How I Became a Freelance Graphic Designer
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
- There were many risks and opportunities I took that have led to where I am today in my freelance career as a graphic designer, and that's what I'd like to share with you - how I became a freelance graphic designer.
My biggest piece of advice for anyone looking to start a freelance career is to first validate the idea.
// LINKS
Website: brentgalloway.me
Twitter: / brentgalloway
Instagram: / brentgalloway
Dribbble: dribbble.com/br...
Shop: shop.brentgallo...
#freelance #graphicdesign #howtofreelance
This IS the content we need. No rambling. And aesthetically pleasing enough that i don't become judgy 😂
I know it is an older video Brent, but I just want to say, great job on this and thanks for sharing your story and for all the work you do in helping others on their journey!
+Roberto Blake Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, Roberto! It means a lot!
Brent Galloway Anytime!
+Roberto Blake Damn dude you're in literally every design video I watch. You're a pro at this youtube thing.
+Raven Ward I know right!
@@RavenWard HAHA! I noticed that, too, but hey..we sure know who he is. Definitely a pro. If only I could meet my social media quota.
Great video, I am sure many people will be able to use your advice. You're right though, it does require risk, but life is a pretty much a collection of calculated risks when you think about it..
yow tom i just finished watching you videos and i learned a lot of it i want to became a freelancer alsoi but im a bout to start college life and i dont know where to start
New video: How I Became a Freelance Graphic Designer
There were many risks and opportunities I took that have led to where I am today in my freelance career as a graphic designer, and that's what I'd like to share with you - how I became a freelance graphic designer.
Gotta get back into watching. Awesome video Brent Galloway
Brent Galloway first off if like to say, you're truly an inspiration. I am a gamer who is interested in learning graphic design, and I am currently working full time. I can not attend a 4 year at the moment. therefore, I am looking into it in a self taught manner. I look forward to gaining more insight in this matter through your media content. keep it up!
2 year program did you go Bradford school?
This video is definitely older but is definitely timeless in the information it contains. I saved this video because it was so great even if the information is short; it’s very valuable. Watched it again today and I needed this so much, just to hear the simple steps I need to take. I quit my media production job that was so so to move to california on not a huge amount of money; to freelance/look for good work opportunities if they present themselves. I do decently (I feel anyway), graphic design, photography, video production, motion graphics, wordpress design. But doing all those things at my last multi-disciplinary job I feel like was a blessing and a challenge since I was all over the place. I have gotten stuck the last month in the mindset of just trying to do anything I can get and everything to make money just to keep life rolling; but seeing your video and hearing the information I already have heard and thought before; I think was expressed in your video in a manner that really banged me on the head of why I’m not getting anywhere really. Man, thanks so much for this video. I can just feel it that doing these steps to a T; will help me to start getting work and good work at that. Do you or anyone else reading recommend or discourage any freelance sites like upwork? Do you guys recommend any other sites similar or relative for getting work/ jobs?
Hey Gavin! Thanks so much for the kind words! It means a lot to hear my video can be a positive reminder for you to start getting the work you want! As for the job sites thing, I actually made a video all about that: th-cam.com/video/D4QIBVNtzAM/w-d-xo.html
Hope it helps! And if there's any other topics you might like to see me cover in a future video, let me know! I'm working on getting back on a schedule to make videos.
Thanks so much for responding Brent! It's funny because I found your other video shortly after some of your other videos, haha. Couldn't see where my previous comment went to. As for what I personally would like to see that you mentioned in your newest video. Your idea similar to doing daily life of a freelancer/graphic designer would be awesome. Hate to say it, but kinda like vlog style just for seeing how one runs all sorts of things or solves problems one might have while freelancing and graphic designerizing
Thank you.. I am attending Full Sail University, and I felt this was a great advice for my career ahead of me.
I’ve just seriously started to look at my Freelance Graphic Design business. I’ve picked up a few local jobs, designing logos and branding.
It’s time for me to step back and figure out who I am, what I do and who for. I’m going to follow this whole series and I’ll keep you updated on my progress.
