How I Became a Freelance Graphic Designer

[@RobertoBlake]

I know it is an older video Brent, but I just want to say, great job on this and thanks for sharing your story and for all the work you do in helping others on their journey!

[@BrentGalloway]

+Roberto Blake Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, Roberto! It means a lot!

[@RobertoBlake]

Brent Galloway Anytime!

[@RavenWard]

+Roberto Blake Damn dude you're in literally every design video I watch. You're a pro at this youtube thing.

[@KeepOnKeepnOn]

+Raven Ward I know right!

[@brittneyhorikawa5318]

@@RavenWard HAHA! I noticed that, too, but hey..we sure know who he is. Definitely a pro. If only I could meet my social media quota.

[@lienhoa_12]

This IS the content we need. No rambling. And aesthetically pleasing enough that i don't become judgy 😂

[@SatoriGraphics]

Great video, I am sure many people will be able to use your advice. You're right though, it does require risk, but life is a pretty much a collection of calculated risks when you think about it..

[@jamesiangomez6338]

yow tom i just finished watching you videos and i learned a lot of it i want to became a freelancer alsoi but im a bout to start college life and i dont know where to start

[@BrentGalloway]

New video: How I Became a Freelance Graphic Designer There were many risks and opportunities I took that have led to where I am today in my freelance career as a graphic designer, and that's what I'd like to share with you - how I became a freelance graphic designer.

[@cholmesg1]

Gotta get back into watching. Awesome video Brent Galloway​

[@latiosexing362]

Brent Galloway first off if like to say, you're truly an inspiration. I am a gamer who is interested in learning graphic design, and I am currently working full time. I can not attend a 4 year at the moment. therefore, I am looking into it in a self taught manner. I look forward to gaining more insight in this matter through your media content. keep it up!

[@samwheeler8316]

2 year program did you go Bradford school?

[@GMoney-B]

This video is definitely older but is definitely timeless in the information it contains. I saved this video because it was so great even if the information is short; it’s very valuable. Watched it again today and I needed this so much, just to hear the simple steps I need to take. I quit my media production job that was so so to move to california on not a huge amount of money; to freelance/look for good work opportunities if they present themselves. I do decently (I feel anyway), graphic design, photography, video production, motion graphics, wordpress design. But doing all those things at my last multi-disciplinary job I feel like was a blessing and a challenge since I was all over the place. I have gotten stuck the last month in the mindset of just trying to do anything I can get and everything to make money just to keep life rolling; but seeing your video and hearing the information I already have heard and thought before; I think was expressed in your video in a manner that really banged me on the head of why I’m not getting anywhere really. Man, thanks so much for this video. I can just feel it that doing these steps to a T; will help me to start getting work and good work at that. Do you or anyone else reading recommend or discourage any freelance sites like upwork? Do you guys recommend any other sites similar or relative for getting work/ jobs?

[@BrentGalloway]

Hey Gavin! Thanks so much for the kind words! It means a lot to hear my video can be a positive reminder for you to start getting the work you want! As for the job sites thing, I actually made a video all about that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emW0enWMg9mtd68 Hope it helps! And if there's any other topics you might like to see me cover in a future video, let me know! I'm working on getting back on a schedule to make videos.

[@GMoney-B]

Thanks so much for responding Brent! It's funny because I found your other video shortly after some of your other videos, haha. Couldn't see where my previous comment went to. As for what I personally would like to see that you mentioned in your newest video. Your idea similar to doing daily life of a freelancer/graphic designer would be awesome. Hate to say it, but kinda like vlog style just for seeing how one runs all sorts of things or solves problems one might have while freelancing and graphic designerizing

[@deborahnolanfullsail9536]

Thank you.. I am attending Full Sail University, and I felt this was a great advice for my career ahead of me.

[@peterthompson3605]

I’ve just seriously started to look at my Freelance Graphic Design business. I’ve picked up a few local jobs, designing logos and branding. It’s time for me to step back and figure out who I am, what I do and who for. I’m going to follow this whole series and I’ll keep you updated on my progress.

[@turtleguy123r3]

My ears perked up once you mentioned a technical school, which is the exact situation I am currently in. I will be entering my senior year and my second year of tech. Here is to my future in graphic design!

