While browsing the internet, I came across a blog called Designzzz (the title I actually found really annoying) that had a great article called "Tips and Tricks for Freelance Graphic Designers". I figured it might be good to learn some pointers, especially since the job market is tough and many of us might find ourselves doing side projects just to keep up. Actually, being a freelance artist is something I would prefer to do, however it requires a great deal of personal management. This article had some great tips about how to market yourself and how to price your work. Especially in the field of design, some people undersell themselves or get underpaid for the amount of time they spend. Although the price varies by project and client, it is important to value yourself and your time otherwise no one will. I feel like this one is personally difficult for me, because I often am afraid to ask for more than I think my work is worth; I tend to undervalue my designs. In web design it can be tricky, especially if you have to also do the coding yourself in addition to graphics, layout, writing, etc. The blog also has tips about finding and keep clients, the importance of networking, and the resources available on the internet. Also, never forget that word-of-mouth is one of the fastest and easiest ways to let people know about what you can do!
http://www.designzzz.com/tips-tricks-freelance-graphic-designers/
I agree. Very 90s-instant-message-screenname type name. And I also get frustrated that so many graphics use the street sign to represent freelance. But aside from those small problems....good find! I really don't want to freelance because I want my work to be work and not feel to me like school does. I want to be able to get AWAY from it sometimes. But I know plenty of people DO want to freelance, so this is very helpful!
ReplyDeleteThe site was very helpful! I am in the same boat as you with pricing, it can be tough because everyones work effort and design is different which makes setting a price difficult.
ReplyDeletePricing for me is difficult to figure out. I was asked to show my work at my high school, for Art Alumni and one of my art teachers I had asked me how much would you be willing to sell your sculpture for? I was like what. Never really thought about that question. But I think freelance would be exciting to a certain point and like Katie said, I think it would be nice to get away from what you are working on.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about my work and undervaluing it. Because I am a new designer to the industry, I don't always know how to properly price my work, how to quote experience vs technical skill.
ReplyDeleteI never even noticed the street sign/freelance connection until Katie pointed it out. I wonder what the connection is supposed to be? It's not exactly the most intuitive symbol.
ReplyDeleteGood resource, all the same.
Yea, the spelling is weird because my first reaction was sleeping "ZZZZ". I will have to look in to that site more closely.
ReplyDeleteMy problem is that if someone had asked me to design a poster or business card I enjoy doing it so much that I don't really even think about how much to charge them until they ask me.
ReplyDeleteI feel like i have said this before but I really love how everyone is posting these helpful sources, they are great to look over even if just once to gain some insight.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the undervaluing things. How do you price your work. I actually tried to do some side work when I was a sophomore and I decided to get a book that would tell me how to put a price on my time. Pricing has a bunch of factors including experience and such. There was a whole section that talked about protecting yourself so making contracts and forms s also something to think about because there are times where people will get you to do work and actually run away with it. Especially when you are sending them drafts. It happened to a friend of mines. He made a business card for this bakery in wicker park and after sending the owner a final draft and the final bill he never heard back from him. He then went to the bakery and saw that his designs were printed and being distributed. What a crock!
ReplyDeleteI have been reading up on this sort of thing for like the past year and a half and I still feel uneasy when it comes to the thought of pricing my work. I haven't yet found the boundary between "I am gouging this client" and "I am working for half peanuts".
ReplyDeleteOne rule that I found illuminating, however, is that you should bid higher than you think the client will actually pay, because you never know whether the client will accept that higher price unless you present it to them. If the client doesn't like the price, you can still negotiate to the lower price, but don't just go to the lower price without making adjustments in other parts of the job. Maybe you'll do it for the lower price if you get more time for the job, or if you only have to do two logo concepts instead of five. It's about assigning value to the work that you do.
Thanks for the resource!
ReplyDeleteI like your advice Sora. I also would like to have a regular design job rather than freelance, but I wouldn't mind doing it.. Thanks to everyone else for the information!
ReplyDeleteThis post was very resourceful! After reading this I viewed the site and was amazed at the helpful information that I found. Thanks Jess!
ReplyDeleteFreelance dedign scares me! I fear I'd be taken advantage of.
ReplyDeleteI just realized that I may be a freelancer and never really considered it! I guess being a student, I probably don't give as much credit to my work as I should. I will definately slow down with the free favors.
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of freelance, but I think it's important to take it into consideration. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteas much as freelance would piss me off, i kind of feel like thats where I will end up at first. since Im already doing it now.
ReplyDeletei completely agree with you in that you essentially have to believe in your own work and abilities, or else it will be hard to find someone who will. the aspect of marketing yourself is almost just as important as your craft.
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