1. Brand yourself. Almost any firm or corporation falls apart without an established style. Without a notable personalized logo you will just fade into the background where literally thousands of freelance designers wander.
2. Create an efficient online portfolio. It is virtually impossible to be successful in graphic or web design without having a formidable web presence. Any possible clients or employers will want to see your work and most of them will prefer to type in a URL and click on what they wish to see.
3. Create an equally effective print portfolio, business cards, resume, and so forth. This is somewhat a combination of the other 2 steps. Be sure to make a formidable solid portfolio that you could give to people who need to see your work "in person". Also use your branding and identity to create business cards, stationery, etc. Any time you could put your very own personal brand on something, do it.
4. Be brave, bold, and professional. Don't be anxious to call people, offer services, email businesses and more. Recently, I was printing a job for a client and at the printing shop, a man complimented me on the design of the piece. After engaging in friendly conversation, he asked me for various tips about the piece he was printing for his own business. Although I was short on time, I was happy to help him and once I got ready to leave, I offered my future services and handed him a business card. Believe that people will admire your skills.
5. Go the extra mile for your clients. Word of mouth is an important tool you have. Nothing could help you or hurt you more than rumors and compliments shared by those for whom you have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I accomplish comes from word-of-mouth advertising.
6. Take the smaller opportunities first. Doing well at a smaller job for someone may help open doors for your client 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 first place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to make their online page as well. Related offers can be made for an organization's stationery, business cards, etc. Find an area of interest and then take courage and offer much more.
7. Never underestimate yourself. This goes together with Number 4. Be sure you believe in yourself. No one will ever get a designer that thinks he may not do as good a job as the other guy. Make sure you reflect your self-confidence in your pricing. If your work is good, charge good money for it.
8. Network. Graphic and web design are quickly changing. Every day new methods and styles are created and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Join social networks similar to twitter, linkedin, facebook, digg, and more. Set up a weblog and frequently add significant comments on others' blogs. Creating a reputation for yourself in the design world takes a while but could be done using social networking websites.
9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing would show you how to increase in confidence and ability more than practice. If work is a little bit slow, nail down some of those private tasks you've been meaning to finish. Be a part of a group at school or in the community where you may freshen your talents. Engage in design forums, contests, and workshops. Nothing can take the place of real life application and experience.
10. Pay attention. I like to bring a smaller notebook around with me. Every time I see an advertisement, photo, building, person, etc. that influences my imaginative thinking.