[@RuthlessxNexus]

I remember watching this video back in high school, and thinking about the routes I could take if I became a graphic designer. Since I’ve graduated and gotten my degree since last year, it’s been tough, hopping from job to job, and I thought I found my big break, but it turned out the people turned me down, which is a big mistake on their part. I’m subject to change, and I’m more than willing to learn what I’ve done wrong throughout the whole interview, but as I grow and become a big graphic designer in the meantime, find a job that fits with me, and not only that, but make an income, if not multiple, while also having the passion to do what I love, in the end of the day, looking at this video resonates with me so much that, In the end of the day all I can really say is thank you. Thank you after 7 years, because without this video, I wouldn’t be reminding myself to push myself to do what I love to in the first place for years at this point. I have all the resources there, but haven’t pushed myself to do what I’ve been meaning to do.

[@BrentGalloway]

Thank you for taking the time to share this! 🙏 It's awesome to hear! Keep learning, creating, and pushing yourself!

[@lapekgaming]

Thank you for telling the story of your life, and really motivated me to continue learning graphic design. I just learned one month self-taught

[@iBeerzy]

Well done, im a university student study a diploma of graphic design, im now studying it, and i enjoy it, my goals are to work in atore store and at home, i'm loving it, its been a passion of my for a long time, and im glad you find the same feeling as well, great job on your success bro!

[@cassietu8639]

Thanks for sharing your experiences Brent! I just watched 10 of your videos and it really helped get me in the right mindset. I recently quit a corporate job to go full-time freelance. I loved the idea and redesigned my website but wasn't sure where to start after that. I was just about to hunt on Upwork but saw your other video about those sites, and am so glad I did! Looking forward to more videos. Thanks! 👍

[@BrentGalloway]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, Cassandra! :)

[@mohabmagdy4155]

Hey Cassie how things went with you know kindly can you share your updates with us ?

[@YAHIABENFREELANCER]

Thank you so much for sharing. I'm graphic designer and I didn't start my own business yet. A friend like you will help me so much to start my own business.

[@retielnairb]

Great video Brent. I just made the transition from employer to full-time freelancing and loving it! Just subscribe to your channel!

[@BrentGalloway]

+Brian Leiter That's awesome to hear! Thanks for watching and subscribing, Brian! :)

[@0.mooncake.0]

Thank you sooo much for this video ❤️ This is a thing I'm struggling with right now bcs I don't see myself in any other field than graphic design. So thank you for what you're doing ❤️

[@logodesigner7635]

Thank you so much brent! . I am now starting my freelance graphic designing, finding clients, and marketing. I think your video really helps me a lot. Good Job brent!

[@julieannsarangaycureg4375]

Thankyou for the pieces of adviced sir. I've been struggling and anxious on how I start to know and learn to be freelance and when I found this I felt motivated to study and learn. I'm a beginner anyways with zero knowledge and I want to become a freelance soon..

[@creativereflux4336]

This video still inspires me. Thanks!

[@DesignstoDesireCreative]

Thanks for sharing your story - very interesting! I'm also freelancing full-time and recently started a youtube channel with the hopes of helping other freelancers as well. I agree with what you said about blogging, it's so important to help get discovered. Great video & portfolio! :)

[@itsavvy2412]

Thanks for sharing your success story brent. People are inspire very much form your video.

[@baslielalene4702]

Thank you for sharing your story Brent.

[@tranquyennguyen370]

Thank you for sharing, you inspire me a lots.

[@mobbmaster]

Great video! I am in my second year of college and this is very useful information... Thanks!

[@afzaalashraf8761]

Brent great video especially for those who need some motivation once again good work

[@aacreation3824]

Nice job dude. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@KeepOnKeepnOn]

hey Brent, happy New Year to you. I believe your video just hit me at the right exact time of my life. I've been struggling with a lot of those areas as well. been having trouble freelancing. I know my identity and I resonate with everything you say about spending time elsewhere. I believe I have an audience and I am in the eyes of the right people. however I may be having trouble with the process slowly but surely I am finding my calling. thank you so much for sharing and thank you for your advice

[@BrentGalloway]

