1. Brand yourself. Nearly any firm or group falls apart without an established style. Without an impressive personalized logo you will just fade into the background where literally 1000's of freelance designers wander.

2. Make an effective online portfolio. It is virtually impossible to achieve success in graphic or web design without having an impressive web presence. Any possible clients or bosses will wish to see your work and many of them will prefer to type in a URL and click on what they need to see.

3. Create an equally effective print portfolio, business cards, resume, et cetera. This is somewhat a combination of the other 2 steps. Make sure you develop an impressive solid portfolio that you could give to those who want to see your work "in person". Also make use of your branding and identity to make business cards, stationery, et cetera. Any time you could slap your personal brand on something, do it.

4. Be brave, daring, and professional. Don't be afraid to call people, offer services, email companies and more. Not too long ago, I was printing a job for a customer and at the printing shop, a person complimented me on the design of the piece. After engaging in friendly conversation, he asked me for various recommendations on the piece he was printing for his own business. Although I was short on time, I was happy to help him and once I got ready to leave, I offered my future services then gave him a business card. Have confidence that people will admire your skills.

5. Go the extra mile for your clients. Word of mouth is the most important tool you have. Nothing could help you or hurt you a lot more than rumors and compliments shared by other people for whom you might have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I do comes from word-of-mouth marketing.

6. Get the small jobs first. Doing well at a small job for somebody will help open doors for your customer to do bigger, better things. I entered a logo contest for a particular group and out of the 4 logos I entered, two tied for first place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to make their online page too. Related offers can be made for a corporation's stationery, business cards, etc. Find a niche and then take courage and offer much more.

7. Do not underestimate yourself. This goes along with Number 4. Remember to believe in yourself. Nobody will ever employ a designer that thinks he might not do as good a job as another guy. Be sure to reflect your self-confidence in your pricing. If your work is great, charge good money for it.

8. Network. Graphic and web design are rapidly changing. Every single day new methods and styles are created and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Join social networks just like twitter, linkedin, facebook, digg, and more. Set up a weblog and frequently add meaningful comments on others' websites. Making a reputation for yourself in the design world takes some time but may be accomplished using social networking resources.

9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing will show you how to increase in self-confidence and talent more than practice. If work is a little bit slow, nail down a few of those personal tasks you've been meaning to accomplish. Join a group at school or in the community where you'll be able to freshen your own talents. Engage in design forums, contests, and workshops. Nothing can take the place of real life application and experience.

10. Pay attention. I like to carry a little note pad around with me. Whenever I see an advertisement, picture, building, person, etc. that influences my artistic thinking.

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