consider your level of experience, the scope of the project, and industry standards. Overcharging may deter potential clients, especially when you're starting, so strike a balance that reflects your expertise without limiting your opportunities! Make sure to include the amount of revisions oaloud within that price and the additional fees for extra revisions. Check out my price guide template and my own personal price list to help you price your services with confidence, taking into consider industry standards and your unique value!

Set Clear Expectations:
Establish transparent communication about the project timeline, milestones, and deliverables. Clearly outline what the client can expect at each stage, fostering trust and avoiding potential issues down the line. 

By prioritizing professionalism and a positive client experience, you not only enhance your reputation as a designer but also increase your chances of securing repeat business and referrals, laying the foundation for a thriving freelance graphic design career!



Looking to take the first step in becoming a freelance graphic designer? Don't let lack of hands on experience hold you back! 

You need experience to get clients, and to gain experience you need clients ... does this sound familiar? It's time to break the cycle that all graphic designers starting in the freelance world face. Join the challenge that will take you from no experience, to clients lining up in your DM's! 

Join today, and gain the practical experience you need to fill up your portfolio, hone your skills and start impressing your future clients! Click here to learn more.