ALT-1 Free Freelance Photography and Graphic Design Work
As a freelance graphic designer, I know how hard it is for artists to network themselves and offer their talents to, most likely, a bunch of strangers. Artists of all mediums have a strong desire and passion for the work they create. We would much rather be sitting in our studios dreaming up new ideas than out on the streets trying to sell our work. For most free-spirited artists, however, freelancing is the most ideal road to pursuing our dreams and accomplishing our goals.
While there are many various ways of looking at it, the rules for freelancing are simple: network, network, network. With a few valuable resources, you free-spirited designers and photographers can quickly learn to become more business savvy!
Never underestimate the power of friends and family. Many designers and photographers believe that friends and family are only interested in their work because they are required to care. Not true at all. When it comes to money, your friends and family will not enlist your services if they do not believe in the work you create. On top of that, they certainly would not recommend your services to THEIR family and friends if they did not trust your work! Already, you are beginning to build a valuable network of individuals.
On top of friends and family, your local community is also a valuable resource for gaining work at no cost to you. Many towns offer a wonderful community for local artists, it just takes a little research to find the best fit for you. Spring and summer are ideal times for perusing local art shows. This is a great time to meet other artists like yourself and quite possibly leave your business card with a few individuals along the way. After experiencing these shows first hand, take the plunge and sign up for the next show yourself. Many of the local shows are free for vendors, and with the correct tools, can become a valuable marketing resource for yourself. Leaving a stack of business cards on your table can do wonders. Along with a sign-in sheet where consumers can leave you with their name and email address, you now have an instant local network!
Using these few simple resources, you can now see your network grow exponentially before your eyes. It only takes a few individuals interested in your work to begin a long string of clients who may end up sticking around for years to come. All it takes is a little time and patience, and the clients will be lining up at your door!
