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Argh, I'm hating this.
I really feel like doing some 'real' work for once. You know, not these crappy briefs we get like every6 weeks! I want a little paper too and not a grade!
So I was thinking of doing some freelance work. Problem is, I feel scared. Did any of you feel scared when putting out ads for freelance work? Did you even put out any ads?
What did you do to get your first client? I feel like I can do some good work but then there's this voice in my head which keeps and saying "you'll suck, don't bother" *shut up head* and now I'm here, stuck, and don't know if I should or not. Give me some advice people. I'm not talking big things here obviously, you know just the little cafe down the road who wants a menu or logo or something of similiar nature.
Besides, I know nothing about printing yet and so what if I make a good design or whatever, but then there's a problem down at the printshop due to some bleed or margin marks or whatever!
I'm confused!
Bits of Abdul - My Blog (http://www.bitsofabdul.blogspot.com)
Tyger
03-24-2005, 07:16 PM
Taking that first step is always quite nerve racking, but you will never know unless you try. My first ad i did was a 8.5x11 ad for a medical magazine...i proofed that sucker a million times, i was so paranoid that something would go wrong. Everything turned out great and i was so proud to see my first work printed...it's a great feeling.
I would always suggest though that you understand the printing process, dealing with printers, know about colour correction, spot colors, pantone etc. there is a wealth of info here on the GDF for you to learn from.
Jump right in and get your feet wet.
ALWAYS GET A PROOF!!!
GDF Contributor
http://img237.exs.cx/img237/6410/sig1sy.jpg
Yeah, I get you.
What I meant was ads out in the papers saying "new designer looking for little freelance work" and what not, not the first ad you designed. Sorry for not making it clear enough.
What would be the best way to get the first client then?
Oh, and if/ever I get a client who wants a certain print set up, I can always ask you guys. To be honest, GDF is like my "daddy" http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/DesktopModules/dotNetBB/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Bits of Abdul - My Blog (http://www.bitsofabdul.blogspot.com)
Tyger
03-24-2005, 08:08 PM
no i knew what you meant...i was saying that my first freelance job was an ad.
GDF Contributor
http://img237.exs.cx/img237/6410/sig1sy.jpg
Weecutz
03-24-2005, 08:17 PM
I'm actually like you, I'm a bit afraid too, and I've never actually advertised anything yet... But I sometimes do work for my friend who does Banner Printings and Poster Printing etc, and I've done a few shop P.O.S Posters... it really is a great feeling to see something you've created finished and out of the computer into reality!... I've actually also landed myself my first ever big commercial peice of work now and it all happened out of pure luck!... not getting paid much but I dont really care about that yet!
What type of stuff are you interested in?, Advert Designs, Poster Designs, CD Artwork?.. etc???
Check out the Classifieds Section!
I really don't know yet. I want to like have a go with a bit of each and then I can like decide where my strength lies.
It all sounds fun although I can see a CD/Album cover may be a first job if I get one. I'd love to start off with doing some logos first, that and some stationery.
I wouldn't mind posters and adverts and anything of that size, but I think it's better if I learn more about printing and how printers work with designs. I'd need to or else it'll look pretty awfull on a big piece it if messes up.
So, how do I like say 'here's me, try me for a little freelance job' ...?
Bits of Abdul - My Blog (http://www.bitsofabdul.blogspot.com)
morea
03-24-2005, 08:36 PM
when I first got started, I volunteered with a non-profit organization... I got practical experience, and they got work donated. It was a win-win situation.
We are one, our cause us one, and we must help each other if we are to succeed. ~ Frederick Douglass
Weecutz
03-24-2005, 08:43 PM
Hy don't think that getting stuff printed is always complicated... I mean not everything is like 4 Colour process and needs seperated etc.. the big stuff I got printed was done using Photoshop, saving as a Tiff or Jpeg and then just sending it off and it turned out cool.... don't be put off by all colours and stuff... just make sure you state to people your only beginning etc, that way it wont look stupid if your not sure what someone is talking about when it comes to printing or something!
Anotehr good peice of advice there too was the Non Profit stuff... you should try asking a Charity or something if they need anything designed for free, tell them your a student (if you are one), and explain that its all a good learning experience for you!
Whatever you do DONT advertise saying you'll do free wrk, you might get too many requests!, and also mak e it clear if you do a little free work to start with that you'll do the artworking for free but the Printing is NOT free... don't put yourself out!
I understand about doing a bit of eveything, always a good way to learn different things!
