Todd Sumamno
If you have a skill and passion for graphic design, setting up a graphic design business might be for you. You can start the business as a side hustle alongside your day job and slowly build up your client base over time. You need skill and persistence to run a business – and advanced time management skills to do it alongside your day job. Once your business is off the ground and running, make it your full-time passion project and income. Win, win!
Here are a few tips and tricks on how to start your graphic design business from scratch.
Qualifications
You need to learn the basics of graphic design to get started. You can take a graphic design course at university or go the online route and take classes at home. You don’t need to master every skill out there – find your niche and hone that skill. Practice your graphic design techniques until you reach a professional standard. Qualifications are difficult to get, and you need to be prepared to put in the time and effort required.
Experience
Once you have developed the skills, it’s time to get some experience in a design agency. Learn how their business works, how they attract clients, manage workloads and showcase their work. You can learn a lot from working in a design agency for a month or two. Learn how to run a business while continuing to practice your graphic skills. Talk about multi-tasking!
You may need to do an unpaid internship to gain some experience. Free work can be frustrating – but it’s also one of the best ways to learn about the industry and get feedback on your designs.
Equipment
If you’re serious about launching your own business, you need a home office and basic equipment. Put aside some savings for software expenses, a suitable laptop or computer, and any specialist equipment you need.
Spread the word
It’s time to get some clients. Launch your small business on social media and create a business account. You can showcase your latest projects, portfolio highlights and various qualifications. Make sure your account looks professional and polished.
Use an event app to host a business opening event and invite your contacts from the industry to learn more about your new business. This is a great chance to network and meet some of the your competitors.
Pricing
It can be tempting to work for a reduced price just to get clients when you are just starting out. It’s important to know the value of your work and skill. Research the rates of other small design businesses in your field and set a standard rate. You can offer reduced prices for bigger projects and slowly increase your prices as you become more established.
It takes time to grow a graphic design business – but it will be worth it in the end.
Brittany
