The field of graphics design is a very broad one. Multimedia can be created for news stations, commercial productions movies, and TV shows. Graphics are also used on website pages and in cartoon productions.

It may take you a short period of soul search in order to determine what type of graphic design career you would like to be involved in. Furthermore, you have another option as well that is related to graphic design. You can act as an editor or publisher of a print or video media production.

Types of Graphics Arts Careers

The field of graphic design covers a wide variety of different types of arts. It also covers occupations that involve the use of graphics editing and implementation.

Typically, graphics design careers are divided into two main categories, and then into several smaller categories. The two main categories of graphics design career specialist simply put are designers and publishers.

The designers are usually the ones that implement creativity to produce a finish artistic product. This finish product can include both hand-drawn or painted items and computer art. It also can contain photos and text.

The publishers use some creative thinking as well. However, their main role in creating media is to editing and produced. They are the ones that take finished graphic designs and implement them into newspapers, magazines, websites, and more.

Sometimes these two major roles interchange. In other words, sometimes the role of a graphic designer and a publisher is combined. This is more common in production studios operating off of a lower budget, or for freelance designers and small business owners.

Larger corporations typically divide the roles of graphics personnel and publishing personnel. Furthermore, there are quite a large number of different subcategories of graphics and publishing career out there.

For instance, some corporate employees may be employed as creative directors, layout artists, or Flash designers. Others may be assigned a specific task such as illustrating or photo editing.

Persons employed in graphics positions assist with creating a wide range of products. For instance, employees work for companies that produce gift items (cards, calendars, e-cards, print stationary, etc.) while others of business logos.

Other graphic artists will be responsible for creating content for animation or movie productions. Yet another group of designers will be able to create educational and demonstrative tutorials and slide shows.

Knowing the different options out there should make it easier for you to be able to decide which type of career you would like to pursue in graphics design and related fields. It will help you determine what your strengths and weaknesses are regarding design and publications.

For instance, if you are great at seeing the big picture and you have visions in your mind but for the life of you it will not come out in tangible form the way you want. If this is you, you would be better off as a publisher and to use ready-made graphics to produce your media.

On the other hand, if you are slightly disorganized but yet have been complemented on your works of art graphics design would be the route to choose. The only challenge after this point is the fact that this field is highly-competitive.

However, if you are determined and you have what it takes you will make it. Also, you increase your chance of success in this business as you identify your niche.

For instance, perhaps you are not too thrilled about creating images for advertisements but you have proven your worth in the cartoon world. If that is the case, then you should not try to pursue commercial advertising venues.

The opposite is true as well. If you demonstrate more talent in commercial ad logo design then you would not want to try to make a living selling cartoon scripts. This does not mean you will never be able to, and it also does not mean that a cartoonist could never create commercial ads.

It just means that when you start out you are likely to find a niche. It is wise to continue in that area that you are most comfortable with. Then, you are likely to have plenty of years to change careers or step out of you comfort zone.

Another area of graphics design not yet covered in this article is that of gaming. You can actually make a living creating sets and characters for video games.

Likewise, the world of gaming is very lucrative for editors and publishers. You can help coordinate the process of integrating graphic designs into various gaming formats. The possibilities are endless.

One question commonly asked is whether or not you need a degree to become a fashion designer. It depends upon your field and your level of experience.

In some cases, if you have been self-disciplined and you have a strong support group of people around you it is possible to make it without a degree. This is true especially if you are a freelance designer.

However, you stand a better chance of earning a more comfortable living if you increase the amount of formal education you have. Now, you may think as a working adult this is hard to do (assuming you are an adult out of high school already). You may be married and have children already and you wonder when you would have time to study.

The other scenario is that you could be fresh out of high school and are not sure you want to go back to school. If you are unsure it is better that you do wait (contrary to popular option). The reason why is because school requires quite a bit of time and money, much like getting married.

You stand a better chance of succeeding in school if you are motivated to better your self. Therefore, if you are not motivated to learn you are better off finding a different way to learn.

If you are not able to attend classes at a university or technical school at this time plenty of other educational options available to you. You can receive a certificate in specific areas of design to prove to future customers that you are proficient in what you do.

The other option would be to that or you can attend an online school. This will allow you to complete your courses at home on your time frame. Either option will be much faster than would be attending a two or four year college program.

It is recommended that you receive a degree from an accredited school if you are going to be a graphics designer. This is true if you are going to become a professional publisher as well. However, that is not the only way you can learn.