+Donald Fleshman III Happy New Year to you as well, Donald! The process is an iterative process that'll come with time. I'm constantly reworking how I do things in my freelance business. Stick with it and keep up the hard work. Everything will continue to evolve and fall into place. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment! :)

[@YokoshimaOfficial]

You've changed so much~ Also, very good videography ^^

[@jamesgailey6590]

Hey Brent. Just found your video on KZbin. I guess it was a suggestion from them. Very cool video and story. You have calm cool nice guy thing going on. Reminds me of myself. I've been out of graphic design game a while, but It has never left my heart. When I did not have a computer, I used a pencil doing concept for myself and future projects or friends business. This video was great I'm starting over today and trying get back into the swinng of things. Look forward on learning more and eventually get my own freelancing going on.

[@BrentGalloway]

Thanks for the kind words, James! Excited to hear you're rediscovering that passion for design! The best thing you can do right now is just start and continue to create for the fun of it. All that freelance stuff will flesh itself out naturally as you define your own work processes and style. Best of luck with everything! ✌️

[@kd_violet]

Thanks for the inspirational video!!!! I like the design of lettering at the beginning very much =)

[@Lumanix1]

Thank you Brett for this awesome video. Its 2am here in Melbounre, Australia at the moment that i came across your videos. You pointed exactly what i was looking for to be freelancer and defining my business to customers. I run a business from called Shaie Designs, i post my work here and there my Facebook and Instagram pages, but buiness isnt that great to be honest. I hope to open a studio sometime in the next a year or two, but before i do that, i have to first identity what i enjoy doing and not doing all sorts of designs to scrap by as you mentioned. And i think, thats my mistake, trying to take onboard jobs just for the money. I have a brand identity and my name is out there in the community, but i want to acheive more so my income well, business doing great and cliental that brings in 80% of new customers. Thanks once again for this great video, as i can related to what you have mentioned. Thanks mate :)

[@farhadkaveh.e9638]

thank you sooo much for sharing such a valuable information

[@evintang4664]

I am looking to do freelance graphic design along with blogging, so this is really useful.

[@muhammadsakibkhan8760]

i want

[@nicholaskemp6041]

Hey Brent! I want to say how much I enjoy this video. I'm looking to start a freelance business as a 3d artist focusing on product development and some animation as well. My question to you is that did you have a battle with yourself about which pieces to use in your portfolio and what ways do you recommend for marketing yourself?

[@justBorja]

Great advice! I'm trying to do some freelance work as a side job while studying and it was really useful :)

[@BrentGalloway]

+justBorja Thanks for watching! :)

[@rhina_corpuz]

I'm graduating next week and thinking about starting as a freelance graphic designer. What I'm concerned about is the business and legal side of it. What about contracts, agreements, licenses and all those things? What is the important paperwork needed when you work as a freelancer?

[@BrentGalloway]

My best advice here is to not overthink the paperwork. Just start doing the work you want to be doing. The paperwork will present itself as you need it-You land a project and need to create a contract, research and create a contract. You need to invoice the client, create an invoice. You don't need to have every detail prepared just to get started. As for the legalities, every state/country varies, so do a quick search for operating as a sole proprietor/freelancer in your specific area. The worst thing you can do is let the overwhelming thought of paperwork hold you back from starting. You'll figure things out as you grow, I promise you that. The most important thing is to start and focus on doing the work itself. Best of luck!

[@rhina_corpuz]

Brent Galloway thank you so much! I’m currently taking a media business law class and it’s been making me overthink about the legal and business part of this field ever since. This helped me relax a little. Thank you! You are awesome.

[@idothedew]

Thanks for sharing your story. Your videos have inspired me to give KZbin a shot

[@claudekabongo892]

thank a lot for the video, just what i needed to hear

[@Natalie_callery]

This video just earned one more subscription in me. Great content sir!

[@CMPhamtastikk]

Amazing! Def. going to use these tips!

[@ITYWML]

So inspirational! Thank you!

[@g66lol]

Seanwes hype! Super inspiring AND informative video. I'm working on the Overlap Technique right now but in 6 months I'm thinking I might be there ;)

[@ITYWML]

So inspiring. Thanks!

[@fishagrams]

Hi thanks you so much for the video. and i am the junior of freelance graphic design. love your sharing and ya, make thing happen.

