Hi

alex_ferguson · 01-08-2008, 04:00 PM

Hi everyone!

Gino · 01-08-2008, 04:07 PM

Welcome to the forums! tell us a bit about yourself =)

alex_ferguson · 01-08-2008, 04:11 PM

My name is Luke Davis aka Starchild, and I'm a college student from England. Currently, I'm studying A-Levels in Graphic Design, Mathematics and Further Mathematics and will be studying Computer Science at university (hopefully at Nottingham Trent!)

I was never an artistic prodigy at an early age, but I still doodled and drew things like any normal child. As I got into high school, however, I began to enjoy art more and more, and managed to get an A at GCSE, probably my greatest achievement to date. It was very hard work, but it was worth it. Initially, I wanted to do Graphic Design at university, but I didn't want to leave my other talent behind, maths, so I decided to make a compromise: do computer science at uni and still continue my graphic design work, but on a casual, freelance basis. With any luck, I'll get spotted.

Graphic design is a real passion for me and I'd love the opportunity to learn new skills and one day do freelance work.

Gino · 01-08-2008, 04:15 PM

Thats great, yes you can always freelance online an make extra money creating stuff you love. You will have more creative freedom working freelance as well then working for most large companies.

alex_ferguson · 01-08-2008, 04:39 PM

How would I go about freelancing online?

Gino · 01-08-2008, 04:53 PM

Well first you need a portfolio site with a variety of work or a specialization. Like you could do strictly artwork, or identity design, or cd covers. Whatever you feel comfortable doing make sure to have at least 6-12 recent samples online.

Some other information on your website is important such as your contact details. Pricing can be discussed once they email you so it does not have to be displayed on site. Your portfolio shoudl be the main focus.

Always get a down payment of half before you begin work and final payment before you send over the final files, at least thats what I hear most people do so they don't get ripped off. I also would suggest not handling printing for clients when you start out because sometimes if something goes wrong they will try to pin printing costs on you.

Once your websites up and you feel comfortable start getting some traffic to your website. Posts in classifieds, on forums, submit your site to business directories, network with people online, print out some business cards and hand them out to local spots in your community.

There are lots of ways to attract clients and drive traffic to your website and thats something you will have to research further once your portfolio site is 100% ready to go.

Subscribe to my blog www.youthedesigner.com we focus a lot on helping young designers by providing them with tips and useful resources and be sure to hang out here and I am sure you will learn a lot!

Steve Duo · 01-08-2008, 04:54 PM

Hi there Alex!! How're things accross "the Pond"?

alex_ferguson · 01-08-2008, 05:03 PM

Not too bad. Not a fan of the town I'm living in, so I can't wait to leave for university.

01-08-2008, 04:00 PM	#1
alex_ferguson Graphic Designer Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 10	Hi Hi everyone!

01-08-2008, 04:07 PM	#2
Gino Administrator/Founder Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 1,034	Welcome to the forums! tell us a bit about yourself =) __________________ Free Business Cards // T Shirts Blog // How to Start A Clothing Line

01-08-2008, 04:15 PM	#4
Gino Administrator/Founder Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 1,034	Thats great, yes you can always freelance online an make extra money creating stuff you love. You will have more creative freedom working freelance as well then working for most large companies. __________________ Free Business Cards // T Shirts Blog // How to Start A Clothing Line

01-08-2008, 04:53 PM	#6
Gino Administrator/Founder Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 1,034	Well first you need a portfolio site with a variety of work or a specialization. Like you could do strictly artwork, or identity design, or cd covers. Whatever you feel comfortable doing make sure to have at least 6-12 recent samples online. Some other information on your website is important such as your contact details. Pricing can be discussed once they email you so it does not have to be displayed on site. Your portfolio shoudl be the main focus. Always get a down payment of half before you begin work and final payment before you send over the final files, at least thats what I hear most people do so they don't get ripped off. I also would suggest not handling printing for clients when you start out because sometimes if something goes wrong they will try to pin printing costs on you. Once your websites up and you feel comfortable start getting some traffic to your website. Posts in classifieds, on forums, submit your site to business directories, network with people online, print out some business cards and hand them out to local spots in your community. There are lots of ways to attract clients and drive traffic to your website and thats something you will have to research further once your portfolio site is 100% ready to go. Subscribe to my blog www.youthedesigner.com we focus a lot on helping young designers by providing them with tips and useful resources and be sure to hang out here and I am sure you will learn a lot! __________________ Free Business Cards // T Shirts Blog // How to Start A Clothing Line

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Welcome to our Graphic Design Forums! Your Design Forums has active graphic design forums where community members discuss graphic design related topics.

01-08-2008, 04:11 PM	#3
alex_ferguson Graphic Designer Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 10	My name is Luke Davis aka Starchild, and I'm a college student from England. Currently, I'm studying A-Levels in Graphic Design, Mathematics and Further Mathematics and will be studying Computer Science at university (hopefully at Nottingham Trent!) I was never an artistic prodigy at an early age, but I still doodled and drew things like any normal child. As I got into high school, however, I began to enjoy art more and more, and managed to get an A at GCSE, probably my greatest achievement to date. It was very hard work, but it was worth it. Initially, I wanted to do Graphic Design at university, but I didn't want to leave my other talent behind, maths, so I decided to make a compromise: do computer science at uni and still continue my graphic design work, but on a casual, freelance basis. With any luck, I'll get spotted. Graphic design is a real passion for me and I'd love the opportunity to learn new skills and one day do freelance work.

01-08-2008, 04:39 PM	#5
alex_ferguson Graphic Designer Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 10	How would I go about freelancing online?

01-08-2008, 04:54 PM	#7
Steve Duo Designer Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 27	Hi there Alex!! How're things accross "the Pond"?

01-08-2008, 05:03 PM	#8
alex_ferguson Graphic Designer Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 10	Not too bad. Not a fan of the town I'm living in, so I can't wait to leave for university.