In fact, it is better to work in the field while you are attending school. That will help you find a job faster when you graduate. Sometimes you may be required to accept an unpaid internship to prove yourself while you are in school. However, paid or unpaid it is all valuable experience.

In fact, if a future employer sees that you are determined enough to complete volunteer projects how much more determined you would be if you were getting paid. That is assuming you are able to get your foot in the door of the right company.

Another way to gain valuable graphics design or publishing experience while learning is to take on jobs for a reduced rate. This is advice recommended for freelancers breaking into the field, as many writers often are artistic as well.

The field of graphics design is much more than just being creative, however. It is even more than being disciplined. You need to be able to stay ahead of the competition and you need to be able to come up with graphics solutions that work.

This point can be illustrated with a simple example. If you have ever been to a website page that appeared to be very disorganized or very hard to navigate you can appreciate the value of professional-quality graphic design.

You will want to create designs that you would want to see on those pages. Of course, that is with the understanding that you are you are able to produce what consumers and businesses want to see on a web page. If this is you, then you have the potential of starting a very promising career.

Quite a bit of options are available to graphic designers. Some of these require additional training.

Whether you already own your own freelance design business or you never went to college yet, education is important. It will help you improve your skills as a graphic designer.

Not only that but it will help you implement new and different ideas in the event you are already a professional designer. Furthermore, you may decide you want to be in the creative field, but perhaps you want to explore a new role.

This is often the case when you perhaps realize you would like to publish your own newspaper or magazine. This is also true in a situation where you may want to produce films or to oversee the production of an advertising agency.

Continuing education that you can receive comes in many forms. Some students prefer to learn in a traditional classroom. Therefore, they will attend school at their local college or community school. If they just graduated high school chances are they will be attending that college full time (not always true, but often the case.)

Generally speaking, it is students in their early 30s or older who take night courses. These classes are usually held at technical schools and learning centers one to three nights a week. Night courses usually work well for parents who are married, or for single parents.

Even single persons with no kids who work a full time job during the day can take night classes. It will allow that person to be able to advance in their job or to prepare for a better career. In fact, they can take night courses and usually the classes will count towards an accredited degree.

Other graphic design students prefer to study in their home and work out of their home. This is usually true of people who want to start their own business, or people who have children that stay at home.

However, anyone who has a full time job and a large number of daily commitment scan benefit from online learning. In fact, the internet is helping more people teach them selves new trades via tutorials and virtual classrooms.

It is much more convenient than a correspondence school by mail. Furthermore, it is usually less costly than traditional education and self-motivated students learn at their pace.

Degrees sought by professional designers usually include one or more of the following: Associate or Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Graphic Design, Certification in Graphic Design (usually job-specific training).

Design students may major or minor in subject areas such as communications, multimedia design, broadcast journalism, visual communication, or any other media-related field.  They might also choose to take course in web design or to study Information Technology or e-commerce.

Even though obtaining a degree does not guarantee you a job, it can help prove your proficiency in a give area. It can also increase your possibility to earn the amount you need to make for your family to have a secure life.

Also, remember that just because you decide to attend school once that you will never need to go again. Most people involved in professional careers will update their education periodically.

This updated education often includes supplementary classes taken on line or through a local university. However, it can include institute retreats or weekend conferences.

No graphic designer who takes the field seriously will slack on furthering his or her education. Instead, the most qualified graphic designers will continue to learn new aspects of the trade.

Besides, technology is constantly changing-especially in the past 10 years. It is almost as if people are always in school learning during these times (the Information Age).

Communication is the use of images to communicate with messages. These images are often mixed with artistic designs and/or text. In order to be a graphic designer it is beneficial that you learn the following design and publishing programs:

Adobe Photoshop Adobe has appeared to have cornered the market with their wide array of media packages. This particular one is an advanced photo manipulation program.

It is way more advanced than the free computer programs that most people try to use to no avail. You can create industry-standard images with much more precision than you can with other programs.

It is often used with Adobe Flash and Illustrator products, as they are all related. Its lesser version is Photoshop Elements which has similar functions. Both of these are very comparable.

QuarkXPress This program creates new designs using a variety of different media such as text, graphics, and photographs. Corresponding programs also include a variety of free song loops to experiment with. This is one of the programs you would learn in school.

Adobe Illustrator You can use this system’s computerized drawing tools to create computer-drawn art. This is great for those who want to create designs completely from scratch.

Macromedia (Adobe) Flash Formerly-known as Macromedia Flash is the Adobe Flash. This is a tool that helps webmasters created interactive, animated websites. You can also create movie productions and 3D animations with this software. Banner ads are also created with it.

