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Can I Learn Graphic Designing & Be A Freelancer Then While Continuing My Current Job?
Have you always been gifted with a creative mind? A career in graphic design allows you to put your creative mind to use. Additionally, as a freelancer, you will have the opportunity to work for a variety of customers, ensuring that no two days will be the same. If you want to develop your skills and learn graphic design while keeping your current job, you can do so by Blue Sky Graphics graphic design course in the United Kingdom.
What is the role of a graphic designer?
Graphic artists create visual concepts and thoughts. You could work on big-scale projects, such as advertising campaigns or rebranding large businesses, down to the smallest details, such as product packaging, brochures, and magazines.
When working on campaigns, graphic designers use animation, illustration, and typography, among other items, and organise them, using computer programmes such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.
You can come across graphic designers who work in-house for businesses. Alternatively, they could partner with a creative agency, which many organisations use to do all of their publicity and advertising.
Graphic Design Services on a Contract Basis
However, some graphic designers serve as independent contractors. As a freelancer, you can act as your boss, selecting customers and setting your standard rates.
What level of graphic design expertise do you require?
There are many graphic design paths – you can attend university, college, or work as an apprentice before establishing yourself as a self-employed graphic designer.
Many customers will also be looking for practise, so you can build a portfolio demonstrating your design abilities while (and after) training. Additionally, you could build a website to house all of your work. You may gain work experience, internships, or a junior design position before going self-employed, which will help you to develop your skills (and a list of contacts).
How much money do graphic designers make?
As for every job, the salary for a graphic designer varies according to experience, profession, and type of position or contract.
The National Careers Service offers grants ranging from £16,000 a year for those only starting to £50,000 a year for those with experience. However, as a self-employed person, you are responsible for setting your own rates. With practise, freelancers earn between £200 and £400 a day, but with a good track record and positive feedback, you can command more.
How to begin as a self-employed graphic designer
So you have developed your abilities and desire to work independently. You may also want to establish your own creative agency. Why not consult our step-by-step guide to assist you in getting started?
1. Decide on a discipline
Specialisation is advantageous in a heavily populated industry like graphic design. Each differentiation and expertise you can provide can aid in your job search and make it easier to complete your projects successfully.
Naturally, you could have discovered your specialism as a result of prior experience. However, if you haven’t, is there an aspect of the architecture that you really admire? Consider the following niches:
Visual identity – consider branding, which encompasses logos, imagery, colour schemes, and typography.
Packaging – product packaging, with the exception of simple products such as soap bars or juice cartons, can be very lovely – and businesses need innovative individuals to create designs.
There are several additional designs that graphic designers might be working on; thus, take a look around and choose your subject. Additionally, once you are aware of your area of expertise, ensure that you use it to differentiate yourself from the competition.
2. To establish your business
Numerous freelance graphic designers work independently. However, many also wish to establish their own design company. Whichever direction you follow, you must approach your work as a business, set goals, and develop a plan for getting there.
Create a marketing strategy – it enables you to answer critical issues prior to initiating a strategic plan.
Select a legal structure – determine whether you are forming a sole trader or a limited partnership.
Reconnect with the self-assessment process – You are required to file an annual tax return.
3. Developing the right business skills possible
Although you may be an expert in the technical dimensions of architecture, running a business requires a variety of skills. Take the following into consideration:
Gain customers – You must have extensive leadership skills in order to network with potential clients and secure employment. Clients who are satisfied with your services are more likely to recommend you to other potential clients.
Pricing a work – this is a difficult skill for freelancers to master. There is no definitive answer to how much you can spend, but keep in mind the relative advantage – targeting too little, especially when you are first starting out, risks undervaluing your abilities. Costs can vary significantly depending on the project’s specifications – and on the contractor. Read all about establishing a freelance hourly rate.
Developing a team – acquiring the skills necessary to identify exceptional talent is critical, even more so if you are starting a design firm. If you can be an expert in your field, the reality is that everyone’s abilities are limited. If you have any gaps in your skillset, have you considered hiring employees to assist you? Educating people about new perspectives and mentalities can aid in the expansion of your business.
4. Choose the appropriate insurance package
Before you begin, it is prudent to educate yourself about designer insurance. Professional compensation protection is one of the most important insurance policies for freelancers and it protects you if you make an error on the work or give poor advice to a client that results in a loss.
Employers’ benefits policies are a legal requirement if you have employees, whether they work odd hours or on a part-time basis. It protects you if an employee becomes ill or injured and accuses your firm.
5. To grow your company
Knowing how to market your customer’s services and products can come more easily to you as a planner than knowing how to market yourself.
While the aforementioned tips, such as being persistent, trustworthy, and honest, can assist you in completing tasks successfully, you should still shout out your accomplishments.
Therefore, keep your business website updated with new tasks you have completed and consider writing a blog to show your abilities.
