If you are new in the graphic design fid or the design field in general or you are a designer for years and you became sick of your 9-5 job, you quit then you start wondering what to do next. You figure out that it should be freelancing. You assume that you will have more freedom, you will sleep whenever you want and just be your own boss. That might be the case for some people but if you are just starting out, this equation will be so cool to be true. Unfortunately, that will not be the case for beginner freelancers.
In this article, I will tell you the first steps to start getting clients as a freelancer or even just vet your first client that will get the ball rolling. For most people, their first clients will be friends or family. For me, I don't count these people as first clients. What I mean by your first client it will be that client that knows nothing about yourself except that you are a designer that will meet their needs by your design.
With further words, let's dive into the main article.
The most important step is to have a portfolio. "What?!! A portfolio! I don't even have my first client yet!" You are probably wondering. "How am I supposed to have a portfolio if I don't have client work yet?"Don't worry, I got you covered.
There are several ways to build a portfolio without having any real clients' designs. The first way is to make fake projects by just coming up with an idea or finding fake briefs online. The second way is to rebrand companies that are already there. You can rebrand big companies, or a more useful is to make designs for non-profitable companies. That way there will be a double benefit, a benefit for you and for the nonprofit organization.
The next step after building a portfolio is to make clients find you or to start searching for clients. To make clients find you: Build social media presence and put your work on portfolio websites like Behance and Dribbble. To start searching for clients, you can go on freelance websites like freelancer .com, there will be a ton of clients that already need their work to be done. The two disadvantages of freelance sites are the high competition and lowering your rates. Other than that, you are good to go.
In conclusion, you have to have actions and work in order to have a re4urn on your actions. If you slept in your bed waiting for clients to rain, it will never happen and you will remain broke forever. Remember, everything is possible, and if someone can do something you can do it too.