There are a variety of different ways to learn about the products and services mentioned above. To become more familiar with these programs you can watch at manufacture and related sites.

In addition, numerous people offer free advice on blogs and forums pertaining to various programs. These include very helpful advice on how to use certain functions of these programs.

If you want certified or accredited training those options are available to you as well. For instance, you can take online classes and receive official certificates of completion when you complete specific programs.

You can also attend a two-year or four-year school in graphic design. If you did, you would earn the associate of science in graphic design at some schools. Some colleges also will offer communications programs for students.

There are different ways to gain access to a variety of multimedia products to help you learn the ropes as well. One way is to evaluate the free trials of the Adobe or similar graphics systems. Usually when you sign up for a trial you have 30 days to test the software so you know if it will work for you.

Then, if you like it you can purchase a license for any one of these types of software. If purchasing a full license is too costly, you may be able to explore lower-cost versions. For instance, you might be able to sign up for a previous version, or you may be able to get started using free software such as GIMP.

The other option is that you usually can receive funding from financial aid to attend graphic arts degree programs. These may even cover costs of certain software programs you would need for your classes. Therefore, you may be able to obtain these programs at no cost to you.

Furthermore, sometimes you can receive discounts on software used for various media creation programs when you sign up to take certificate classes.

Depending upon how much experience you have, the amount of money you can make usually ranges from $20,000 to $60,000 a year. You may be able to receive even more of a salary if you land a job at a prestigious company.

Are you interested in a creative career in graphic design? Graphic design is one of the most innovative and growing creative industries, with new schools popping up all the time to meet the growing demand and interest. If you are interested in getting a formal education in graphic design, where should you begin? Should you opt for a two-year degree program at a graphic arts school, or should you choose instead a traditional four-year Bachelor’s program? Here is a brief overview that should allow you to gain your footing in the growing world of graphic design.

Things to look for in a graphic design program

What should you look for when you are looking at different graphic design programs? There are many different aspects of a graphic design program that allow for easy comparison. Some aspects you may want to consider include the curriculum, the type of degree awarded at the end of the study program, the ration of students to instructors, the facilities and the mix of academic and hands-on courses offered.

Consider your personal and career goals when choosing a program

When it comes to choosing a graphic design program, you want to make sure the program you choose fulfills your personal, academic and career goals. If you are interested in gaining entry-level employment in the graphic arts industry, you may be satisfied with a fast-track program that allows you to graduate in two years or less. If you want a fuller program with the possibility for graduate study or teaching, you will want to turn towards a four-year degree program.

Examining the four types of graphic design programs and schools

In general, there are four basic types of graphic design programs. The most conventional academic program is the college or university four-year degree program that leads to a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts. Many schools also offer a graduate degree in graphic design, usually designated as a Master of Fine Arts, or MFA. At most universities, you will find that the graphic design program is housed under the College of Fine Arts. At smaller universities, the study of graphic design may be a concentration housed under the fine arts major.

Choosing the Specialized Art School

Another popular choice for those that want to study graphic design is the art school. These are often described as institutes of design. They often offer an intensive, hands-on experience focused solely on graphic design. If you are not interested in anything but graphic design, a specialized art school may be right for you.

The two-year graphic design program

Many community colleges have two-year programs leading to an Associate Degree (AA) in graphic design. Some colleges may also offer a certificate in graphic design. These credits can often be transferred to a four-year institution and be applied toward a Bachelor’s degree.

Which graphic design program is right for you?

You may be wondering which of these graphic design programs are best fitted for you. There are many things to take in consideration when choosing what kind of degree you will be seeking. Look closely at the different curriculums and degree requirements. Some programs may offer more classes that appeal to your personal interests. Are you more interested in receiving a broad liberal arts education, or finding fast employment in the graphic design industry? Are you interested in the history and aesthetic of graphic design, or are you more intrigued by the idea of hands-on instruction? The answer to these questions can point you in the right direction. Whether you choose hands-on instruction or a more broad-based four-year program, always keep in mind the preparation and quality of instruction that you will be receiving.

Every industry has its own set of jargon, and the world of graphic design is no different.  Graphic designers often tour around, in terms that may sound familiar to the rest of us, but which would be hard to define if you don’t work in graphic design.  Here are some of the most common terms that you will hear in graphic design.  Some of these refer to typefaces, methods, different design roles, schools of aesthetic, and many more.  Here it is a handy glossary of the most common terns you will hear used in the graphic arts and design industry.

