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Unless you’re a designer and a magician, you probably won’t get a clientele without any kind of marketing. But, you don’t have to be magic to draw clients to you. In today’s world of easily accessible advertising, there are almost endless ways to promote your services.

If you have just been going by word of mouth, try expanding to other horizons, such as online networking sites. Facebook is a well known site that allows you to create and share company information with a seemingly limitless amount of contacts. Creating a blog can also add a personal touch to your business as people tend to write about everyday experiences relating to their field of business. Some other online options are:

• E-mail newsletters. This is an inexpensive way to keep in touch with your clients and provide value. If you don’t yet have customers yet (just out of school?), create one anyway and send it to your friends and family. Have them forward it on to people they know, to help you get started.
• Use Twitter to offer special promotions or discounts.
• Internet classifieds. Their viewership is often larger than printed classifieds, and is usually less expensive.
• Create your own products on a free online shop such as Cafe Press or Zazzle.

Freebies

People love free stuff, so design a giveaway. Create a catchy logo and place it on a magnet or memo pad. Design a desktop calendar that displays a variety of your work, and of course, all your company contact information. When thinking of giveaways think in terms of creativity, and uniqueness. Who could forget contact information on a kazoo?

Lastly, never underestimate the power of a business card. Make sure your business card is eye catching by using bright colors and bold lettering. Textures and cut outs on a card also add a unique element to what can sometimes be a rather bland piece of cardstock. If you’ve got a blank side, create a coupon or discount on it. Once you’ve got a show stopping card, distribute it. Post it on bulletin boards at local businesses and libraries, and hand them out to friends and relatives. Always have them on hand because you never know where your next contact could happen.

There are many inexpensive ways to market your business, so do it. If you put some extra time, effort, and a little money in to marketing yourself, soon you’ll be bringing in clients almost by magic!

Design a portfolio… Your own!

You’ve seen portfolios that have only a few pieces of art from some designers… This is not enough. As a designer you need to “DESIGN” your own portfolio and display your works like you are passionate about what you do.

Your portfolio will be the single most important thing that you do. It’s how you peddle your wares; convince the client or potential employer of your abilities. It’s the key piece to any interview. And in the case of online portfolios, it may be the qualifier to you getting an interview.

When creating a print portfolio the most effective formula is as follows:

• Keep it simple. Though you don’t want too few, make sure you don’t also overwhelm them with too many pieces. 10-15 should be quite enough. Usually by the third or fourth piece the client will know if they want to use you.
• Keep it flexible. Have several interchangeable pieces that you can customize to an interview. If you are going to a conservative corporation, you won’t necessarily need your ripping skateboard designs in there. If you are going to an agency interview, you will want to show them a variety of fun and creative works.
• Keep it relevant. The best practice for a portfolio is to show that you are capable of doing commonly requested tasks. They are also looking for consistency and if can you follow through a common thread on a campaigns. Try to have a combination of basics the below:
• Logo design
• Letterhead, Envelope, and Business Card.
• Newsletter Spread
• Direct Mail Piece
• Product Brochure
• Email Campaign
• Website Design



• Keep it you. The nice button down version of you, but you all the same. This is the only thing that you get total carte blanche on. Your portfolio must reflect you, your style and your uniqueness. If you want to stand out in a crowd. dazzle them with something they haven’t seen before. Many designers will get creative with the portfolio case. Try looking for a vintage accordion case, create a three-ring binder out of brushed metal, leather craft with your initials or logo. Make it fun and classy at the same time.

Design an online as well as an offline portfolio. An online portfolio is also the easiest and quickest way for a client to review your work. In this day of telecommuting, your client or employer could be miles away. Keep it fresh and updated. Something that they will want to periodically check in on.

Remember, presentation says a lot about you and how serious you are about getting their business and doing an amazing job. Try tailoring your portfolio to your next client (or prospective employer). They will be impressed

Thank you for reading this graphic design tip. Please remember to subscribe and share using the social links below.

ThePerfectDesign.com Team