I remember watching this video back in high school, and thinking about the routes I could take if I became a graphic designer. Since I’ve graduated and gotten my degree since last year, it’s been tough, hopping from job to job, and I thought I found my big break, but it turned out the people turned me down, which is a big mistake on their part. I’m subject to change, and I’m more than willing to learn what I’ve done wrong throughout the whole interview, but as I grow and become a big graphic designer in the meantime, find a job that fits with me, and not only that, but make an income, if not multiple, while also having the passion to do what I love, in the end of the day, looking at this video resonates with me so much that, In the end of the day all I can really say is thank you.
Thank you after 7 years, because without this video, I wouldn’t be reminding myself to push myself to do what I love to in the first place for years at this point. I have all the resources there, but haven’t pushed myself to do what I’ve been meaning to do.
Thank you for taking the time to share this! 🙏 It's awesome to hear! Keep learning, creating, and pushing yourself!
Thank you for telling the story of your life, and really motivated me to continue learning graphic design.
I just learned one month self-taught
My ears perked up once you mentioned a technical school, which is the exact situation I am currently in. I will be entering my senior year and my second year of tech. Here is to my future in graphic design!
Great video Brent. I just made the transition from employer to full-time freelancing and loving it! Just subscribe to your channel!
+Brian Leiter That's awesome to hear! Thanks for watching and subscribing, Brian! :)
Well done, im a university student study a diploma of graphic design, im now studying it, and i enjoy it, my goals are to work in atore store and at home, i'm loving it, its been a passion of my for a long time, and im glad you find the same feeling as well, great job on your success bro!
Thank you so much for sharing. I'm graphic designer and I didn't start my own business yet. A friend like you will help me so much to start my own business.
Thanks for sharing your experiences Brent! I just watched 10 of your videos and it really helped get me in the right mindset. I recently quit a corporate job to go full-time freelance. I loved the idea and redesigned my website but wasn't sure where to start after that. I was just about to hunt on Upwork but saw your other video about those sites, and am so glad I did! Looking forward to more videos. Thanks! 👍
Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, Cassandra! :)
Hey Cassie how things went with you know kindly can you share your updates with us ?
Thank you so much brent! . I am now starting my freelance graphic designing, finding clients, and marketing. I think your video really helps me a lot. Good Job brent!
Great video! I am in my second year of college and this is very useful information... Thanks!
Thankyou for the pieces of adviced sir. I've been struggling and anxious on how I start to know and learn to be freelance and when I found this I felt motivated to study and learn. I'm a beginner anyways with zero knowledge and I want to become a freelance soon..
Thanks for sharing your story - very interesting! I'm also freelancing full-time and recently started a youtube channel with the hopes of helping other freelancers as well. I agree with what you said about blogging, it's so important to help get discovered. Great video & portfolio! :)
Thank you sooo much for this video ❤️ This is a thing I'm struggling with right now bcs I don't see myself in any other field than graphic design. So thank you for what you're doing ❤️
Thank you Brett for this awesome video. Its 2am here in Melbounre, Australia at the moment that i came across your videos. You pointed exactly what i was looking for to be freelancer and defining my business to customers. I run a business from called Shaie Designs, i post my work here and there my Facebook and Instagram pages, but buiness isnt that great to be honest. I hope to open a studio sometime in the next a year or two, but before i do that, i have to first identity what i enjoy doing and not doing all sorts of designs to scrap by as you mentioned. And i think, thats my mistake, trying to take onboard jobs just for the money. I have a brand identity and my name is out there in the community, but i want to acheive more so my income well, business doing great and cliental that brings in 80% of new customers. Thanks once again for this great video, as i can related to what you have mentioned.
Thanks mate
:)
Thanks for sharing your success story brent. People are inspire very much form your video.
I am looking to do freelance graphic design along with blogging, so this is really useful.
i want
Seanwes hype!
Super inspiring AND informative video. I'm working on the Overlap Technique right now but in 6 months I'm thinking I might be there ;)
Hey Brent. Just found your video on TH-cam. I guess it was a suggestion from them. Very cool video and story. You have calm cool nice guy thing going on. Reminds me of myself. I've been out of graphic design game a while, but It has never left my heart. When I did not have a computer, I used a pencil doing concept for myself and future projects or friends business. This video was great I'm starting over today and trying get back into the swinng of things. Look forward on learning more and eventually get my own freelancing going on.