The initials A.A.- these stand for author’s alterations.  These initials can refer to any alteration that has been made in the text or matter.  They’re often used to indicate that there has not been a printer’s error.

The Account Executive-this is a person who is responsible to speaking with clients, starting new accounts, and acting as a bridge between the agency and the client.  If you work graphic design in advertising, you will become very familiar with your account offer executive when you’re working on a project.

Art- of course, we all know what art is, more or less.  But with graphic design, the meaning shifts a little.  When this phrase is used in graphic design, it refers to all original copy.  This can be anything that has been prepared by the camera, the artist or another type of machine.

The baseline-this is one of the first things you learn about when you first began to steady graphic design.  The base plan is essentially a horizontal line upon which all the characters in a line stand.

Black letter – this is a term that is often used to indicate Gothic.  It refers to a popular style of handwriting that dates back to the fifteenth century.

Body matter-this may also be referred to as the body copy.  This is basically the text, the regular reading matter that is contrasted with display lines.

A broadside- this is generally a large printed sheet that has been folded for mailing.  The broadside gained popularity as an illustrated way to share and pass along poetry.

Camera-ready art-This refers to copy that has already been assembled and which is ready for photography through a process camera with a minimum amount of steps.

Continuous-tone copy-this is a graphic design turn that refers to any image that has a range of tones from white to black.

The dummy-this term is used to refer to the preliminary layout of a soon-to-be published printed piece.  The dummy shows how the various elements of the layout will be arranged in relation to one another.

First proofs-This refers to the proofs that were submitted for checking by the proofreaders or copy editors.

The galley proof-sometimes this is called the proper approval.  The galley proof is essentially an impression of type.  It is usually not spaced out or assembled completely, thus allowing the typographer and the client to see if the job has been set properly.

Kerning – this refers to the process of adjusting the space between different letters so that part of one letter will extend over to the body of the next.

The layout-This refers to the plan which acts as a kind of blueprint.  It shows the basic elements of a design, and how different elements will look in their proper positions.

The masthead – This refers to the design or logo that is used to identify a magazine, newspaper or other kind of regularly printed publication.

P.E. – Printer’s error.

Pica – This can be commonly seen written or heard spoken around hard-core graphic designers. Pica is basically just a typographical unit of measurement.

Proofs – These are the trial prints, or a sheet of printed material that is used to check against the original manuscript.

Choosing the right graphic design programs can be more complicated sometimes than creating the actual designs.  However, it is a process that is necessary for professionals.

This article will hopefully get you started. A brief list of the top design programs are listed and described below:

Adobe Photoshop: This is one of the best professional photo design software programs on the market. Its main function is photo manipulation, which is the process of using technical and artistic processes to alter an image.

Artistic applications within Photoshop include painting, drawing, touch-up, designing and adding text, and more. You can also edit more than one photo at once using this design software.

For example, Photoshop users can cut parts of photos together and layer them to create a logo or greeting card design. Users can even use this program to create website design images, and it is also used for creating video effects to use in story line productions (i.e. making movies).

This program is more advanced. Therefore, it is recommended for the serious user, as it is also quite the investment. Before purchasing, it is recommended that you consider downloading a free trial of Photoshop if it is available.

Features that make Adobe Photoshop one of the preferred of professionals include the following:

·    Recording custom image actions for batch processing

·    Color balance and color match

·    Three different masking modes-masked, comps, and quick.

·    Smart objects and smart guides

·    Advanced fine tuning and control

·    CMYK and LAB color modes

·    Automated perspective adjustment settings

·    Advanced Animation Manipulation

·    Flawless photo layering

If you think that some of these advanced features are over your head, do not let that get you down. In order to better understand why you would need Adobe to be a pro designer you can research free tutorials online.

Adobe Illustrator: This is a tool used to create original designs. These designs are often combined with images to create a new masterpiece. However, this program is also useful as a standalone drawing product.

Features of the latest version of Illustrator include present document output sizes, speedy scroll and zoom, customized work tools and libraries, anchor tools, and multiple cropping.

In addition, it now integrates well with Flash, and it also offers mobile device previews. Illustrator is intended for you to be able to create professional-grade graphics compositions. (If you have ever wondered why your graphics do not come out as professional as professional television channels, this would be one product for you.)

Adobe Flash (Formerly Macromedia Flash): This is a type of animation and interactive content that is most often used for websites today.

