GFX Designing/Freelancing in 2015

Goggwell · September 17, 2015

Designing & Freelancing in 2015

A general tutorial

G O G G W E L L

What is this tutorial about?

This tutorial will cover graphic design as a whole. I will shed light on this topic as there are some people out there who would like to market themselves as professional in this field.

I will also talk a little bit about freelancing, as this is one way you can make money as a graphic designer.

How does one become a freelancer?

Freelancing is simple.

It doesn't require much to become one. All you need is a skill roster...and a brain.

You can market or brand yourself easily via social media, blogs, YouTube, forums, and even to your family/friends. Graphic designing as a freelancer isn't uncommon. Many people have done it. Including me.

I wouldn't consider myself a big freelancer, or a successful one. But I have made money doing what I love, so it's the sentiment that counts.

How can I market myself as a graphic designer?

Well, there are several websites where you can showcase your work in the hopes that you get attention.

These sites include (but are not limited to) :

- BEHANCE (http://behance.net)

- DRIBBBLE (https://dribbble.com)

- DEVIANTART (http://deviantart.com)

There are also sites where you can sell your work to gain passive income (which is incredibly useful, especially if you have rejected work).

These sites include (but are not limited to) :

- The Envato Community (http://envato.com)

- TeeSpring (http://teespring.com)

- BigCartel (http://bigcartel.com)

- Sellfy (https://sellfy.com)

- Society 6 (http://society6.com)

You can always set up shop on a forum (maybe one that you visit regularly), and gain popularity from there.

Also, YouTube is GREAT for free marketing and possibly even a passive income.

One of the best YouTubers out there for graphic design is Roberto Blake (http://https://youtube.com/user/robertoblake2/)

His videos are very informative, to the point and concise.

Watch his stuff if you really want to dig in to design. I promise he is great!

You can try selling work to your friends or family. I also recommend doing things for your school (although my school never pays me for the stuff I do, which is absolute bullshit) in order to gain credibility as a designer.

Do you need to go to a Graphic Design school in order to gain legitimacy?

I'll give you the short answer.

Yes, no, and maybe.

In order to become a graphic designer, you do not need a degree in design, but it will help you in terms of hiring, as people without degrees get pushed back by hiring managers way too often.

When hiring a designer, the CEO will almost always look at the portfolio, and they will almost always judge you solely based on your work.

I recommend having at least 20-30 works in your portfolio, and show as much variety as you can (but only put work that you know you can do well).

But going to a school helps in many ways as well. For one, they provide you with the proper supplies (if you don't already have them), and you get to learn a lot more than you already know. The only problem you'll run into is

COST

Going to a school isn't cheap. It certainly helps if you have wealthy parents or caretakers who will gladly pay for your school, and even better if you have a scholarship. But this is the main problem of taking a degree course in design.

So here's what I have to say.

If you want to get an actual job in Graphic Design, you do not need a degree in that field, but you should have a degree in something if you want a higher chance of being hired.

I recommend getting a degree in a field that is interesting to you besides designing. For me, I'm looking for a degree in IT or Computer Science, which will help me a lot because I can market myself as a DESIGNER/PROGRAMMER.

But freelancers ultimately do not need to go to school, and freelancers can just as easily gain money.

What happens if I have to choose between freelancing or a job in a company?

Choose what your heart tells you to. I'm sorry, I know it's cheesy, but it's true. Absolutely true.

I can classify the pros and cons for you:

FREELANCING - Pros and Cons

- You'll have more freedom

- You are not pressured with as many due dates or tasks

- You are an individual, so you can work based off of your own ideas instead of having to incorporate other people's ideas into your own

- The ability to get around without having a boss looking over your shoulder constantly

- This can be a permanent thing, because you can't fire yourself

- You will not have guaranteed economic stability

- You will not find a client every now and then, and you'll end up having a 'dry month'

- You won't get a chance to collaborate with others as much as you should/like

- More freedom = more procrastination

HAVING A JOB - Pros and Cons

- You will be financially stable

- You will be in a working environment and therefore are able to collaborate with others

- It will help with work experience (and that is good to put on your resume/CV)

- If you gain enough attention within the company, you could possibly be promoted/featured in several media outlets/mediums

- You do not have as much freedom

- Chance to get fired

- Strict/Constant deadlines

- Your ideas may not get heard and you will feel left out

- Some jobs require you to take leadership, so if you're shy then this could be a problem

- Not that much experience client-wise

This is all based on my own viewpoint, so you may have your own arguments.

Just keep mine in mind

Well, that's all I have to say for now. Hope you enjoyed this little tutorial/speech.

I may make more like this in the future.

If you liked this topic, please leave a like and a comment below.

It helps and I really love seeing those!

cu_rry · September 17, 2015

Hey i like cookies!

is that a good idea?

Rook · September 17, 2015

What a nice looking thread!

Earthiest · September 17, 2015

Nice tutorial, or sorta guide on promoting yourself as a designer! Great post to help out the beginner designers who are looking forward in actually taking this field on in the future. I myself work as a freelance artist, but I've been requested do couple big projects down in the city; Manhattan. If you even do choose to work for a company you'll have a flow of constant work but due on schedule, but I never worked company wise, So I that's about all I can say. Freelance, you work when you want, set times do as you please.( I wrote this little paragraph for you guys to see which ever path you choose you can still benefit from it. )