Читать книгу Start & Run a Graphic Design Business - Michael Huggins - Страница 16

What’s the best way to start your graphic design business? Should you ease into it or jump into it with both feet? Again, that depends on what you want, and what your pocketbook can take.

You may be working for a firm right now and have a desire to go out on your own. In this case, you may want to start with freelance work on the side and build a portfolio of clients first. Or perhaps you’re ready to just make a “go” of it right now. Whatever the case let’s look at your options.

Making the leap from employment to self-employed can be stressful. Freelancing before you quit your day job can help ease the stress, especially since you’ve been conditioned to get that nice little paycheck every two weeks. When you are on your own you’ll have no way of knowing if you’ll have the clients and workload you need to compensate you for what you are now earning. Freelancing to build a client list might be the way to go for you, but keep in mind you will be stretched and your part-time freelance work could start to have an impact on your day job.

Most of your clients will work in the day and they will often want access to you when they are working. This can make it difficult when you still work for another employer. Be careful of “stealing” time from your current employer. Subtle things such as taking your freelance phone calls and emails while working at your full-time job can expand to large proportions and become overwhelming.

Be ethical and honest when you freelance. Do it on your own time, not on your current employer’s time. Talk to your employer in advance to make sure the company doesn’t have an issue with freelancing while you work for them. Be sure that there are no agreements such as noncompete agreements that prevent you from doing so.

In some cases your current employer can even be an excellent source of work when you start your business. You can talk to your employer about switching to freelance and moving into a contract position as you build your client base.

Even if you don’t choose to freelance while you work full time, you can still build your business by making connections with other people in the industry now. Build your relationship with other support businesses such as print suppliers, illustrators, photographers, web programmers, and production houses. Make sure to keep good records on these people. Chances are you’ll need their help when you’re ready to go out on your own.