Tips for Marketing Yourself as a Graphic Designer
June 8, 2012
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Whether you’re working as a freelancer or just starting out in the business, there are several important measures you can take to promote yourself as a graphic designer. The market is competitive, so your best chance for success is to stand out from the crowd. Most significantly, you should make it your goal to seize networking opportunities and develop a presence in the design industry. Get creative by trying these marketing tips for graphic designers.
Social Media
Developing a professional online presence is crucial, especially since your work as a graphic designer is computer-based.
- LinkedIn. Your LinkedIn profile is a great place to post your resume, list your skills, connect with other professionals, and get recommendations from past employers. Stand out by participating in industry discussions and writing a profile summary that highlights your unique approach to graphic design.
- Facebook. Make sure your Facebook profile looks professional and that your privacy settings prevent strangers from viewing it. If you have an existing business, develop a Facebook page to promote it.
- Twitter. Tweet about industry news as well as your own website and accomplishments. Follow other designers to stay up to date in the graphic design community.
- Klout. To gauge your online presence, you can connect your Twitter and Facebook accounts to Klout.com to view your Klout Score, which tracks your social influence.
Business Cards
Business cards are especially handy for networking events. They show that you take your design work seriously and consider yourself a professional. Handing them to other professionals is a great way to exchange contact information, and your cards can offer a glimpse of your design skills.
You might even want to design a business or personal logo for your cards. If you want to take a step further, try post cards, which can host larger samples of your designs that you can distribute at events.
Website or Blog
While creating profiles on Facebook and LinkedIn allow you to reach out to your social connections, you should consider developing a website or blog that you can promote using social media. By creating a website, you can demonstrate your own site design abilities and post examples of your work as well.
Posters
If you’re interested in trying a more traditional marketing route, you can use your creative talents to develop an eye-catching poster design. Concisely explain on the poster who you are and what types of services you offer.
Portfolio
When you’re networking or attending design-related events, you can’t simply rely on your online persona to make an impression. Instead, take a condensed copy of your portfolio with you. Keep your portfolio neat, compact, and full of your best work to show clients or potential employers what you’re capable of.
This article is presented by Briarcliffe College. Contact us today if you’re interested in developing marketable knowledge and career-relevant skills with an industry-current degree program from Briarcliffe College.
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