Other forms of media can be produced using Flash as well. Flash works well with Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop and it also converts animation files to the recommended AS3 format.

Furthermore, it comes with custom importation tools and you are able to create instant code you need for your websites. Moreover, it utilizes Action Script 3.0, exports Flash files into QuickTime format, and helps you create mobile content. Additionally, you have the power over how you video will appear online.

Corel Photo-Paint: This is an advanced photo editing program with a similar function as Adobe Photoshop. Users can use this program’s touch-up features, live text formatting tools, online font identification/collaboration tools, and extensive file import formatting (RAW format supports over 300 types of cameras).

This particular program also has additional features such as interactive table layout tools, thousands of clip art designs, and precise curves adjustment. This one seems even more advanced that Adobe Photoshop and it may be recommended for novices to learn Photoshop first.

On the other hand, Corel does provide over two hours worth of video training for this product. In addition it provides a very thick user guide, and it is possible to receive free lessons for this product online. The best way to learn what this product can do versus free amateur ones would be to test it out.

Photoshop Elements: This is another photo design program that is said to have at least 99% of the functionality of Adobe Photoshop at a fraction of the price. You may want to find out of that is true for yourself.

You can download a free trial of this as well as a free trial of Photoshop and compare the two. Furthermore, you can read further reviews online. Basic functions unique to Photoshop Elements and not Adobe Photoshop include the following:

Corel Draw: This program is used in similar ways as Adobe Illustrator, and it offers both basic and advanced drawing and editing tools. With it you can custom edit shadows, improve the color of your photos, and design your own picture frame.

One of the joys, and biggest anxieties, of being a graphic designer is putting together your first graphic design portfolio. Whole volumes have been written about what to put, and what not to put, in your graphic design portfolio.

Here are some tips that will get your graphic design portfolio noticed.

First, your main goal is to make sure you put together a portfolio of your very best work.  This may seem very obvious to you, but you would be surprised at how many people do not put forth their very best work.  In fact, many people often strive to impress by putting together a portfolio that is flashy, but not altogether substantive.  In order to put together the best portfolio, you want to use the best practices.  This means classic good web design.  Pay attention to the detail of your work and make sure that it shows off your knowledge of craft. Ideally, you want a portfolio that complies with graphic design standards.  This means that you have the correct document type and use standard mark up throughout your work.

Other things to keep in mind include typography.  This means your knowledge of setting words in graphics.  If you are applying for a position as a web designer, you want to make sure that your portfolio reflects your ability to use and control type, especially in a Web environment.  Another important thing to keep in mind is that the graphic design portfolio is often a type of job audition.  This means that your graphic design powerful new must prove to a potential client that you are willing and able to design for users.  Many young graphic designers make the mistake of trying to impress with their graphic design portfolio.

One of the major weaknesses that many young graphic designers fall prey to when putting together their first graphic design portfolio is the instinct to innovate.  Although it is natural to indulge our instinct to create and put together the most innovative designs that we can, many young graphic designers often confused their portfolios as places to innovate and show off new designs.  However, a lot of innovation can be distracting.  Make sure that your portfolio is tailored to the kind of work you want to do.  This means that you will often want to show off your strengths, including your understanding and knowledge of basic and advanced design, rather than just your ability to experiment and innovate.

Don’t be afraid to show your work.  Many young graphic designers believe that their work should be protected, and worry a lot about copyright infringement.  Although this is an understandable concern, many graphic designers make the mistake of showing too little of their work.  This is often the case on graphic design web sites, which missed the mark to completely by showing only a tiny image of their work.  Make sure you include several full-sized screen shots.  Nobody wants to have to squint to see what your work is all about.

Fill in your portfolio with your own non-commissioned designs. Although you definitely want to fill your graphic design portfolio with examples of the kind of work you have done for clients, you also want to show what you have accomplished on your own. Show off your own designs. This could be anything from a new skin that you designed on your own, a word press page that you put together, or your personal graphic design blog. You want your graphic design portfolio to be unique and have a voice—and that voice should be yours, because there is not a second one like it in the whole world.

Setting up a small studio can be one of the greatest joys of any graphic design artist. A graphic design studio is an easy and natural outgrowth from being a graphic design freelancer. In order to start your own graphic design studio, you simply must make sure you have the minimal requirements.

Setting up your graphic design studio

What are the minimal requirements for establishing a physical graphic design studio? They are quite minimal, and should include a computer, copy machine, telephone, fax, flat files, desk, and ergonomic chair. These are all you really need to set up your office. Of course, you will also need the talent, drive and experience to make your graphic design studio work.