Check out the Classifieds Section!
So guys umm how do I approach potential clients? Or don't I?
Help me out here, feed me mummy!
And yeah, design could be free but the sucker has to pay for the print. Oh, would I have to go get it printed for him* or would I just hand him over the design?
*or her
Bits of Abdul - My Blog (http://www.bitsofabdul.blogspot.com)
morea
03-24-2005, 11:12 PM
a lot of designers feel very strongly that you should not design for free, unless you are working with a non-profit organization. Just fyi.
We are one, our cause us one, and we must help each other if we are to succeed. ~ Frederick Douglass
Oh, I must sound such a fool. I was umm talking in regard to charities (non-profit lot) 'cos that's what I thought I should start off with. Of course, if it's a company or some individual, I'd be expecting some paper. You feel me!
Bits of Abdul - My Blog (http://www.bitsofabdul.blogspot.com)
morea
03-24-2005, 11:23 PM
in that case, you can often provide them with the files and let them deal with the printers themselves. That way you don't get mixed up in the pricing at all.
We are one, our cause us one, and we must help each other if we are to succeed. ~ Frederick Douglass
Yeah, good thinking morea.
Bits of Abdul - My Blog (http://www.bitsofabdul.blogspot.com)
What would be a basic pricing guide. I know you'll get paper according to what you produce, but what would be basic prices?
For all sorts, stationery, or just a logo, or even a business card... etc.
Bits of Abdul - My Blog (http://www.bitsofabdul.blogspot.com)
morea
03-24-2005, 11:40 PM
my magic 8 ball says, read this article: www.creativelatitude.com/articles/article_1004_fisher.html (http://www.creativelatitude.com/articles/article_1004_fisher.html)
We are one, our cause us one, and we must help each other if we are to succeed. ~ Frederick Douglass
Hmm, that gave me some insight.
Bits of Abdul - My Blog (http://www.bitsofabdul.blogspot.com)
o.g. peanut
03-25-2005, 01:35 AM
Jumping in here a little late, but here is my two cents.
Do it. If you don't put out your best work right at first, don't worry. You will always be learning and improving so don't be afraid to try. We are all constantly getting better. (at least we should be!)
Take some time to talk to printers that you (or your client) might use. they are usually more than happy to explain all the specs and certain things to avoid. There are so many processes out there, and many machines work differently so you need to be sure how the printer likes their files.
Try charging an hourly rate. You can quote prices by how much time you think you will spend on the project. Don't sell yourself short though. Even if you are still a student, you have skills that not everyone has, so remember that.
Neuro
03-25-2005, 06:06 AM
Ok there are two books I would recommend...Savvy Designers Guide and AIGA handbook. Both have a lot of great info in them.
** Personal Blog (http://neuro-i-carmotur.blogspot.com) - updated 3/23/2005</font>
** Business Blog (http://catseyecreations.blogspot.com) - updated 3/20/2005</font>
Thanks guys.
Think I should get myself a logo/name? I think it may be a little too early for that but I'm just wondering.
Bits of Abdul - My Blog (http://www.bitsofabdul.blogspot.com)
D-Zine
03-25-2005, 05:57 PM
You certainly don't have to, espiecally since you are just starting out.
'No more yanky my wanky! The donga need food!!' - heh
morea
03-25-2005, 06:24 PM
the only thing we have to fear is fear itself!
. . . . and spiders. How can you not be afraid of big, hairy spiders? <shudder>
We are one, our cause us one, and we must help each other if we are to succeed. ~ Frederick Douglass
D-Zine
03-25-2005, 06:33 PM
so true morea!
or a big hairy anything! /DesktopModules/dotNetBB/emoticons/ohmy.gif -- ok I think I just went too far
/DesktopModules/dotNetBB/emoticons/rofl.gif
'No more yanky my wanky! The donga need food!!' - heh
lolz
Let's hope I get this first client then.
