Need Freelance Graphic Designer Advice

[elyag]

Hi there! I work at home as a Graphic Designer. My husband has been laid off since March and I recently found out that I am pregnant (surprise!!!). Sooooo we're looking to bring in some more money to cover our midwife, etc. I've thought about getting a part-time job but I'd like to try to find some more clients first before having to work outside the home. My husband is also a designer and willing to work.

Anyways, I've always gotten my clients by word of mouth but now we're needing to search out clients. Can anyone point me in the right direction on how to do this? I've looked at Guru.com but it seems so competitive - what are the chances of actually winning a bid on there?

If someone could give us some more pointers on how to bring in clients I would appreciate it VERY much! Thanks!!!

(Or anything else that might bring in some extra money would be helpful too.)

[Kristine233]

First, set up somewhere on the web where you can display your portfolio. This doesn't have to be fancy, even a blog will do for starters. You have to have somewhere on the web, a presence, if you want to compete on the web.

Then, as a WAHM, network. That is the best advice I can give you. Network with other WAHMs that have services that are complimentary to yours. Advertising here can help as well and is pretty inexpensive.

[Fuamami]

Maybe you've already done this or have connections, but when I went out on my own as a graphic designer, the first thing I did was to go to all the printers in town and let them know. Especially the ones I had worked with in the past while I was an employee. I left business cards and asked them to recommend me to anyone who needed something done.

[elyag]

Originally Posted by Fuamami

Maybe you've already done this or have connections, but when I went out on my own as a graphic designer, the first thing I did was to go to all the printers in town and let them know. Especially the ones I had worked with in the past while I was an employee. I left business cards and asked them to recommend me to anyone who needed something done.

I have done this. One of my friends works for one of the largest printers in Houston. She told me that everyone is on a hiring freeze right now but maybe something will pan out sooner or later. I'm staying positive.

[elyag]

Originally Posted by Kristine233

First, set up somewhere on the web where you can display your portfolio. This doesn't have to be fancy, even a blog will do for starters. You have to have somewhere on the web, a presence, if you want to compete on the web.

Then, as a WAHM, network. That is the best advice I can give you. Network with other WAHMs that have services that are complimentary to yours. Advertising here can help as well and is pretty inexpensive.

That's a good idea! I'm in the process of setting up my website but I never thought about advertising here. Thanks for the idea!