Reader questions answered, Part 2
Last week, I mentioned that I had helped out a high school student who was aspiring to become a graphic designer. He asked me a series of questions and I gave him some very in depth answers.
In response, one of my readers wrote me and asked if I could answer some of his questions about design too. Sure, I’d be happy to…
Question #1: How do I get started as a freelance designer?
Start by gaining a basic understanding of how design works. I’m going to assume you already have a natural instinct when it comes to being creative. It all starts on the inside. A designer is someone who sees everything around him in shapes, colors, textures. The challenge is finding the right tools to express your vision.
Even though design trends change, there are basic principles that withstand the test of time. Learn about contrast and tension. Remember that simplicity is key. Make a habit of writing down every idea that comes to mind, even if it seems like a bad one.
Once you’ve begun to understand the way design works, start practicing with designs that already exist. For example, take a logo that you really like and open it up in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. What exactly draws you to it? The colors? The typography? Learn to identify what works.
Then, re-create the logo. Trace over it, emulate the font, do whatever you have to do. Practice re-creating any and all designs that compel you. Through practice, you will automatically learn how to create that same workflow yourself.
Question #2: How do I put together a good portfolio?
The first mistake many designers make is believing they need a gigantic portfolio with all kinds of examples. This is not true at all. I have watched people thumb through my portfolio. At most, they take a few seconds to look at something, then they move on. People are either sold or turned off by designs immediately. Having 60 items to thumb through is not going to help. They will already know if they like you after 5.
So let’s say you meet your first client. You need something to show them. Create a mock campaign for an imaginary client. Design the logo, business cards, and website. Add these to your portfolio. You can also find volunteer work for charities. They are often in need of some help with their marketing.
Remember that quality wins over quantity every time. It’s better to just have a few really powerful pieces rather than many ho-hum pieces. And be honest. If they want to know if you’re just starting out, don’t be afraid to tell them. Everybody starts somewhere. There was a time when they were new to their job also.
Some people will be judgmental and turn you away because you don’t have a lot of experience. That’s fine, consider it a blessing. You don’t want to work with them anyway. They have demonstrated that they don’t have any faith or confidence in you, so they aren’t a good client to begin with.
Question #3: Is it really difficult, or is it all in my head?
Most of any challenge is in your head. 
If you want life to be a bumpy road, that’s what you’ll get. But if you start every day with the mindset that everyone is your friend, and the whole world is waiting for you with opportunity, then you will find that most of the challenge disappears.
Enthusiasm is infectious, people will catch on. Put yourself out there, make yourself known. Tell every person you meet what you do, and you will immediately start a network.
Sometimes business can be slow. Don’t let that sink you down. Use that quiet time to build goals and improve yourself. Your next big project could be right around the corner, and you want to be in good spirits to receive it.
Question #4: How did you start off?
I met my first client at a hotel in the swimming pool. I don’t remember how we started talking or even what we talked about. But somehow, the topic did move over to website design (this was in 1997, so the internet was big news). I told him that I was learning how to design, and he told me that he needed a designer. My first job was born.
Starting off literally did come from simple interaction with another human being. All you have to do is talk to people and you can make connections. Having good design capabilities is obviously important, but it’s your personality and communication that will really build strong working relationships which last.
Question #5: How did you keep it up?
I’ve always had this inner belief in myself. Often times, we are our own worse critics. So I have had moments when I lost some of my faith, and doubted myself. I can look around and see all kinds of designers who create much better work than I do. But I can also look around and see all kinds of designers who do work that isn’t very good. So the glass is either half full or half empty.
The important thing is to believe in yourself, no matter what. Know that you have a unique contribution, and if design is one your gifts, then there are people out there for you to share it with.
I’ve also learned a lot about the law of attraction, which is the topic of The Secret. You’ve probably heard people talking about it or even seen it here on my blog. The simple fact is that so much of our lives is controlled by our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Make sure that all 3 of those things are in alignment with your goals. If you want to be a designer, create a plan, make it a goal, and take action to make it happen.
I believe in you… so there, now you have your first fan. I’m cheering for you!!!
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Can I send you some chocolates or something?
Great post Nate. It was a good reminder to me in my persuits. Thanks…