Bits of Abdul - My Blog (http://www.bitsofabdul.blogspot.com)
/DesktopModules/dotNetBB/emoticons/ohmy.gif d zine, that's a little unfair...... /DesktopModules/dotNetBB/emoticons/rofl.gif
WR
up until now i've been working within companies with other designers having input on all that is done
yesterday i just took delivery of my first entire promotional campaign for my first big client job, and it felt good. i have 10,000 beermats, post it notes, posters the lot just piled up in my studio waiting to be couried out for distribution and it feels great. 3 months ago it was a totally different game and I never saw the final results. Just keep plugging, don't stretch beyond your means and invest money that you can't afford until you know you can be stable..wing it on a shoe string. look for a book called bootstrappers bible, it's all about starting out.
hand: ollie@ollielindsey.co.uk
eye: www.ollielindsey.co.uk (http://www.ollielindsey.co.uk)
mouth: 07966 160 983
morea
03-25-2005, 10:02 PM
OMG! Hey Bear, I have a feeling D-Zine hadn't seen your user title when she posted! /DesktopModules/dotNetBB/emoticons/lol.gif
You're not scary... you're sweet! /DesktopModules/dotNetBB/emoticons/biggrin.gif
We are one, our cause us one, and we must help each other if we are to succeed. ~ Frederick Douglass
D-Zine
03-25-2005, 10:27 PM
Bear - /DesktopModules/dotNetBB/emoticons/ohmy.gif!!!!
I totally did NOT see your title when I posted that... /DesktopModules/dotNetBB/emoticons/lol.gif
Now I'm LMFAO !! I'm an idiot! LOL
'No more yanky my wanky! The donga need food!!' - heh
Neuro
03-26-2005, 05:50 AM
Ha! That is too funny.
I would focus on this first client before you worry about anything else. Really see if it is something you want to do. There is no two shits about it...this line of work can be stressful and sometimes a real let down. Be prepared for that and you'll be fine. So much of it is how you view yourself. That view is carried out in how you come across to others.
** Personal Blog (http://neuro-i-carmotur.blogspot.com) - updated 3/23/2005</font>
** Business Blog (http://catseyecreations.blogspot.com) - updated 3/20/2005</font>
i assumed that, was just gettin' into the swing o things /DesktopModules/dotNetBB/emoticons/lol.gif
hand: ollie@ollielindsey.co.uk
eye: www.ollielindsey.co.uk (http://www.ollielindsey.co.uk)
mouth: 07966 160 983
Does this count as a first step?
I made like little flyer things. about 5' by 6' with just a simple message on. Black and white, just text with a few details. Dropped in a few places here and there. Will someone really pick one up?
Oh, and I'm planning on like asking (begging) a few local charity shops if there's any design work needed, feel free to get in touch. Of course, that'll be free work.
Argh, this first step is so slow and nerve racking!
D-Zine, I over looked that too. How could you! That junkie in your avatar looks pretty sad Bear.
Bits of Abdul - My Blog (http://www.bitsofabdul.blogspot.com)
Neuro
03-28-2005, 02:51 AM
Honestly if you want to attract work you need to put in work. Take more time to design something that will show you can do really good design and that will bring you work. I would spend some time and design something better to put out. Then go and replace whatever is left at those places. You don't want potential clients to think that you couldn't take the time to design something good for yourself. Not trying to be harsh but just trying to tell you that it's important to make a GOOD impression. You don't have to go full blown color or expensive. Just make something that shows your ability.
** Personal Blog (http://neuro-i-carmotur.blogspot.com) - updated 3/23/2005</font>
** Business Blog (http://catseyecreations.blogspot.com) - updated 3/25/2005</font>
morea
03-28-2005, 02:56 AM
wr - you say you dropped them in a few places... are you listing pricing? are you offering to work for free? are you targeting customers like non-profit organizations like animal shelters, church groups, theaters, etc or are you just hoping to get your name out there?
there are really much more effective ways for students to start out. Have you volunteered to help out with your school paper / newsletter? student organizations? etc?
things like that will get you some good pieces for your portfolio without undercutting fellow designers.
We are one, our cause us one, and we must help each other if we are to succeed. ~ Frederick Douglass
morea
03-28-2005, 02:56 AM
and, btw - I love your avatar bear! /DesktopModules/dotNetBB/emoticons/biggrin.gif
We are one, our cause us one, and we must help each other if we are to succeed. ~ Frederick Douglass
Eeek, I'm a fool right? RIGHT?
Ok, well let's see now... you want me to design a proper flyer? That's going to have to wait till the summer. Right now I'm tied down with work, and plenty of it. Hopefully by then I can also add a few of my school projects on it, to show some work I've done? Argh, I don't know!
I think I'll wait till the summer and give it some real thought, and maybe start again with a better concept in mind!
Hey, I just revamped my blog. Check it out!
Still stuck with the comments HTML, but feck that!
Bits of Abdul - My Blog (http://www.bitsofabdul.blogspot.com)
Just thought I'd show you those little slip things I've been throwing around.
