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How Do I Get Started Working From Home?
While working from home has become more prevalent in recent years, the benefits of remote work have not gone ignored by many. No matter where you choose to work, technology today enables productive, collaborative professional experiences — and graphic design is no exception.
Graphic design is a critical component of every organisation’s communication strategy. If you have an eye for design and love being creative with a purpose, visual communications may be the career path for you.
Work for a design agency
While some graphic designers choose to work for a design agency or as an in-house designer for a corporation, working remotely is becoming an increasingly feasible and interesting alternative. Several options for being a remote worker include freelancing as a graphic designer or working as a remote designer for a small firm.
Graphic design job allows
A graphic design job allows you to be selective about the projects on which you participate, the people with whom you interact, and the frequency with which you cooperate. Uncertain about whether to work full-time or part-time? Remote employment may be the solution you are looking for. If you have an open line of communication with your customer and have the necessary tools, you may begin creating wherever you are!
Responsibilities and abilities of a remote graphic designer
A graphic designer, regardless of the context in which they operate, must possess a strong sense of creativity and an in-depth understanding of the design process.
Graphic designers must be able to:
- Possess strong IT abilities, particularly in photo-editing and design software applications (e.g. Adobe, Adobe Illustrator, Indesign, Photoshop)
- Possess an attention to detail
- Capability of abstract design briefs to be translated into a functional, attractive product
- Recognise the commercial environment and design trends of the customer
While a graphic designer’s practical design abilities are critical for project completion, communication and time management skills are probably just as critical for the success of a remote graphic designer. Consider remote work as if you were running your own design firm (which you are!) Without direct communication, information might go through the cracks or be misconstrued by both the designer and the customer, resulting in irritation and unhappiness.
As a result, remote graphic designers must:
- Establish a direct and efficient communication channel for their clientele
- Establish frequent check-ins with all stakeholders to ensure the project progresses smoothly.
- The capacity for autonomous work
- Possess a strong work ethic in order to guarantee that all assignments are completed on time.
How can I pursue a career as a graphic designer?
So how do you begin your career as a graphic designer? Most graphic designers hold a diploma or degree in the field of design in which they specialise. Several regions include the following:
- Design for marketing and advertising
- Design of websites and digital marketing
- Graphic design for packaging
- Graphic design illustration
Additionally, general design degrees are offered for individuals who have not yet discovered their chosen design specialisation. We strongly advise you to get some formal education in order to enhance your design abilities for the workforce. You can learn graphic design online using Blue Sky Graphics online graphic design course.
Compiling your portfolio
Once you are comfortable with your design talents, it is time to put together your portfolio. Your design portfolio is critical, even more so while you are still a startup. Because it is frequently the initial point of contact for most companies, it should demonstrate your finest and most versatile work.
Several suggestions for your portfolio include the following:
- Be sure to include your greatest work towards the conclusion of your portfolio.
- Select a website for formatting that properly shows your work (e.g. WordPress)
- Include all contact information and social media handles for your business.
- Update your material on a regular basis
As a remote graphic designer, your clientele will be diverse. As a result, their requirements will change as well. Create a portfolio tailored to the prospective client’s needs, their aesthetic, and the project for which you are applying. This will help you in being recruited!
What do I need to do to work from home?
Working from home as a remote designer has a number of incredible perks, as well as some drawbacks.
Benefits
- Hours of operation are flexible – you may work whenever and wherever you choose.
- You maintain total control over your timetable and the techniques you use to finish your jobs.
- You have the freedom to pick who you work with and what graphic design tasks you accept.
Drawbacks
- Your living space is transformed into a workstation (this can cause the home to become stressful for some).
- You are in control – the majority of the burden for resolving difficulties falls on your shoulders.
- Technology does occasionally fail – be prepared with a contingency plan in case it does.
- Distractions (e.g., snacking incessantly in the kitchen) might reduce your production, resulting in longer, less productive workdays.
Enhance your software abilities
While formal education focuses on concepts, you will definitely desire some additional practical software training as well.
Most formal education programmes do not place a high premium on specialised software abilities, and with cause. Academic courses emphasise the acquisition of timeless concepts and principles, as well as the development of a broad capacity for problem solving. In comparison, software programmes might change monthly, making it impossible for academic institutions to keep up even if they wanted to.
However, it is a reality that most design job advertisements need proficiency in specific design programmes, most often Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and/or InDesign. The good news is that there are many methods to become rapidly and simply acquainted with these items.
Begin freelancing immediately
Even if you have recently graduated, it is never too early to begin freelancing
Once you have completed your formal education and become proficient with the necessary software, you will probably want to begin seeking for work. However, while you wait for responses to your applications, there is no reason you cannot begin working as a freelancer immediately.
Taking on real-world tasks can help you cement your knowledge and begin turning your theoretical abilities into more useful, practical abilities. Again, this will offer you additional material to discuss during interviews and, of course, will help you survive while you wait for the opportunity to make a living wage.