Thanks for the kind words, James! Excited to hear you're rediscovering that passion for design! The best thing you can do right now is just start and continue to create for the fun of it. All that freelance stuff will flesh itself out naturally as you define your own work processes and style. Best of luck with everything! ✌️
You've changed so much~
Also, very good videography ^^
Great advice! I'm trying to do some freelance work as a side job while studying and it was really useful :)
+justBorja Thanks for watching! :)
I'm graduating next week and thinking about starting as a freelance graphic designer. What I'm concerned about is the business and legal side of it. What about contracts, agreements, licenses and all those things? What is the important paperwork needed when you work as a freelancer?
My best advice here is to not overthink the paperwork. Just start doing the work you want to be doing. The paperwork will present itself as you need it-You land a project and need to create a contract, research and create a contract. You need to invoice the client, create an invoice. You don't need to have every detail prepared just to get started. As for the legalities, every state/country varies, so do a quick search for operating as a sole proprietor/freelancer in your specific area. The worst thing you can do is let the overwhelming thought of paperwork hold you back from starting. You'll figure things out as you grow, I promise you that. The most important thing is to start and focus on doing the work itself. Best of luck!
Brent Galloway thank you so much! I’m currently taking a media business law class and it’s been making me overthink about the legal and business part of this field ever since. This helped me relax a little. Thank you! You are awesome.
This video still inspires me. Thanks!
Thanks for the great videos and tips! I hope I can go freelance someday.
Hi thanks you so much for the video. and i am the junior of freelance graphic design. love your sharing and ya, make thing happen.
Thanks for the inspirational video!!!!
I like the design of lettering at the beginning very much =)
Brent great video especially for those who need some motivation once again good work
Hi Brent, I just come across this while designing my logo, I would say this is very motivational and very clear presentation.I wish you could share about marketing the skill.Thanks
That's really inspiring buddy, thanks. I have a very decent portfolio, but I just can't get clients because I don't know how to market myself. I want to focus on logo design.
My latest video actually shares my thoughts on how to market yourself and stand out online as a freelancer. Check it out if you haven't already: th-cam.com/video/dARaFjzi8QE/w-d-xo.html
hey Brent, happy New Year to you. I believe your video just hit me at the right exact time of my life. I've been struggling with a lot of those areas as well. been having trouble freelancing. I know my identity and I resonate with everything you say about spending time elsewhere. I believe I have an audience and I am in the eyes of the right people. however I may be having trouble with the process slowly but surely I am finding my calling. thank you so much for sharing and thank you for your advice
+Donald Fleshman III Happy New Year to you as well, Donald! The process is an iterative process that'll come with time. I'm constantly reworking how I do things in my freelance business. Stick with it and keep up the hard work. Everything will continue to evolve and fall into place. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment! :)
Thanks for sharing your story. Your videos have inspired me to give TH-cam a shot
Nice job dude. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank you for sharing your story Brent.
Amazing! Def. going to use these tips!
Thank you for sharing, you inspire me a lots.
This video just earned one more subscription in me. Great content sir!
im in 12th grade (graduating this year) and im also a freelance designer. but in my case, people dont usually respect me since im still in high school. so i dont get paid that much. the stuggle is real.
+Marsh Production I once knew that struggle all too well. It can be tough to be taken seriously, but you'll find your confidence in time, and that respect will follow. My tip would be to present yourself as professional as possible. And the same goes for how you brand yourself and your work. If you present yourself as a professional, you'll be treated as one. It's awesome that you're freelancing in high school. Gaining that experience early on is so great. Stick with it! :)
thank you sooo much for sharing such a valuable information
thank a lot for the video, just what i needed to hear
Hey Brent! I want to say how much I enjoy this video. I'm looking to start a freelance business as a 3d artist focusing on product development and some animation as well. My question to you is that did you have a battle with yourself about which pieces to use in your portfolio and what ways do you recommend for marketing yourself?
i need to stop being lazy OPEN UP DA PHOTOSHOP and learn this stuff.
So inspirational! Thank you!