[@elliotplacke4532]

This is wonderful bud!

[@maxc.1478]

That's really inspiring buddy, thanks. I have a very decent portfolio, but I just can't get clients because I don't know how to market myself. I want to focus on logo design.

[@BrentGalloway]

My latest video actually shares my thoughts on how to market yourself and stand out online as a freelancer. Check it out if you haven't already: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnK1knmgr85rh6c

[@chaichanaa]

Thanks for the great videos and tips! I hope I can go freelance someday.

[@hrzmedia1018]

Thanks a lot you inspired me very much... thumbs up

[@hadafoxer9563]

Thanks a lot for this video😇

[@BrettGoldingStartaa]

Excellent advice Brent

[@jacksugden8190]

Im 63 going on 64, I’m pretty advanced using the Wix free edition, I do not sketch or design logos on paper, and the idea of becoming a freelancer looked interesting, where do I go from here with a business model and lack funds to design my brand stationary?.

[@tessyshub3171]

Hi Brent, I just come across this while designing my logo, I would say this is very motivational and very clear presentation.I wish you could share about marketing the skill.Thanks

[@Marclopezillustration]

Very useful... Thank you for the video.

[@Deathguitarist92]

This was really helpful, thanks!

[@gelloyangsteryang6481]

0:06 i got the work from home part right, the "do something that i enjoy" part is coming soon

[@selmaduheric519]

Thank you! Life Saver

[@alicediscovertheworld]

Great video for inspiration ! thank you :)

[@strongreminder7076]

Hello BRENT. I liked your video. But I need a piece of advice. Would you please tell me wich website is better for graphic designing? And of course tell which software you mostly used for doing your job. THANK YOU

[@BrentGalloway]

Thanks for watching and liking! By which website is better for designing, are you referring to a portfolio website? If so, there are many free options. Just do a simple Google search. But if you're looking to set up something more professional, I highly recommend Squarespace. As for software, I use two programs: Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

[@GalacticBlader]

i need to stop being lazy OPEN UP DA PHOTOSHOP and learn this stuff.

[@Music-fv9ho]

Thanks Brent...its inspiring

[@danielgranados8996]

Nice video Brent! I just kind of stumbled upon it spontaneously. I do have one question though, I am very interested in becoming a graphic designer. I am close to my 30´s and have a full time job and have no idea where to start. any piece of advice? school is not an option at this point.

[@BrentGalloway]

Hey Daniel, that's awesome to hear! Good news for you is that school is not a requirement for becoming a graphic designer. The best thing you can do is spend any amount of free time you can make to practice. Put all of your value and effort into creating! Experiment with different techniques and start by creating for yourself. As you develop your skills, questions will arise. You'll naturally seek out the answers and things will just start to fall into place. Find what type of work you want to do then follow those that succeed in it. Observe, experiment, and create! :)

[@amirulidzham3686]

The thing that haunted me always is lacking idea in designing. How to overcome this problem? I'm an software eng in few years later

[@enos5192]

No prob bruh.. Just give it some time. You will surely rock..

[@antimnafak4586]

Very helpful video.

[@dyk_clipz]

what tips and advice can you give to underage like me? I’m only 16 years old but I really love Graphic Design. And wanna be successful freelancer in the future.

[@BrentGalloway]

Now's the perfect time to learn and create as much as possible. You'll want to learn Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Then use Google and KZbin to learn the software. There's tons of free tutorials that cover the basics. The more you create, the faster you'll improve and learn what type of graphic design work you love doing most. The sooner you can figure that out, the faster you'll be able to build a thriving career around it. If you have any other specific questions, feel free to shoot me an email via my website. Hope that helps!

[@darthavocado5844]

Thank you so much for this :)

[@christineschwartz7185]

Do you need a business license for a freelance graphic designer? I currently work for a company and want to start freelancing.

[@BrentGalloway]

Depends on how you structure your business (self-employed vs. working under a different name) and where you live. Every State/Country has different laws, so it's best to check if there are any requirements where you live. But don't let paperwork hold you back from starting. You can still dive right into working with clients and building up your name while you figure out the legal stuff as you grow.

[@Obscenegriffin]

thank you very much from France !!!

