How to Start a Freelance Graphic Design Business

Are you the sort of person that wants to do massive things with your life, and who detest the mere thought of living locally and catering to small businesses? Do you seriously want to design the next Coca-Cola logo? If that’s you, then move, baby, move! Head to New York and never look back. You may not actually want this as bad as you think you do, but either way, you’ll be miserable anywhere else. If, however, you’re more than content to remain in your home network, and don’t mind being a smaller shop on the map, stay where you are. A move might be too stressful for you, and the gains you’ll get from it are somewhat negligible.

Graphic design is the methodology of visual communication, and problem-solving through the use of type, space and image. The field is considered a subset of visual communication and communication design, but sometimes the term "graphic design" is used interchangeably with these due to overlapping skills involved. Graphic designers use various methods to create and combine words, symbols, and images to create a visual representation of ideas and messages. A graphic designer may use a combination of typography,visual arts and page layout techniques to produce a final result. Graphic design often refers to both the process (designing) by which the communication is created and the products (designs) which are generated.

Graphic designers use communication skills, industry knowledge and computer design expertise to create advertisements for media ranging from newspapers to online platforms. Graphic design businesses wee projected to enjoy a 13 percent increase in business during the period from 2008 to 2018, notes the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is due to constantly increasing demand for Internet and other interactive media advertising such as mobile phone applications. Graphic designers with strong animation and website design skills face the best prospects.

Instruction:

Things Needed:

• Business Plan
• Contract
• Basic Identity System
• Computer
• Printer
• Desktop Publishing Software
• Business structure documentation
• Insurance documentation
• Business license
• Sales tax license (if applicable)
• Lease
• Written information on competition
• Graphic design software
• Scanner
• Fax machine
• Ad rates and copy for trade publications
• Work samples for potential clients
• Chamber membership list
• Sample ads for chamber member businesses

Learn step by step how to start a desktop publishing or graphic design business. Get advice on naming your graphic design business and the structure it should take, overview of types of design and publishing businesses, developing a business plan, pricing your desktop publishing services, and other other start-up essentials.

While some sources might have you believe that all it takes to start a desktop publishing business is to have some software, a color printer, and some fancy paper, the truth is that a desktop publishing or graphic design business requires the same attention to detail of any small business venture.

Step 1

Assess your entrepreneurial abilities. Determine whether you have the time, business and financial skills (or willingness to acquire needed skills), and the entrepreneurial or freelance mindset to run your own desktop publishing or graphic design business.

Step 2

Assess your design skills. You don't have to be an award-winning graphic designer to start a desktop publishing business but you do need certain basic skills and a willingness to educate yourself in areas where you are weak.

Step 3

Develop a business plan. No matter how small you plan to start, you need to put into writing a description of your planned desktop publishing or graphic design business and a financial projection. Without a plan, no matter how informal, most freelance businesses will falter and eventually fail.

Step 4

Choose a business structure. Many freelance desktop publishing business owners automatically choose sole proprietorship and it does have certain advantages for those just starting out. However, it's always a good idea to evaluate your options.

Step 5

Get the right software and hardware. As a minimum you're going to need a computer, desktop printer, and page layout software. If you can only afford the basics starting out, investigate your future needs and work a budget into your business plan that allows for expanding your electronic toolbox.

Step 6

Set a price for your services. In order to make money you have to charge for your time, your expertise, and your supplies. As part of developing a business plan you'll need to come up with the right pricing for your desktop publishing or graphic design business.

Step 7

Choose a business name. While not necessarily as important as a business plan, the right name can be your best marketing partner. Select a distinctive, memorable, or winning name for your desktop publishing or graphic design business.

Step 8

Create a basic identity system. A great business card not only tells but also shows potential clients what you can do for them. Put as much thought and care into creating the logo, business card, and other identity materials for your desktop publishing or graphic design business as you would for a paying client.

Step 9

Craft a contract. Just as important as your business plan and your business card, the contract is a critical part of a freelance business. Don't wait until you have a client (or worse, after you've already started working on a project) to create a contract for your desktop publishing or graphic design business.

Step 10

Market yourself and your business. Clients don't come knocking on your door just because you say you're open for business. Go out and bring them in whether it's through cold calling, advertising, networking, or sending out press releases.

Step 11

Establish your graphic design business. Select a business structure with assistance from a certified public accountant familiar with small service businesses. Common business structures include a sole proprietorship, limited liability company and Sub chapter S corporation. Meet with a commercial insurance agent with liability experience. Visit your city or county clerk's office for a business license. Contact your state department of revenue about a sales tax license for your service business.

Step 12

Lease a convenient business location. Find a small office near main highways and with no significant noise issues. Look for a site near other businesses that may represent potential customers. Consider an office park or retail environment. Ensure that your office is pre-wired for high-speed Internet service.

Step 13

List your graphic design competition. Identify local and regional businesses that provide graphic design services. Competitors include firms that focus solely on graphic design products for individual clients, as well as full-service advertising agencies with varied business customers. Agencies create ads for print and interactive media that include newspapers, magazines, websites and mobile applications. Obtain a brochure and services list from each design firm and advertising agency.

Step 14

Purchase your graphics software and equipment. Browse a graphics design and production resource that reviews graphic design software. Evaluate each program’s capabilities, including the software’s ability to create and modify web and animated advertisements. Note system hardware requirements. Purchase graphic design software from a computer specialty store or online retailer. Buy a new computer system if your current hardware will not support your design software. Consider a high-quality color printer, scanner and fax.

Step 15

Market your graphic design business. Send professional work samples to advertising agencies, smaller magazines and product manufacturers. Reach these prospects through trade publication ads as well, recommends “Entrepreneur” magazine. Join your Chamber of Commerce, and network with members at chamber events. Visit each owner with a sample ad, and discuss advertising opportunities. Welcome new businesses with a free consultation. Locate your chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Tips:

• If you plan to locate your graphic design business in a home office, obtain written zoning department approval before proceeding with your business plans.
  
  
• Set the right price. Don't sell yourself short. Charge what you're worth. If you're not sure what you're worth, go back and rework the financial section of your desktop publishing or graphic design business plan.
  
  
• Always use a contract. It's a business. Contracts are standard operating procedure for businesses. Don't skip using a contract because you're small, the client is a friend, or you're in a hurry to get started.
  
  
• Take a class. Take the free Start a Desktop Publishing or Graphic Design Business Class to provide step-by-step guidance and prodding in developing a working business plan, the beginnings of a marketing plan, an hourly rate and pricing plan, a name for your business, and a freelance contract tailored to your needs.

Reference

• How to Start a Freelance Graphic Design Business