0:06 i got the work from home part right, the "do something that i enjoy" part is coming soon
Very useful... Thank you for the video.
This was really helpful, thanks!
I am going to a University for Photography and Graphic Design.... it is my passion and I love them both... I am now a senior in high school and am moving away in august... I honestly don't know what I am going to do after college. And I wanted to talk, maybe ask a few questions... I am just concerned that my dreams are too large
Your dreams are NEVER too large. You're heading into University, which is awesome. Don't stress too much on what you'll do after college. Focus on the now and do your best while you're there. You'll connect with so many people and amazing opportunities will come up as a result. I know the unknowing can be daunting, but instead of worrying about the future, enjoy where you're at now - enjoy the journey. When I discovered freelancing in high school, never could I have imagined I'd end up where I am today in my career. You can't plan this stuff. Just do your best and always strive for those big dreams. As long as you're working for them, you'll be doing great things. :)
Brent Galloway thank you, this means a lot :)
Im 63 going on 64, I’m pretty advanced using the Wix free edition, I do not sketch or design logos on paper, and the idea of becoming a freelancer looked interesting, where do I go from here with a business model and lack funds to design my brand stationary?.
hi, yeah your story really gave me a push walk forward with the work what i am doing, but i have one question! i am video designer i had many ideas of creativity but now can feel and can see that my creative ideas are losing why is the happening actually nothing comes to mind when i am working.
So inspiring. Thanks!
Great video for inspiration ! thank you :)
Thanks a lot you inspired me very much... thumbs up
The thing that haunted me always is lacking idea in designing. How to overcome this problem? I'm an software eng in few years later
No prob bruh.. Just give it some time. You will surely rock..
This is wonderful bud!
Thanks a lot for this video😇
Excellent advice Brent
Hi Brent! I am currently a Senior HS student, and I have decided to freelance just recently. I have done several free works for my institution, like shirts and logos for clubs, organizations, and colleges. But I still am not confident on how to set rates on my designs, and I'm quite reluctant if my works in school would actually measure up to actual designs in the designing field. Most of my clients right now are my acquaintances who have known me for my work. How should I set my rates for them? And how should I set my rates in general?
I was in your exact situation when I was a senior in high school! I took on projects pro bono through my career center, and took on small projects outside of school. The confidence in your work will only come with time, but don't be afraid to put it out there! Be proud of all the work you do - it'll only get better! As for rates, that's tough to answer without knowing more about where you're at and what you're doing for your clients, but I wrote an article on this that might help: yourfreelancecareer.com/how-to-set-your-freelance-rates-and-never-get-ripped-off-again/
Wow, it really makes a difference when you receive insights from people whom you share the same experiences with. You're an inspiration, really. Thank you very much! I'll make sure to keep those in mind. :)
Today, I want to say that I really want to be a freelance graphic designer. Completely quit my 9-5 job 2 days ago and I will be focusing doing what my passion is from now on.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I wonder wether graphic designing is gonna stay as actual as today?
what tips and advice can you give to underage like me? I’m only 16 years old but I really love Graphic Design. And wanna be successful freelancer in the future.
Now's the perfect time to learn and create as much as possible. You'll want to learn Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Then use Google and TH-cam to learn the software. There's tons of free tutorials that cover the basics. The more you create, the faster you'll improve and learn what type of graphic design work you love doing most. The sooner you can figure that out, the faster you'll be able to build a thriving career around it. If you have any other specific questions, feel free to shoot me an email via my website. Hope that helps!
Thank you for this Video! Like it!
i also started with editing photos for people I know and creating logos. Now i m like some sort of stuck ! I am an active user in instagram ! bt i dont get enough post like or viewers for my works. i would like to know how did you create peoples attraction towards your works ! inspiring one ! 👍 thanks
Thank you so much for this :)
First of thanks for a great video man. Very inspirational. My question for those of u who are full-time freelance graphic designers or digital nomads. How do you get your the clients? What are your strategies?
When I first started it was all word of mouth. Then I started blogging about what I was doing, and that brought traffic to my website, which slowly landed me random jobs. Once I focused my portfolio around t-shirt design and then blogged about that, I started landed more of those type of projects. As my portfolio grew, so did my clients and eventually I started connecting with larger and larger clients. Now I get a consistent amount of work through clients who I've built a relationship with and continue to get new leads through my website.