[@celestindimitriu3675]

First of thanks for a great video man. Very inspirational. My question for those of u who are full-time freelance graphic designers or digital nomads. How do you get your the clients? What are your strategies?

[@BrentGalloway]

When I first started it was all word of mouth. Then I started blogging about what I was doing, and that brought traffic to my website, which slowly landed me random jobs. Once I focused my portfolio around t-shirt design and then blogged about that, I started landed more of those type of projects. As my portfolio grew, so did my clients and eventually I started connecting with larger and larger clients. Now I get a consistent amount of work through clients who I've built a relationship with and continue to get new leads through my website.

[@lichtspieler_erklaervideo]

Thank you for this Video! Like it!

[@ryanbrissett9348]

Great video Brent. I have a question though, what's the name of the 2 year program you did and what type of qualification did you receive after completing the program?

[@BrentGalloway]

I went to a local community college and graduated with a two-year associates degree in interactive media and business. At the end of it all, it was not worth it for me personally. Partly because the school I attended was teaching outdated material, and I went in knowing more than most of my instructors when it came to web/graphic design and using the tools. Would the degree help in some cases to find a job? Sure. But in the line of freelance work I do nowadays, it's a worthless piece of paper. But that's just been my personal experience. I always suggest that if you learn better in a school environment, then definitely look into your options. But there are free/affordable courses and resources online to teach yourself about design. What's most important to many employers these days is can you do good work and do you have a good work ethic?

[@ryanbrissett9348]

Thank you Brent.

[@mixedmamiiD]

I'm stuck at an Office supply store FULL TIME (Print Supervisor, so I make what I need). I'm pregnant so risk are not a thing right now. I really don't want to be there but my new family needs to eat and stuff... I went to a community college for graphic design but wasn't focused. It's been a year, how do I get focused now??

[@kezzelekolubah5132]

i am really fascinated about graphic design because i want to create my own job knowing that job opportunity in my country is very difficult. my fear is age, i am 40 years of age and thinking how am i going to start a new discipline. i need your advise

[@marshproduction7633]

im in 12th grade (graduating this year) and im also a freelance designer. but in my case, people dont usually respect me since im still in high school. so i dont get paid that much. the stuggle is real.

[@BrentGalloway]

+Marsh Production I once knew that struggle all too well. It can be tough to be taken seriously, but you'll find your confidence in time, and that respect will follow. My tip would be to present yourself as professional as possible. And the same goes for how you brand yourself and your work. If you present yourself as a professional, you'll be treated as one. It's awesome that you're freelancing in high school. Gaining that experience early on is so great. Stick with it! :)

[@oliverhurst4790]

Inspirational dude 👏🏼

[@andistevens1999]

Great video! I am just starting out in graphic design, but I know its definitely what I want to do- I can't let it go. What software would you recommend learning first? Illustrator, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver to build the website/portfolio? Or something different? Thank you!!!

[@BrentGalloway]

Andi Stevens illustrator and photoshop for sure! They are the industry standard for graphic design. For a portfolio, something like Squarespace is affordable and super easy to use compared to hosting and building your own site from scratch.

[@andistevens1999]

@@BrentGalloway thank you! I really like t-shirt graphic design. Two questions: 1) Is illustrator the better software, or, is photoshop needed as well? 2) I'm not really interested in the production aspect of the apparel design, just creating the graphic content for the shirts. What's the best way to go about this? Create a bunch of designs and post in a portfolio? Any advice is welcomed...I'm starting from complete scratch, as I'm sure you can tell. Thanks!

[@BrentGalloway]

Illustrator will be the better software for t-shirt design. Photoshop can be very useful if you're ever designing photo t-shirts or wanting to heavily distress your designs with textures. The best way to go about starting is creating designs and putting them up on your portfolio and sharing them on Instagram. When I was getting my foot in the merch industry, I'd mockup all of my designs as t-shirts. Sharing and presenting my work as t-shirt designs helped attract t-shirt projects. Then that work helped fuel my portfolio and attract even more client work.

