1. Brand yourself. Nearly any firm or corporation falls apart without an established style. Without an impressive customized logo you will simply fade into the background where literally hundreds of freelance designers wander.

2. Develop an efficient online portfolio. It is almost impossible to achieve success in graphic or internet design without having a formidable online presence. Any potential clients or bosses will need to see your work and many of them will prefer to type in a URL and click on what they wish to see.

3. Develop an equally efficient print portfolio, business cards, resume, etc. This is somewhat a combination of the previous 2 steps. Make sure you develop an impressive concrete portfolio which you could give to people who wish to see your work "in person". Also use your branding and identity to create business cards, stationery, et cetera. Any time you could put your personal brand on something, do it.

4. Be brave, daring, and professional. Don't be scared to call people, provide services, email businesses and more. Recently, I was printing a job for a customer and at the printing shop, a person complimented me on the design of the piece. After participating in friendly conversation, he asked me for a few tips about the piece he was printing for his own business. Though I was short on time, I was glad to help him and when I got ready to leave, I offered my future services then gave him a business card. Have confidence that people will recognize your skills.

5. Go the extra mile for your prospects. Word of mouth is an important tool you have. Nothing will help you or hurt you more than rumors and compliments shared by people for whom you might have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I do comes from word-of-mouth publicity.

6. Get the small projects first. Doing well at a small job for someone may also help open doors for your customer to do greater, better things. I entered a logo contest for a particular group and out of the 4 logos I entered, two tied for 1st place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to design their website also. Comparable offers can be made for a corporation's stationery, business cards, etc. Find a niche and then take courage and offer much more.

7. Never underestimate yourself. This goes along with Number four. Be sure to believe in yourself. No one will ever get a designer that thinks he might not do as good a job as another guy. Be sure to reflect your self-confidence in your pricing. If your work is excellent, charge good money for it.

8. Network. Graphic and web design are rapidly transforming. Every day new techniques and styles are made and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Join social networks just like twitter, linkedin, facebook, digg, and more. Create a weblog and regularly add important comments on others' blogs. Making a reputation for yourself within the design world takes some time but could be achieved using social networking sites.

9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing can help you increase in confidence and skill more than practice. If work is a bit slow, nail down a few of those personal tasks you've been meaning to complete. Be a part of a group at school or in the neighborhood where you can freshen your abilities. Take part in design forums, contests, and workshops. Nothing could take the place of real life application and experience.

10. Pay attention. I like to carry a smaller pad around with me. Every time I see an advertising campaign, photograph, building, person, etc. that influences my creative thinking.

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