We’ve been getting e-mails from graphic designers asking when the site would launch, but we don’t have to worry about answering that question anymore. It’s here! The site is up, it’s beautiful, and you can now sign up as a contest holder or designer.

In fact, we are launching our very first beta contests right now (logo and website). The contests are two week contests, which will give us plenty of time to test and receive feedback from those participating in these contests. At the end of these contests we will award the winners and the site will be empty of any new contests for one week, unless some unsuspecting contest holder launches a contest, which we don’t mind.

In three weeks, you will see more new contests and we will be moving forward at full speed. We thank you for visiting and welcome any feedback you may have for us. See the contests HERE. Please let us know your thoughts!

Chad, on behalf of ThePerfectDesign.com Team

13. Get Credit – Print design credits and designed by links

You have a lot of great talent, feel confident in your abilities and are now ready to take it to the next level. You are ready for more business. You are ready to take it to the streets. Lucky for you, you already have the most basic, effective, marketing tool already. Most designers intuitively know how to market themselves. The only limitation for you will be how many relationships you can build.

The best way to start is to work with the relationships you already have to make more viable business. Try to get a credit on some of your print design work. You can score more business by getting credit on your work. When creating a logo or web page for someone, see if you can get a credit placed on their website with a link to your page. A lot of times you will see a “Site Design by” link on the footer of a page. Try getting a “Logo Design by” link. If the client says, “No,” don’t worry about it. It’s no big deal.

Name Recognition?

What you are doing by accomplishing these little “wins” is telling people indirectly, who you are, what you do, and why it’s important. It will gain you name recognition and compel others that like your work style to do business with you. Get in the habit of asking every client before hand if they would be willing to allow you to have a small credit on their site and testimonial when you wrap up the project.

If you have done a good job for your client, it shouldn’t be hard to get them to sing your praises. Also, if you have done any deeply discounted or pro-bono work, that can be easily worked in as a trade option. In the graphic design industry name recognition is key. This highly competitive field requires your name to become a beacon of light guiding people to you. It’s not just about them knowing you, but knowing the work you are capable of doing.