[@andistevens1999]

@@BrentGalloway great advice. I checked out your t-shirt portfolio @ brentgalloway.me - super awesome work, it's inspiring, and I see what you mean as far as presenting the designs as tshirts. Couple questions, did you mainly use Illustrator? (& Photoshop to create the distressed shirt-like texture)? And do you recommend sticking to a niche..example being, band tees...or just a mix of anything and everything?

[@BrentGalloway]

Yes, I start nearly every project in Illustrator. Then use Photoshop for photo tees or distressing the designs I built in Illustrator. Sticking to a niche was how I was able to stand out and find my dream clients. But if you're just getting started, it can help to widen that focus and try a bit of everything. That way you can find the exact niche you truly love to design for. But eventually you'll want to find that niche. It'll help tremendously with marketing and attracting your ideal type of work.

[@strongreminder7076]

another question. Would you please tell how to train my self to be a professional graphic designer? Which works are most demanded in freelancing?? Is it editing photographs, logo designing or anything else??? please tell me in details about it.

[@BrentGalloway]

Becoming a professional graphic designer will only come with practice and experience - like anything else. Unfortunately there's no shortcuts to take. You have to really enjoy the work. If you enjoy the work, it'll be much easier and a lot more fun. As for which type of work is in high demand, that's unclear, because everything has a market. But it's safe to say website design and logo design are always in high demand.

[@TroyValdehueza]

Hi Brent! I am currently a Senior HS student, and I have decided to freelance just recently. I have done several free works for my institution, like shirts and logos for clubs, organizations, and colleges. But I still am not confident on how to set rates on my designs, and I'm quite reluctant if my works in school would actually measure up to actual designs in the designing field. Most of my clients right now are my acquaintances who have known me for my work. How should I set my rates for them? And how should I set my rates in general?

[@BrentGalloway]

I was in your exact situation when I was a senior in high school! I took on projects pro bono through my career center, and took on small projects outside of school. The confidence in your work will only come with time, but don't be afraid to put it out there! Be proud of all the work you do - it'll only get better! As for rates, that's tough to answer without knowing more about where you're at and what you're doing for your clients, but I wrote an article on this that might help: yourfreelancecareer.com/how-to-set-your-freelance-rates-and-never-get-ripped-off-again/

[@TroyValdehueza]

Wow, it really makes a difference when you receive insights from people whom you share the same experiences with. You're an inspiration, really. Thank you very much! I'll make sure to keep those in mind. :)

[@kevingriffith3856]

Great job on the video! Question: can you recommend an online graphic design program that isn't overpriced? I am looking to make a career transition from the event industry to no-code design or UI. I thought graphic design certification would be a good place to start.

[@BrentGalloway]

To be completely honest, no specific program comes to mind as the best place to learn. I've learned most of what I know by sourcing from many places online: KZbin and Google searching for specific things. Sites like Skillshare or Creative Live are great and have affordable courses as well.

[@ashutoshkshatriya28]

Hi Brent, I love to watch your videos and are very helpful. Thank you for sharing your ideas. Well I got to ask something, I'm about to plan for freelance graphic design but the thing is how do I know the different streams of graphic design to know my interest?

[@BrentGalloway]

Thanks Ashutosh! I think it's best to go with the flow and follow your gut when it comes to your interests. There are countless niches and paths you can take, so pursue what you are familiar with. By starting you'll begin to gain experience. Naturally you'll pick up on different types of design and you'll refine your interests. I started with an interest in web design, and 5 years later here I am, specializing in t-shirt design for the music industry. Don't get too hung up on it. Just get started! Hope that helps and best of luck! :)

[@ashutoshkshatriya28]

Brent Galloway yes, your right. If I think in this way I have some chosen out of many. Thank you so much. Keep updating your videos because it really helps me out and I think many like me. Wish you good luck too Brent.

[@sephorag5758]

Hello, I just bought an IMac 27" so I could write a children's book and do the graphics myself. can you recommend a good program I can buy for graphics? I'm also interested in taking an online graphics course. Thanks, Sheri

[@BrentGalloway]

Your best bet would be to learn Adobe applications such as Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, etc. Those are the industry standards when it comes to design applications, and most if not all printers work with those. The great thing about Adobe is you can pay monthly for Creative Cloud and get access to all of their apps. For illustration, you'll want to learn Illustrator and/or Photoshop. With Illustrator you can get crisp vector illustrations, where Photoshop would be great for lots of digital painting, textures, etc. Then InDesign could be used to create the layout of the books. All of these apps work seamlessly together, which is another reason I'd highly recommend Adobe Creative Cloud! Hope that helps!

