design

Tips and advice on running a graphic design business, including writing contracts, setting hourly and flat rates, project management, marketing, and dealing with clients.

1. Building a Portfolio
2. Promote Your Business
3. Organize Your Business

4. Setting Your Rates
5. Working With Clients
6. The Legal Side

Building a Portfolio

A solid portfolio is an essential part of your graphic design career. It is often the first impression potential clients will get of your work, and they will use it to determine whether or not to contact you.

• Types of Graphic Design Portfolios
• Preparing Content for a Website Portfolio
• Creating a PDF Portfolio

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Promote Your Business

Once you have a portfolio ready, you will want to promote your business. There are many ways to get the word out, promote your work, and keep people coming back for more.

• Growing Your Business Through Word-of-Mouth
• Send an Email Newsletter
• Design a Business Card
• Get Your Credit Line
• Write a Blog

Organize Your Business

As your client list and project sizes grow, it is important to stay organized. Both advice and software can help you keep things in order.

• Business Ideas and Tips
• Project Management Software
• The Benefits of Time Tracking

• Time Tracking Software
• How to Organize Your Graphic Design Files
• Graphic Design Books

Setting Your Rates

Once you start landing clients, it will be necessary to provide both flat and hourly rates for projects. This will become easier with experience, but there are ways to get a head start.

• Hourly vs. Flat Rates
• How to Determine Your Hourly Rate
• How to Determine Flat Rates
• Working on a Retainer
• How to Raise Your Hourly Rate

• How to Work within a Limited or Low Budget
• Setting Up Payment Schedules
• Find out the Budget
• Know Your Ideal and Low End Fees
• When a Client Won't Pay

Working With Clients

Part of being a graphic designer is often being a salesperson and your own business manager. Learn how to deal with clients and manage projects.

• What to Ask Clients in Meetings
• How to Create a Project Outline
• What to Include in a Contract
• Working for Friends and Family

The Legal Side

While designers focus on the creative side of the business, there is a legal side that needs to be dealt with as well. Protect yourself and your work by understanding copyright and other legal issues.