Nothing fancy, just cheap. Printed like loads at home! I just want people to visit the blog and on there, they will be able to see some of the work I've done. Like school projects and also some of the stuff I've done in spare time in Illustrator and what-av-ya.
Like I said, in the summer I'll start on this freelancing kick-off properly!
Bits of Abdul - My Blog (http://www.bitsofabdul.blogspot.com)
D-zine, /DesktopModules/dotNetBB/emoticons/rofl.gif
Thanks morea, that is actually me!!
WR,
Junkie ? /DesktopModules/dotNetBB/emoticons/lol.gif
i wouldn't disclose rates, it sounds like a 'I can do ya business cards for £15 all inclusive' type offer (with lot's of starbursts and swooshes for extra impact.....and you could use impact typeface also!!). You need to generate awareness whilst still maintaining a reason for them to call you. That way your telephone manner can have more of an effect than the flyer itself, the flyer is just to get them on the phone so it needs to look attractive. If it's written on a piece of paper then they have it in writing and you can't gauge what they want and how much you can charge them.
As neuro says, you need to put serious work and love into creating your own promotional stuff, even if that means working nights on it whilst maintaining your day job. It is your biggest (and potentially only) chance to express yourself and show off your talent. make flat plans for the important information and work out how best it can be structured and what's the most important thing you want to convey. Don't say New Designer looking for work, Designer looking for work isn't even necessary. work out a cheap way of printing. I designed my promotional posters so that i could print them tiled A2 on my A3 Printer and fold them up so the fold hid the seam between the 2 sheets.
hand: ollie@ollielindsey.co.uk
eye: www.ollielindsey.co.uk (http://www.ollielindsey.co.uk)
mouth: 07966 160 983
i didn't see the attachment (damn i'm blind sometimes, it's the hair, gets in the way)
I actually really like your honesty, but too much writing to really catch peoples eye. I love the name too for some reason, but then i favour the abstract over the sensible! Don't say i don't have much experience in design, it kinda defeats the object. You could say something like 'although still a student of design, i feel I have many skills to offer' or words to that effect. Honesty, although lacking in this world, is not always the best policy, and you don't have to lie either!
hand: ollie@ollielindsey.co.uk
eye: www.ollielindsey.co.uk (http://www.ollielindsey.co.uk)
mouth: 07966 160 983
Renegade Designer
03-28-2005, 09:19 PM
Okay, let me just tell you alittle on how things happed for me... I graduated with a degree in Graphic Design and minor in Photography...Did an internship at a printshop (great place to learn about printing)... Needed a job...spent 4 years working in a 1 hour photo. (I was the manager, not the average little dosen't know c*** peon) Meanwhile my wife was in med school. During those 4 years... did alot of work with my church (they got free design work, I got somewhat of a portfolio) ... My wife graduated, we moved to a very rural town, the closes would be a 50 mile oneway commute.... So I am now working as a freelance designer. Have on client so far (Just really started at the begginging of this year.) ... Haven't put out any ads yet.... But how I got it was through one of my wifes coworkers is the controller at a winery.... they needed design work done.... he knew I was a designer.... It has worked out well so far.... my tips too you would be: have a contract for any clents that defines the scope of the work you will do and the compensation you will recieve for the work. Also keep in mind that not every thing you will do will be great.... sometimes you just gotta make the clent happy... but be willing to defend your design choices also...YOU are the designer
okay just my 2 cents worth
poo! poo! poo!
I knew there was something bad in those little motherpancakeers! I should've asked for some critique before I start throwing them out. Well not to worry, there's only a few lying around and hopefully I'd get attention to my blog and from there, things might pan. I don't think I'd have time for any clients right now either as towards the end of the year, work piles up and demands more time.
Like I said, once I've done this first year in my diploma, I should have more skill, more pieces in my portfolio and a better idea of the freelancing business (by reading more about it in my spare time that is). Then I can start all over again and design something better! Cool? (Got University to look forward too after another year at this crappy design school!)
pancake, those shoulders are huge Bear! http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/DesktopModules/dotNetBB/emoticons/freaked.gif
Thanks for that Renegade!
Bits of Abdul - My Blog (http://www.bitsofabdul.blogspot.com)
uncle carbunkle
03-28-2005, 09:46 PM
you wrote 'free free' in the last line.
::Don't call me Foreman, for I am your Boss::
Yeah, ooops!
Bits of Abdul - My Blog (http://www.bitsofabdul.blogspot.com)