[@sephorag5758]

Brent Galloway Thank you! that was very helpful. and thank you for getting back to me so quick!

[@MrRarufuSama]

Hi Brent, Its my first time to take this risk to do freelancing job. I have a question, when bidding for a project does it need to have the output automatically or wait for the client to respond before you do the output. need your advice thanks.

[@BrentGalloway]

I have a video all about freelance job sites you should check out. Ideally you and the client should both be onboard before starting any work. Then you either should be compensated upfront to begin the design process, or at the very least paid before you send any deliverables (the final files.)

[@yasmineshiraz3844]

i wanna learn how to design please..from where should i begin?

[@nessyou02]

Thank you for this video

[@jeehoondevil]

Great motivational quote at the end

[@HaiderAli-lq8ev]

Hi, Brent Galloway I've a question.. as I'm a student and I'm willing to work right at home as a graphic designer... would it be good to work part time?

[@BrentGalloway]

Are you talking about working part-time freelance or other day job? Either way in most cases, yes, it's smart to work somewhere part-time to ensure you're making some sort of consistent income. I freelanced and worked a part-time job all through college until I felt comfortable enough to make the jump to freelance full-time.

[@HaiderAli-lq8ev]

exactly I'm also a student.. while pursuing home base job i came to know about freelancing and I'm willing to work as a freelancer right at home.. thanks for your quick response..

[@Anna-ut6wx]

I am about to begin graphic design school and I was wondering what software you use? Also are there any specific requirements to start a design business to avoid getting fined?

[@BrentGalloway]

Anna S Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are the industry standard. It’s what I use all day every day. And you can start doing freelance work under your name. Just know you’ll need to pay taxes on that income to avoid fees. Best thing to do is look into your local laws.

[@Anna-ut6wx]

@@BrentGalloway Thank you! Your videos are going to help me a ton !

[@bobelaite]

Thank you for sharing this. I'm trying to get back on track with creativity but I seem to get creative blocks all the time. I just can't get into a creative mindframe anymore but I know that my path is definately creativity and design, but I seem to be stressing out about it. Is there a certain technique or method that you use to break through to be more creative? Sorry if this sounds a bit vague!

[@BrentGalloway]

+bobelaite Creative block is the worst! It's different for everyone, but what helps me is to remind myself why I do what I do. What's the big picture goal? What's the chip on your shoulder that fuels you? Maybe you want to make a living from doing the work you love or maybe you want to prove all those naysayers wrong. I also rewatch some videos or listen to a podcast that gets me fired up, like a talk from my favorite designer for example. Creative block is inevitable, you just have to find the one or two things that get you fired up again. Also look into learning something new, like taking a class on Skillshare. Hope this helps! :)

[@LovePamela_]

thank you for sharing

[@joweschurt3369]

Great video

[@fernandodelacruz6321]

yes I have a question you see my goal is to be good at lightroom, Photoshop, illustrator, fuse, premiere and after effect. In my mind I assumed if im able to do allot amf be will rounded ill be more marketable because why pay for many designers out editors when one can do it all? Then I saw you say it's not good to do everything and base it on one and bold from that. So is what I'm doing for my clients a bad thing or no because right now I'm doing a logo for one client and editing a tv show for another, but I wanted to know your thoughts on this. I'm still new and in school for this and I saw this video so I thought I'd ask.

[@BrentGalloway]

Hey Fernando, I think it's great to learn many skills and to experiment. Being a jack of all trades is super valuable. I'm a jack of all trades myself. However, when it comes to marketing yourself to find clients, having focus will help tremendously. I can build websites, shoot photos, edit videos, and all that. But I only brand and promote myself as a graphic designer specializing in logo and t-shirt design. This is what ultimately lands me logo and t-shirt projects - the type of projects I want to be doing and be known for. Keep learning and keep experimenting. As you grow and learn what you love to do most, then you can begin to narrow your focus. I actually uploaded a recent video all about this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnK1knmgr85rh6c Hope this helps! :)

[@dp.6359]

hi, yeah your story really gave me a push walk forward with the work what i am doing, but i have one question! i am video designer i had many ideas of creativity but now can feel and can see that my creative ideas are losing why is the happening actually nothing comes to mind when i am working.

