Design is an incredibly valuable service for businesses. Show it to your clients and expect respect. What you do really matters. Estimate how much value your work brings to your client, not how much time you need to spend to complete it.
Any design starts by identifying your client’s problems and figuring out how you can solve them with your set of skills. You should try to take only projects that challenge you, yet at the same time you need to sustain yourself. Time management is very important, so if you can’t afford to spend that much time on the project, you shouldn’t be working on it.
Make sure you are providing logical explanations to the key decisions you’ve made along the way to the design mockup for your clients.
Technology can be your friend, so try to systematize your work as much as possible. Go step by step and provide some kind of tracking sheet so you can try to follow the same methods and create more consistency from project to project. Never over promise, under promise, and surprise!
Important note! NEVER send your clients any bare mockups or you’ll get unwanted feedback and a long list of changes.
Be thoughtful! Make sure your client has all the information, materials and content needed to start the process before they even book you.It is always a great idea to keep them in the loop so offer a transparent process to help your client figure out what they want.
Blogs and having a strong social media presence can be your best marketing tools for your service. Always foster your passions and ideas by providing space and time for them. By doing so you are providing a balance. Connect with your audience by being helpful, responsive and generous with your time. Be open and available, so try to attend forums and conferences so you can make connections with other designers and web developers. You may get a lot of referrals from other freelancers too! So think about that strategy as well!
Learning is important but choose what’s most valuable to you and focus on spending more time creating your own content instead. There will be always someone better than you. Stop comparing your skills to other designers.Take some time to browse inspirational galleries online and in-person and try to understand how the designs were made. Bring a sketch book to take note of your ideas and it will help you to release your creativity.
When considering your next career move, plan proactively and create Portfolios that include your best work. Consider looking into finding a mentor with Architect-US, and improving your Portfolios with our Portfolio Plans and Career Advice Program. We provide coaching and personalized mentorship, so you can have a professional and experienced take on your next steps in your career, as well as a great team to confide in.
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