Great motivational quote at the end
Nice video i want to start as a freelance designer too :D subscribed by the way
i am really fascinated about graphic design because i want to create my own job knowing that job opportunity in my country is very difficult. my fear is age, i am 40 years of age and thinking how am i going to start a new discipline. i need your advise
Inspirational dude 👏🏼
Thank you! Life Saver
Hello BRENT. I liked your video. But I need a piece of advice. Would you please tell me wich website is better for graphic designing? And of course tell which software you mostly used for doing your job.
THANK YOU
Thanks for watching and liking! By which website is better for designing, are you referring to a portfolio website? If so, there are many free options. Just do a simple Google search. But if you're looking to set up something more professional, I highly recommend Squarespace. As for software, I use two programs: Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
What are the best marketing tools? You mention blogs, but is that the only thing you attribute to your success?
Hey Austin, the best form of marketing I've experienced as a graphic designer is simply word of mouth and social media. I don't do any local business, it's all online for me, so my blog is definitely my number one asset. I do attribute my success to it. :) My go to sites to market my work is my blog, Twitter, Instagram, Dribbble, and TH-cam.
Thanks Brent...its inspiring
I'm stuck at an Office supply store FULL TIME (Print Supervisor, so I make what I need). I'm pregnant so risk are not a thing right now. I really don't want to be there but my new family needs to eat and stuff... I went to a community college for graphic design but wasn't focused. It's been a year, how do I get focused now??
I study software engineering but I don't enjoy at all , this semester I've taken an art class as an elective class and i really enjoyed it and i did very well and my professor liked what i did , i have a small experience about designing since i was a kid and Ive sold some of my work. But the problem is how do I start as graphic designer , i still have the fear of failing, what should i do ?
thank you very much from France !!!
I wanted to learn how can I establish my self as an freelancer..
Very helpful video.
Great video, thank you! I've been working for a design company for 3 years, ive decided to do a bit of freelancing in between. I am only doing projects for friends and family at the moment. How can I get more clients and build up a relationship with them?
Hello brent,
Thanks for sharing this video!
I want to know about process from start to end. so please give me few reference about that.
Thanks
Aamir
I know graphic design, now I need some marketing.
Great video
whats up Brent thanks for sharing I would like to hear anything you have to say on how to get started. So many people have told me that I set my goal to high, start out small and build yourself up I dont have the time to do that . I would welcome any advise you had for me.Thanks
Freelancing is simply a business you're building from the ground up, and that won't happen overnight. I say you should have high goals. It gives you something to strive for. There's not much advice I can give without knowing every detail of your story, but if freelancing is something you want to experiment with, then start now rather than later. Whatever questions you have, simply Google them. There's endless amounts of free information on how to start freelancing online. I can say that writing a simple business plan can help. What do you want to be known for? How are you going to market yourself and to who? How will you make your money and handle your other business finances (i.e. taxes, expenses, how much will you charge, etc.)? Again, Google is your best friend, so don't hesitate to seek out answers and solutions as they come. Best of luck!
@@BrentGalloway my main focus is on graffiti fonts and it's been along time dream of mine to do work for Adidas I have transitioned over from doing work on paper to illustrator and that's how far I've gotten
Thank you for this video
i wanna learn how to design please..from where should i begin?
Hey ,first of all great video....for the first time in the last months i found something that's realistic n someone who's not promising fake stuff...so i want to start freelancing for logo design but i don't know where to start,it would be great if you could suggest me something
The best place to start is to ask the people around you. Spread the word that you're looking to design logos and if anyone knows someone who needs a new or updated logo. You can also design whatever logos you want just for fun. Which can immediately help you hone your skills in graphic design and validate the idea of designing logos.
Hi Brent! I found your video when I was doing a little bit of research and I'm really grateful for all your great info! I'm looking into building my brand as a graphic designer + copywriter. I would like to ask you a few questions if you don't mind, maybe on email?
Well done for 0 dislikes! really hard to get nowadays eh?
