- Training Graphic Design
In today’s image-driven society, graphic designers play an important role in any organisation seeking to develop its visual identity. Some graphic designers are self-employed. What do freelance graphic designers do, what are their obligations, how much do they earn? Here’s an overview of the freelance graphic design profession.
THE TASKS OF A FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Like their salaried counterparts, freelance graphic designers are responsible for creating a graphic universe.
As a freelancer, their first task is to find clients. The first priority for freelance graphic designers is to develop their network of contacts, which will ensure the viability of their business.
They have a number of tools and platforms at their disposal to achieve this: websites, but also other platforms that have the advantage of being free, such as blogs, and above all social networks where they can develop their “picture marketing” to a greater extent (Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr or Behance).
Freelancers are at the client’s disposal; they start when the client asks them to, and leave when the need is met. There is no long-term commitment of any kind between the client and the service provider, and the former is under no obligation to pay the latter if he is no longer needed.
KNOW-HOW, KNOWLEDGE
It is essential for freelance graphic designers to find out everything they can about their clients so that they can offer them solutions that are tailored to their needs.
Freelance graphic designers must know how to juggle different worlds, without allowing themselves to be influenced from one project to the next.
They must be versatile, adapting to different media, both print and digital. Like all graphic designers, freelancers have genuine drawing skills and mastery of DTP software.
In addition, they need to have excellent commercial skills in order to meet their client’s requirements as closely as possible. Successful freelancers are good at what they do, but they are also good at sales. Your work is based on dialogue and trust!
Like all self-employed people, they must have a certain capacity for management, be sensitive to changes in their profession and not count their time.
CAREER, DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Freelance graphic designers must choose a legal structure. Two types of structure are possible: a sole proprietorship or the creation of a one-person company.
In the first case, you can set up a traditional sole proprietorship, or opt for micro-entrepreneur status (maximum annual turnover of €70,000 for a freelance graphic designer).
Setting up a one-person company involves more costly procedures, but there is no turnover limit.
The rates charged depend on the graphic designer’s experience and the work involved (€200 to €5,000 for a poster, €800 to €3,500 for a company logo, €4,500 for a brochure).
Traditional communications agencies and web marketing agencies, producers of comic strips, cartoons and video games may all need a freelance graphic designer for their outsourcing requirements.
