Setting Up A Freelance Graphic Design Studio

Setting up a freelance graphic design studio can be a time-consuming task. Going into business for yourself means taking care of a lot of details--as well as carrying a full workload. You'll need to come up with your own logo and marketing collateral, navigate the books, scout for work and more if you are self-employed.

As a freelancer you can work from home, or even rent a small office. Going into business with a writer or another graphic designer are other options that you can consider. You'll need to choose a name for your company, file any necessary paperwork, create a business portfolio, get a Website up and running and attend to many other start-up tasks. You may want to consult a small business lawyer and accountant for advice when you are trying to pull everything together. They can often help you navigate the details so that you are sure that you are covered when it comes to taxes and other details.

Self-starters with a knack for multi-tasking may enjoy the freedom that comes with a freelance lifestyle; but it isn't for everyone. Some people prefer the security of a company environment, along with the steady pay and solid benefits. Only you will know if a freelance career is right for you.

Global Design Details

Simple issues arise when you want to create a Website that is truly global. These things are actually so basic that if you aren't looking for them you might miss them. For example, if you are attempting to globalize your Website, you'll want to do things such as point out what country you are located in, as well as include an area code with your phone number.

Another thing to think through is live help service. If you are planning on offering it, will it be 24 hours? If not, how can you address the needs of your customers on the other side of the globe?

Issues such as these are a good reason to hire a Web designer with experience in global markets. See if any graphic design agencies in your area specialize in this type of work. If not, you might want to look at individual Web designers or freelance graphic design professionals. Ultimately it may be worth spending a few extra dollars to make sure that you don't miss any details that might cost you business.

Web Designer Skills

Web designers need a particular group of skills in order to perform their work well. Some of these may come naturally, but many can be learned. For example, an aptitude for selecting complementary colors is a skill that would be of great benefit to a person who designs Websites for a living. A good sense of space and layout are other desirable qualities, as is the knowledge of how to set up a site that is easy to navigate. These skills are taught in the design classroom in a variety of different courses.

Web design careers require more than "hard" skills however. People skills are also a big plus, as you will be dealing with clients who have expectations of how their Website will look and work. If you are able to communicate with them easily and understand their wants, needs and concerns, you are probably going to do a lot better than someone who lacks those skills. A good blend of technical ability and communication skills is the perfect combination for a career in Web design.

Job Possibilities In Web Design

There are many different types of Web design careers out there, and what you choose depends mainly on two things: what your skills are and what type of environment you enjoy. Most Web designers work on a contract basis, regardless of whether they are employed by a company or hired as a freelancer. That said, there are some corporate positions available as well, but they aren't always as easy to find.

In order to get yourself on the right road, consider what you enjoy doing. Are you excited about perfecting the way something looks? Perhaps a career designing Websites would be ideal for you. If you like work that has many different components, you may want to think about working with on-line marketplaces and getting into e-commerce. On-line security is another area that you may want to look into.

Many Web designers hold a variety of different jobs over the span of their career. You may wind up starting out in one area only to find you prefer another segment of the industry. Keep your options open, as there is typically a way to transition into a different position with a little bit of training in the area. There is also usually a good deal of freelance work available.

Dropping Off Your Portfolio

Once you have a freelance designer portfolio, it is time to shop your work around. Sooner or later you'll probably be asked to either mail or drop off your portfolio so that it can be reviewed. There are some things to know about this process, and attending to these details will help you come across as a professional.

First of all, don't use original pieces for a portfolio that is being mailed or left at a company. Instead, use high-quality scans or photocopies of your work and make sure they are labeled. If you will be mailing it, make sure you package the portfolio well, and include a business card and cover letter. If you are dropping it off, make sure that you have someone from the company sign it in so that there is a record of it being delivered. You will be given instructions as to how to pick it up again.

Sometimes you will receive a request for an interview after your portfolio has been reviewed. Other times you may wind up with some notes on your work that you can use to improve your portfolio. It depends on whether or not the company is interested in hiring you after looking at your work.

Graphic Design: Wages

So exactly how much does your average graphic designer earn these days? If you are going into the field fresh out of school--or simply thinking about changing graphic art design jobs, you are probably a little curious as to what the going rate is out there. As always, there is a bit of a range, but according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, here is the breakdown as of May 2006:

• The lowest range of graphic designers earned under $24,120
• The middle range of graphic designers earned between $30,600 and $53,310
• The highest range of graphic designers earned over $69,730

Now, you may be wondering how this breaks down in various careers within the field. Well, here are some more numbers to help give you an idea of what is out there--these are the median yearly numbers for 2007 in several different areas to help you get a feel:

• Entry level designers earned $35,000
• Staff level designers earned $45,000
• Senior designers earned $62,000
• Solo/freelance designers earned $60,000
• Design directors earned $98,600

As you can see there is a fairly wide range of pay in the graphic design field. Much of it is based on seniority, but some of it is also related to the type of position one has in the industry. It is helpful to keep an eye on the numbers so that you are aware of the pay range and possibilities that are available to you.