+Mr Panda Man I just hope TH-cam trolls stay away
★_Vizualize_★ well they didn’t unfortunately. You can’t stop em
Brent, I have a question about working internationally as a freelancer. Are your clients from specific nationality or geographical area? How are the boundaries changing? I have an international background, but currently studying design in a small town - if I want to eventually build up a broad range of clients, do you think I'd better continue my studies (MA for ex.) in a different country? (like Europe or the States?)
+Kim Jeen Hi Kim, Since my business is primarily ran online, I get clients from all over the world. It doesn't matter where you get your education. Your clients will come from where you market yourself/business. If you promote it locally, you'll obviously get regional clients. If you market online, then you'll make connections all over the world. Hope this answers your question!
Thank you for your reply! It did :) Thanks for your great videos as well!
Bleh.. I don't know if you'll actually respond since its such an old video. But, whatever ill ask anyways! So I'm a recent graduate from an advertising and graphic design program. Im blessed to have been able to find a internship and get hired on full time. everything is great the pay, the hours.. eh the hours not so much.. but I'm finding that working in an advertising agency in any position if it being a graphic designer to an account manager. it sucks your soul out of you.
Working there I've worked with huge clients so having them under my belt is amazing! Apple being one of them. But still I'm find it hard to stay and be creative. My day usually consist of adaptations of old ads that were created and stuff.. recently I was given a task to come up with new creative but I was DRY! for the first time.. i was so use to making the same ads for these companies that I had no creative juice!!!!
Im really trying to find myself again.. I'm debating if this was the best career choice for me. i know i sound like a crying baby but this stuff. this stuff can have a major told on a persons mental! I'm not happy.. I've always wanted to free lance and i've had so success from it. I love graphic design and I've created a clothing brand because of it. I know the potential it has and that will never go away!
should I quit?.. Im scared of taking that risk and not having an income.. help.
Hey Cedrik, thanks for taking the time to watch and comment! I think one of the best things you can do right now is to first reposition how you view your current job. I know how it can be soul sucking, but rather than think you're stuck, think of it as the fuel to getting you to where you want to be. Overlap your job with finding yourself again. It's stable and it's going to cover all of your expenses. Then when you're not at work, switch to your side efforts. Keep working on freelance work to gain experience and to validate the idea, keep working on your clothing brand, take some creative classes, or just experiment with new work. Hopefully as you begin to find yourself, you'll start to figure out the right path for you. Only quit your job if you have something else lined-up or you feel confident enough in your side efforts to support you financially. Hope this helps!
hii I want to start as a freelance graphic designer from where I should start
Thank you
Nice Ugmonk print.
inspiring me AF
Nice video Brent! I just kind of stumbled upon it spontaneously. I do have one question though, I am very interested in becoming a graphic designer. I am close to my 30´s and have a full time job and have no idea where to start. any piece of advice? school is not an option at this point.
Hey Daniel, that's awesome to hear! Good news for you is that school is not a requirement for becoming a graphic designer. The best thing you can do is spend any amount of free time you can make to practice. Put all of your value and effort into creating! Experiment with different techniques and start by creating for yourself. As you develop your skills, questions will arise. You'll naturally seek out the answers and things will just start to fall into place. Find what type of work you want to do then follow those that succeed in it. Observe, experiment, and create! :)
Hi Brent, I love to watch your videos and are very helpful. Thank you for sharing your ideas. Well I got to ask something, I'm about to plan for freelance graphic design but the thing is how do I know the different streams of graphic design to know my interest?
Thanks Ashutosh! I think it's best to go with the flow and follow your gut when it comes to your interests. There are countless niches and paths you can take, so pursue what you are familiar with. By starting you'll begin to gain experience. Naturally you'll pick up on different types of design and you'll refine your interests. I started with an interest in web design, and 5 years later here I am, specializing in t-shirt design for the music industry. Don't get too hung up on it. Just get started! Hope that helps and best of luck! :)
Brent Galloway yes, your right. If I think in this way I have some chosen out of many. Thank you so much. Keep updating your videos because it really helps me out and I think many like me. Wish you good luck too Brent.
slaving over the start button 😂#golden