Everyone makes a turn in life at some point, at least once, I have personally made turns a number of times in my life. This is not a post where I go chronologically into my curriculum vitae, my trajectory in life has not been a straight line, there have been ups and there have been downs. I embrace them; I learn from them, you should do that too. If you do not like the point where you are in life (e.g. career), make plans for the new direction you want to go and focus on it. Go multiply and prosper.
I am a graphic designer, I must add “self-taught” graphic designer. I have a small but growing number of clients. They trust me and contact me for repeat work; getting repeat work is a good metric to show you are doing something right. I must say, it is hard acquiring new clients, I got my first clients my hitting the streets within my community, I picked numbers of their signage and banners and posters and sent them an introductory text message of myself; I sent out hundreds of messages, only a few responded (I work with the few respondents I got). I often try to build a good relationship with my few clients and give them great service. I sometimes remember them in prayer too; when they succeed they come back again and again.
I will not say it has been an easy journey. It is not easy but it is worth it. I couldn’t have done it without God and encouragements from friends and family. The design software I use, I got it from a friend, some downloaded tutorials, I got them from friends, referrals and recommendations, I got them from friends and family. You need that ecosystem of friends and family, you need to know what you need and whom to ask.
Work with what you have, be open-minded for critique and
improve your work. Every good thing requires hard work, patience and a
substantive investment in yourself (personal development of knowledge, skill
and talents derived from reading good books, research and development and
finding great references), last but not the least, you need God’s grace and
providence [do your part of the work and leave the rest to providence].
At the beginning of my career in design, I must admit that my designs were not
stellar. They were functional (designed to have a practical use) but not
aesthetically outstanding. It is a phase all designers go through, it shall
pass if you keep sharpening your skills and stealing from great artistes
(literally intended). Your best work will often come from collaboration and
your willingness to make the necessary changes to improve your work.
Charging for your work is another hurdle. There have been times I have underpriced work and used my own money to complete a project. Well, hard lesson learnt. Know your costs, the cost to produce the item your client needs then add your margins (design, transportation, miscellaneous and profit), it will help you in the long term. Knowing your costs will help you build a viable business. You can ask print vendors, designers how much they charge for similar work, having a fair idea will help you to bid for projects adequately and even sub-contract parts of the project to other designers if you’re very busy or on a tight deadline. Be confident and ask for what you need.
You may also think about registering a business, a sole proprietorship if you desire going at it alone, a partnership or company if you desire a team. Alternatively you can create an awesome portfolio to get a job at an agency or studio. Either way you’ll need a portfolio to attract new work.
Do you have questions? Ask me anything in the comments section.
