alex_ferguson

Hi,

As some of you may or may not know, I'm a student in England, studying Graphic Design at college (similar to American high school for those who don't know) and while I am going on to study Computer Science at university, I would like to continue my graphic design, almost like a backup.

My main question is, how would I go about selling myself and getting my first commission? I've been doing graphics for quite a few years now and I think I'm ready to take it to the next level, but I'm unsure as to how to get there.

Thanks in advance.

herman

Do some free works around the locals. Helps gets you the exposure first. After then, the clients will come asking for your rates.

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Distill

If you've been doing graphics (in one form or another) for a few years, you probably have 1) a few pieces you can put into a portfolio, and 2) a few people who've seen the quality of your work.

Start with people who know you--anyone from friends-of-the-family to teachers to your friends' parents--let them know you're interested in doing some commercial work. Chances are, someone who knows/trusts you also knows someone who needs SOME kind of design work done. Use that networking bridge to get an appointment (making the call yourself usually boosts your credibility and shows you're really into this, especially if you're *gasp* a student). From there, it's just a matter of seeing whether your abilities (portfolio!) match their needs. Smaller businesses almost always need a designer's attention (whether they know it or not).

Knock their socks (knickers?) off, and you've got a commercial addition to your portfolio, a satisfied client for a reference, and some insight into the process of getting/completing commercial work. Experience in this sense is very important--you'll be years ahead of your peers when it comes to getting a job or starting out on your own.

And stick around on this forum--there is a wealth of experience to be gained from this group! (I'm always learning something new)

Gino

First thing you want to do obviously is to get a portfolio together showcasing a variety of work or whatever you are best at. Then I would look into putting up a website with you own domain name and hosting and have some one code you a one page portfolio site with just your work and contact information.

Then start doing research on how to find work. Maybe start off doing some stuff locally as Distill said and once you have a few paid gigs under your belt start looking into more online promotion. There are plenty of free ways to advertise your services online.

Keep an eye on my blog www.youthedesigner.com I post about a lot of websites that can help you.

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seanHodge

Alot of people are against any spec work, but I had alot of success with online contest through sitepoint. The contests I won in some cases lead to long term working arrangements. I also had people contact me for work because they liked my work they saw there. That may or may not be the way to go for you. But it gives you some real world expereince. I would say its a poor long term business model. But for just getting started out its good.

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Sean Hodge
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amilelka

I would also recommend printing up some great looking business cards to keep in your wallet and give out when you see the opportunity. Don't be shy to explain to people that you are working on building up your portfolio, so you are offering your services cheap. And certainly consider combining your computer science with graphic design, you can make a lot of money in web design etc. if you have both programming and design skills.

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Amilelka | OnlineLogoDesign.com.au

georigin

Spread Your name on the internet! Post you works on online Portfolio sites like Coroflot.com or Behance etc.
I have to date received 5-6 request from coroflot.com itself (some were ridiculous)! Obviously your own site will help too. Make sure your search engine optimization is correctly done.
A nice Visual identity and like amilelka said make sure your keep giving your business card to people. Make sure the Business card is quirky or something which is unique! People tend to remember that way!
You could also 'Stumble' your site or even digg it!

graphicdesign

Publishers Resource Group is a vast resource for any freelancing graphic designer. Rather than a networking organization or graphic design professional association, Publishers Resource Group is purely an organization that routinely, and preferably, uses freelance graphic designers for all of their publishing needs. Based in Austin, this curriculum designing company hires freelancers for type design, cover graphic design, and all other graphic design projects.

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Coz

Charity work will open doors.
I just started doing freelance work, not much since I'm still in school but enough that I feel I'll have a decent portfolio by the time I graduate. Nearly all the (paid) work I've gotten has been a result of doing free work for a local non profit organization. So I would recommend finding some non profit that you like and feel your work would benefit and ask them if they need any help. I really like doing flyer/poster design and I love music so I chose to do free work for a grassroots music organization, now I'm doing paid work for members of that organization or people who saw the work I did for them. So not only will charity work get you noticed it can get you noticed in the market you want to work in.

Creadiv

If all else fails go to www.sitepoint.com and start entering some design contests. You are likely to make a sale after a while and you will definetly build yourself a nice portfolio in the process.

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