3 things I wish I knew when I started freelance designing
Jumping into the freelance design business is a big deal! I’ve been trying to find cheat codes and shortcuts. But you can’t skip steps as you build your freelancing business.
Jumping into the freelance design business is a big deal! When I started my freelance journey, there was not much help from someone just a few steps ahead of me. Instead, I read, listened, and watched successful designers who were far ahead in the game.
I’ve been trying to find cheat codes and shortcuts. But you can’t skip steps as you build your freelancing business. That’s why I started Alex’s Camp – a place to share the knowledge for people who need advice from someone just a few steps ahead. Things like approaching clients, honing a freelance workflow, developing as a designer, and building your design career ladder.
Here’s an honest exploration of things I’d want to know in my early years as a freelance designer. I hope you can find it helpful.
Getting clients is a numbers game
Months after I started out and realized that a portfolio is not everything, I focused on getting clients. I started messaging people on my Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. I applied for jobs on UpWork and other freelance websites. I even started doing cold email outreach. But the results don’t come quickly.
90% of the people I contacted didn’t respond or decline my offers. There was a lot of work to be done — emailing, discovering what they need from a designer, creating proposals, and finally getting the YES!
That one “yes!” Makes all the effort worth it. I discovered that cold emailing is largely a numbers game. Don't be disappointed if you only receive a few responses from potential clients. Dive deeper, send more, and you’ll find the work.
Starting conversation before you need projects was something I discovered along the way. Keep reaching out even when you’re working on the project. In a few months, those chats might organically evolve into client work.
How to write a cold email that wins freelance clients
Communication over beauty
When analyzing the work of more successful designers I admired, I saw that most of them prioritized visual communication over aesthetics.
A large part of their work was to find the most effective way to explain an idea, establish a connection between the brand and the user, and translate business goals into visuals.
They didn’t spend time making something that just looked trendy. Their authentic style was a by-product of successfully communicating the message.
This makes the design work fantastic, whether it’s a website design, poster, brand identity, or packaging.
Take time to study other designers’ processes and approaches, and learn from their work to adjust your own process and work.
Know the value of your work
It’s essential to recognize the value of your creative work. When we start, we often feel like impostors, which is okay because you’re stepping into something you don’t know fully. Find clients who value your work as a designer. This way, you’ll boost your confidence and charge what you are worth based on how your work benefits the business.
Have an open mind and learn to figure it out on the go. Understand that design skills are not the only ones that clients value. Freelancing is also about your communication, presentation, and fast learning skills.
It’s hard to put your value as a designer into words, especially in an email. And that’s something freelance designers are constantly working on, including me. Remember that being aware of how valuable your work is can be the first step to going after bigger budgets and clients.
Conclusion
Slow down. Don’t try to use shortcuts or cheat codes. All great things take time. And remember:
Getting clients is a numbers game
Communication over beauty
Know the value of your work
I hope you can find this article useful.
See you on Friday!