Hey guys,
I've done graphic design for about 2 years, now and the net is a very competitive place for graphic design.
I'd just like to share some tips I had to those who want to be a graphic designer , but I also wanna hear some tips as I am by know means THE designer.
1. Get Photoshop - It's expensive but you'll pay it off with the design jobs you do. (If you are a student you might get a huge student discount
).
2. Learn Photoshop - if you don't know how to use photoshop for all those snazzy effects there are literally thousands of tutorials floating around the net and sites like good-tutorials.com etc.
3. Start small. Even at this stage you probably aren't amazing (I wasn't). So look at entering contests here at V7N, Digitalpoint, and Sitepoint, etc.
The experience will benefit you as the feedback can help (even if you don't win much).
4. As Your skills begin to grow start reaching people and have them stick with you and up your price
. My line to customers is: If you need any graphics done just contact me.
If you do a good job people don't like the hassle of finding another designer so they will come to you
5. Start a portfolio. Right from your first sale you should start saving everything (not only because the customer might need adjustments) so that you can build a portfolio to show other potential clients.
*****
I'm at this stage myself so that's as far as I can go. I would really appreciate tips on how to market yourself once you establish a web portfolio.
But the most important tip:
Good communication! Ask a million questions, and always be professional.
Skinny