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772 Pray that success will not come any faster than you are able to endure it. Part 3

Freelance Graphic Design as a Work-at-Home Business

Are you a child prodigy with a pen in hand? Can you beat photographic mash-ups that make the Mona Lisa look like illegible scrawl on a bathroom wall? Do you look at album covers and look at the sky above, shaking his head knowingly? Then, why not put those skills to use and display the rank amateurs how it's really done?

Whether it's put together album covers, posters and logos the local garage band, making fliers travel together to street theater or production of viral advertising for the world's largest shoemaker, there has never been a bigger market for Independent graphic designers, or a better time to be one. The software and hardware that once made digital design and subsequent mass marketing a rare and expensive medium has cheapened to the extent that anyone with an Internet connection, an inexpensive personal computer and an inspired idea can have their work broadcast to tens of millions of people around the world.

Graphic design in its purest form it comes to conveying a message with a carefully chosen color scheme, symbols, images, shapes and words that together create a unique identity for a product. Those who can do it fast, enthusiasm and a bit of style are always in demand. If you have any capacity within the realm of traditional fine arts, the better, but it is the beginning and the end all of your career. Like all artistic activities, however, you need the right tools for the job. Specifically, who is seeking the following:

1. Software. Whether you work with a can of paint and an easel or a mouse and a monitor, which will eventually end with a digitized version of your completed work for delivery to the customer. For those of us with liquid assets, I recommend Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. If you can not splurge the high cost of these programs, you may find extremely useful substitutes in the free, open source GIMP and Inkscape. Together, these should cover your needs for vector artwork, photo retouching and manipulation, processing later and final file exports.

2. A good digital (or film-based!) The camera is a useful optional extra. I prefer Canon SLR Digital for their aggressively reasonable prices and excellent image quality, but high end point and shoots can do the job in a pinch. They do, however, lack a bit of credibility, while at the scene. For those of us nostalgic for the days of 35mm, you can find brilliant film SLRs on eBay for token prices.

3. However, if the picture is not your cup of tea, then free photography services of securities, such as Stock.xchng morgueFile and are excellent resources that do all the work for you.

4. Finally, a flatbed scanner always comes in handy if you're digitizing hand-drawn designs, scanning client provided by transmitting images or 35mm negatives. The CanoScan 8400F Epson Perfection and reaped high praise for being well-rounded and affordable. Throw in an inkjet color ink or a membership to the local Kinkos, and that's it.

So now you are well equipped and looking to set the world on fire as hired gun design, but do not know where to start. Assuming they have not done this work before, his first priority would be to produce a wide portfolio guaranteed to blow the socks off a potential employer. A useful technique I've found, is to start by going through his collection of books, games video and CDs, and picking a few of each with covers you either hate or love. Decide what they produce such strong reactions in any case, than it would have done differently. With this in mind, try to re-draw as many as you can in your own image. As happened with successful designs, put aside.

Similarly, find some striking photos and see what occurs when you simply sit and play with them in the selected image manipulation software. Knowing the functions Software and images respond to different treatments until it is second nature.

When you think you have a portfolio of murderer and the mentality to close A successful deal, time to find a customer. Great for first time employers include local musicians and entertainment, as well as neighborhood businesses with boring logos or lackluster advertising material. (You know what we are talking about when I mention brochures or restaurant menus that look like they were riding for ten years age, using Word Art and MS Paint).

Most potential clients of this caliber do not know how presentation affects their business, or feel that hiring of a graphic designer to do the job for them would be too expensive, so they offer a cheap, friendly, local alternative: yourself! For small projects, offer a flat rate, and larger, keep track of hours spent and the amount of designs that produce so you can bill accordingly.

Help also do some free work to get your name out there. Use your wisdom and offer to redesign it for free when you think it is appropriate. Networking and subsequently maintaining contacts in the local business community is what can net initially more lucrative projects, as well as the long-term employment contracts. Graphic designers in the independent field think of themselves as part artist, part-salesperson. Pound the pavement, scan the pages of community newspapers for projects that look interesting, make calls to fashion, art and IT magazines to see if they have any room for a designer of candidates in their ranks.

On a larger scale, attracting corporate clients requires an online presence, and enough of the above to make an impression. Magazine freelancer, in particular can generate contacts and assets in the high areas of international marketing and design. Take some time to upload your creations to a site like Flickr.com or DeviantArt.com, where you can get free exhibition space and a place to call their own that people can point to easy access to examples of their work. This is just an extension of its portfolio, but as your portfolio, make sure it is a showcase of all their skills. Discuss in particular that can diversify and handle different mediums and project sizes.

Freelance graphic designer can be initially difficult, more often that potential customers can not find doors slamming in his face. Take this in step and persevere. Like most creative positions, as you build up good-paying jobs, more be available to you. There is much in demand worldwide for you to create a niche for itself in freelance graphic design.

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