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How do I start a graphic design business?
I’m 14 going to high-school and I want to make some extra cash whilst sharpening my skills. I also really want to earn (at least) my bachelors in graphic design and hope to get my AA in high-school through dual enrollment
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7 answers
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
The most common way I see people get some extra cash for anything visual-related is via the website Fiverr. It will allow you to offer your service at a fixed rate and is a pretty popular website. Of course, since it is a popular website, it can be pretty difficult to stand out amongst the crowd. So the other thing you can do is offer your graphic design skills within your circles. I've seen many people advertise their commissions in discord servers and it's pretty effective. You never know when someone will want a graphic designer (heck I kind of want someone to design a website for my work). Just start small and get your work out there and spread the word.
Good luck
Good luck
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hi! I would highly recommend putting together some type of portfolio or making an Instagram account and consistently posting your work on there! That way you're able to showcase some of your work and current projects. Then you could reach out to local business to see if they need help with any redesigning, etc. Also I would recommend following accounts like @azlogochallange and @designerbriefs. These kinds of accounts post briefs for us to practice making mockups, logos and more! Hope this helps :)
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Paul’s Answer
Hello Kayla,
When starting a business for the first time launching a website and harnessing the power of social media platforms. Use Squarespace, for instance - it's an ideal choice for kick-starting any business. Create your own website and showcase your unique graphic design work there.
Social media is another powerful tool for business initiation. It's a platform where you can display your specialized work and reach a wider audience. Instagram, being immensely popular, is a prime example. Numerous individuals utilize their business accounts on Instagram to effectively market their ventures.
Implementing this strategy could pave the way for your success! So, go ahead and take the leap. You have limitless potential!
When starting a business for the first time launching a website and harnessing the power of social media platforms. Use Squarespace, for instance - it's an ideal choice for kick-starting any business. Create your own website and showcase your unique graphic design work there.
Social media is another powerful tool for business initiation. It's a platform where you can display your specialized work and reach a wider audience. Instagram, being immensely popular, is a prime example. Numerous individuals utilize their business accounts on Instagram to effectively market their ventures.
Implementing this strategy could pave the way for your success! So, go ahead and take the leap. You have limitless potential!
Updated
ANAMIKA’s Answer
To kickstart your business, start by identifying potential clients. Establish your brand by creating a unique name and logo. Register your business, ensuring you have a solid business plan. Begin promoting your designs on social media, starting small. Utilize free online courses to bolster your skills.
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John’s Answer
Making a living as a visual artist in today's world is a fascinating journey. Perhaps the simplest route is to harness or boost your visibility on Instagram.
Your Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms can become dynamic showcases for your artwork, functioning as a digital portfolio. Platforms like Behance, Upwork, and Fiverr are excellent avenues to conduct your business independently.
The key is to have a collection of your work and a platform to display your creations. In the past, artists had to carry their physical portfolios to interviews. Even now, depending on the nature of your art or design, there may be times when you need to present a tangible portfolio. This could be for a potential employer or a prospective client.
Here's a truth that even I've had to grapple with: as a creative individual, you should be perpetually creating. You don't need a job or an employer to ignite your creativity. Your creativity is your work, and it is the beacon that will draw the attention you seek.
Post your work to various Social Media Accounts.
Plan a time & place where you can sit down, daily, and be creative.
Remember to always be creating and always exploring.
Your Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms can become dynamic showcases for your artwork, functioning as a digital portfolio. Platforms like Behance, Upwork, and Fiverr are excellent avenues to conduct your business independently.
The key is to have a collection of your work and a platform to display your creations. In the past, artists had to carry their physical portfolios to interviews. Even now, depending on the nature of your art or design, there may be times when you need to present a tangible portfolio. This could be for a potential employer or a prospective client.
Here's a truth that even I've had to grapple with: as a creative individual, you should be perpetually creating. You don't need a job or an employer to ignite your creativity. Your creativity is your work, and it is the beacon that will draw the attention you seek.
John recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Prajna’s Answer
Find your first graphic design clients
Set your pricing
Name your graphic design business
Build a basic website
Develop a simple business plan
Communicate with your clients
Deliver high-quality projects on-time
Collect payments from your design clients
Ask for referrals
Expand business
Set your pricing
Name your graphic design business
Build a basic website
Develop a simple business plan
Communicate with your clients
Deliver high-quality projects on-time
Collect payments from your design clients
Ask for referrals
Expand business
Updated
Steve’s Answer
I started my own business (not in graphic design specifically) and the best advice I can give to anyone looking to start a business is grab yourself a copy of "the lean startup," read it, and apply the concepts to your business. The book talks more about tech startups, but apply to any kind of new venture. Some of the advice above is totally aligned with the concepts taught in the book (like put your work out there early). I wouldn't spend any time or money on things like business licenses or anything that makes your business "official". Put your work out there, test the waters, learn your way into it. You can always make things official after you proven out the most critical aspect of your business, which is that people will buy what you're selling.