As a freelancer, the first thing you need is a well-crafted portfolio—both digital and physical.
I started my freelancing journey as a stay-at-home mother, focusing on creating artwork with practice, practice, and more practice. When I gained confidence in my work and became familiar with the tools needed to create designs, I began to understand the market. This led me to create artwork and print designs, which I applied to mockups and added to my portfolio. With a strong portfolio, you can start approaching companies offering graphic design positions to freelancers.
My first $1.6K came through freelancing, helping me go from zero income to earning my first solid revenue. Here are the steps you can follow to approach companies as a freelance graphic designer:
- Create a Portfolio
As mentioned earlier, it’s essential to have a portfolio, whether it’s a digital PDF, website, or Behance link. You can attach these to your emails when reaching out to companies. For physical portfolios, they are handy if you’re meeting local companies in person. However, I do not recommend sending a physical portfolio by mail and asking companies to return it after review. Many companies do not have the time for this, making it a waste of time, money, and effort.
- Look for ‘Calling Freelancers’ Posts
Often, you’ll find job opportunities on platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram with posts titled “CALLING or HIRING FREELANCERS.” Carefully review the requirements, including the job details, location, and company background, and apply through the provided email addresses or forms.
- Networking on Social Media
Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn are great tools for finding freelance work. Make sure you are regularly sharing your work, interacting with companies, and joining relevant design groups. Networking can help you stay on companies’ radars, and when an opportunity arises, you’ll be the first they think of.
- Cold Emailing
Sometimes, companies may not explicitly post job openings, but they might still need a freelancer. Research the companies you want to work with, and send a personalized email pitching your skills and portfolio. Ensure the email is concise, professional, and tailored to their brand’s needs.
- Tailor Your Applications
Avoid sending generic emails when applying to different companies. Take time to research each company and personalize your email and portfolio to align with the type of work they do. Highlight how your skills and experience can solve their unique challenges.
- Freelancing Platforms – Upwork & Fiverr
Upwork and Fiverr are great platforms where companies often seek freelancers for short-term or long-term design work. These platforms allow you to create a profile, showcase your portfolio, and bid on relevant jobs. Start by completing smaller gigs to build your reputation and portfolio, and gradually move towards bigger, higher-paying projects. These platforms can help you connect with clients worldwide, expanding your reach beyond local companies.
- Follow-Up
After sending your application, it’s important to follow up. Wait for about a week or two before sending a polite reminder. This shows initiative and keeps you on the company’s radar without appearing pushy.
By following these steps and continually building your portfolio, you’ll increase your chances of landing freelance opportunities and securing long-term clients.