[@kujtimfetahu1507]

where can I start learning Graphic Design ?

[@carlotabuzo4629]

Brent i have a friend that was encouraging me to get a graphics design job? but i dont know if thats going to help me a lot in the future? and i love drawing but drawing in the computer is new to me, u see i love animation drawing in the paper that i used to. am 30yrs old graduate in college i have previous works and job before but in the end i realized i dont want to be regularize in those any job i have. and am thinking your advice that where i want to be in the future? i dont exactly know where to start and how find work that will suits my talent, what piece advice u can give to me?thanks and god bless

[@austinfranks9527]

What are the best marketing tools? You mention blogs, but is that the only thing you attribute to your success?

[@BrentGalloway]

Hey Austin, the best form of marketing I've experienced as a graphic designer is simply word of mouth and social media. I don't do any local business, it's all online for me, so my blog is definitely my number one asset. I do attribute my success to it. :) My go to sites to market my work is my blog, Twitter, Instagram, Dribbble, and KZbin.

[@jeenkim]

Brent, I have a question about working internationally as a freelancer. Are your clients from specific nationality or geographical area? How are the boundaries changing? I have an international background, but currently studying design in a small town - if I want to eventually build up a broad range of clients, do you think I'd better continue my studies (MA for ex.) in a different country? (like Europe or the States?)

[@BrentGalloway]

+Kim Jeen Hi Kim, Since my business is primarily ran online, I get clients from all over the world. It doesn't matter where you get your education. Your clients will come from where you market yourself/business. If you promote it locally, you'll obviously get regional clients. If you market online, then you'll make connections all over the world. Hope this answers your question!

[@jeenkim]

Thank you for your reply! It did :) Thanks for your great videos as well!

[@khalidassiri759]

I study software engineering but I don't enjoy at all , this semester I've taken an art class as an elective class and i really enjoyed it and i did very well and my professor liked what i did , i have a small experience about designing since i was a kid and Ive sold some of my work. But the problem is how do I start as graphic designer , i still have the fear of failing, what should i do ?

[@AlwaysDr3aming]

This is a great video. I am a beginner freelance graphic designer who has just been trying to put myself out there and figure out ways to make money. I am currently in school for graphic design and have gotten some opportunities to work with clients, but I don’t always get paid to do it. What are some good sites for beginner graphic designers to get some exposure and experience in the field? I’ve tried Upwork but haven’t gotten any jobs on there yetAnd I realize how competitive it is. Also, is it better to just focus on getting smaller jobs and working my way up rather than focusing on the big jobs first?

[@BrentGalloway]

When starting out you'll get the most experience from working directly with real clients one-on-one. So take on as much work as you can, no matter how large of a project it is. Every project will present some form of lesson to be learned. Exposure and experience will only come from doing an insane amount of work. And you never know where your next project may come from. One small project may lead you to your first big one, and that big one can lead to the next. So just start getting your name out there; word of mouth is always the best way to start, social media is free marketing, and if you have the know-how and time, creating your own content on a blog or here on KZbin can lead to big opportunities faster. Hope this helps!

[@finnnakashima3084]

How did you charge your first or earlier customer? Did you just throw up the price high or did you just start low at first?

[@BrentGalloway]

I asked around and researched what others were charging for similar types of projects. Then I quoted a price I felt comfortable with. I only raised my prices once I gained more experience and my schedule filled with more work.

[@deee01]

Love this video! What is the best way to market yourself? I'm a new graphic designer with a WIX website, strong resume, and facebook page. But still no one really knows of my work other them family. How can I get my stuff out there?

[@BrentGalloway]

For me, the best way to get my name out there has been focusing the type of work I do. It makes finding work and standing out so much easier! I actually did a video on this topic if you want to check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnK1knmgr85rh6c

[@dontahawkins]

slaving over the start button 😂#golden

[@B_Narzary_19]

Where should I showcase my Logo works to get my first paid job?? I got no degree or formal schooling , will I get job in logo design career??