Finding the right title for your graphic design studio

In order to be a professional graphic design studio, you will need to come up with a title for your studio. There are several different angles that you can go with. You can choose a proper name, such as your own name, or a combination of you and your partner’s name. You can choose a clever and quirky name that will gain the attention of prospective clients. You can also choose a corporate-sounding name that can give an immediate impression of professionalism. Or you can choose an enigmatic name, the kind that leaves people wondering what the genesis of the name is. Whatever you decide on, try to make the name easy to spell, short and memorable.

Are you really ready to set up your own small design studio?

Creating your own graphic design studio can seem like a natural outgrowth from freelance graphic design, and this is the line of thinking that leads many individuals to consider establishing their own graphic design studio. If you are doing well in freelance design, it only seems natural to want to expand and perhaps even hire a staff. But consider strongly with how you will deal with the changes that come with making the transition between freelance work and steady studio work. Are you financially solvent enough to make the leap? Are you professionally prepared enough to take on all kinds of new design projects? Are you prepared to make the leap between working from home and having your own business where just about anyone can drop in and make significant demands on your time?

How can you go about finding those all-important first clients?

One of the biggest challenges of starting your own independent graphic design studio is building your client base. Here are some ways to go about getting those important first gigs. First, you should mine your existing clients for work. There is also a vast amount of referrals you can seek. Most graphic design projects are gotten through word of mouth. Most of your potential clients will probably not have the kind of budget that allows them to work with a large studio or firm. Therefore, you will need those potential clients to be referred to you. Make sure that you have a strong web presence and that your current clients are willing and ready to recommend you.

Learning to advertise your new graphic design studio

Putting together a promotional kit is one of the most important things you can do for your new graphic design studio. A promotional kit and your advertisements should feature samples of your past work. This should be your first line of attack in making contact with potential and future clients. You can send regular mailing to existing clients to make sure they remember you for their next project. You should also strive to enter as many annual competitions as you can in order to stay in the public eye.

Are you interested in becoming successful graphic design artists with a strong client base? Whether you own your own small design firm, where you work as a freelance graphic designer, creating a strong and steady base of clients is your main goal.  Here are some tips on building and maintaining a strong client base as a new designer.

Up use your school connections whenever possible

If you have recently or are about to graduate from graphic design school, take advantage of the many networking connections that you probably already have.  Asked faculty their advice about building a claim based.  Try to get a recommendation from one more of your instructors.  Being recommended by a well-respected faculty member can be one of the most effective ways of getting a job in graphic design.  A recommendation is often a reflection of your instructor and your school, so make sure you choose carefully someone who can genuinely recommend you.  If your school has a career counseling and job placement service, take advantage of this.  Many colleges have a list of potential employers who are looking for student workers.  This can give you a good idea of which businesses and clients are willing to work with students and graduates from your school. Another great source of potential clients can be school alumni.  Many alumni are fond of hiring people from their school, so take advantage of this connection when seeking new clients.

Setting up your own graphic design practice

Let’s say they have decided to become a free-lance designer.  This means that you’ll be running your own business, which can be both exciting and complicated.  You will need to find a place to work, a whether it be in your home base manned or in rented office space.  You will need the necessary equipment to do a good job.  If possible, people want to find a good accountant who can help you deal with the financial aspects of running your own free-lance business.  This can include opening your own bank account exclusively for your graphic design freelance work.

Put together an advertising kit to build your client list

When you are building a new client list, it is important that you use all the skills learned during your training as a graphic designer.  Even if you do not have formal education in graphic design, you should have a good portfolio put together to show off to potential clients. An advertising kit can include samples of your work.  Send off your advertising kit to people and businesses that you think you could do a good job for as a graphic designer.  When you send off your advertising kids, you may want to include a short letter stating why you would be capable of creating effective and you need design projects for their business.  You may even want to put together a small mock up design to show off your skills.

Establish a strong web presence

Even if you are not interested in web design, it is still important to put together a strong web presence if you wish to create a strong base of clients.  Establishing your own Web site is an easy way to show off what you can do.  Put up your web portfolio and play up your design skills and abilities.  Making easy for potential clients to reach you.

Get to know your clients needs

Once you start working with clients, you will find that many clients do not know exactly what they want.  It can be hard for someone who has no training in graphic design to use the language of this art to.  Prepared to explain and interpret different design styles and objectives to your clients.  You should also be prepared with many different examples of your work to show your potential clients.