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Graphic design is a fundamental component of marketing materials for a brand, visually communicating a message, and aiming to implement a feeling of trust in their core demographic.
But if we step back, how should you as a graphic designer market yourself? What is your brand? Whether this is during the earlier stages of your career when impressing potential employers, seeking freelance work, or promoting content across social media channels, it is worth approaching correctly to cut through the static.
1. You are your brand
As soon as you upload creative content to an online space, you become a brand in yourself. Whatever the scale, eyes will end up on your work and this will only gain momentum as time goes on.
Have a clean, professional logo that is uploaded in the correct image dimensions, to avoid distortion. Understand your brand’s aims, like what work you would want to be seen when, and by who. Research how to best get your content in front of your intended demographic, such as using Instagram’s analytics to see where your audience is predominantly from, and the times of the day and week when that social channel is used the most.
2. All eyes on you
If you are seeking a career in graphic design, optimize platforms like LinkedIn by connecting to people who you want to see your work. Post your work, in a well-presented manner using mock-ups, stylistic cohesion and a description with no grammatical errors, and this will appear on the homepages of those you want to be seen by. This will streamline the process and advertise yourself in a better manner than if someone had to go to your profile, then portfolio, then work. With almost 740 million users, LinkedIn is an invaluable resource to tap into for both freelance and full-time work opportunities, ultimately pushing your personal brand.
3. Request testimonials
When purchasing a new product or service, it’s second nature that we check reviews beforehand before, so we know what we’re getting ourselves into and putting our money and time towards. Consider this to be no different from your graphic design services. Request a review or testimonial from a client or employer you believe things have gone well in the past.LinkedIn allows for ‘recommendations’, which can act positively for your online reputation, whereas if you are advertising works through a platform such as Instagram, it’s worth thinking outside the box a bit. If your client gives you praise by email or instant message, perhaps present this in a nicely designed post on your page for potential clientele to see further down the line.
4. Your online persona is ‘on’ at all times
If you are actively seeking graphic design work, whether freelance or full-time, it is worth noting that your online presence is accessible to anyone, at any time of the day, from anywhere in the world. Is there a mistake in your portfolio? It can be seen by anyone and could be the difference in you landing that golden opportunity or not. A graphic design portfolio can make your career. Consequently, it should be a priority that your profiles and their content should be immaculate, with your work presented in the best manner possible and no spelling mistakes, to ensure you stand out at every time of the day.
5. Getting that sweet spot with your pitch
Marketing yourself as a graphic designer is an exercise in both perspective and empathy. If a company was constantly trying to push a sale on you for monetary gain with no interest in you as a consumer, you would grow weary and tiresome, with a sour taste left from them for future interactions. Whether it’s a hiring manager, creative director or potential client, make a conscious effort to understand their background, circumstances and needs before pushing for that sale, and it’ll pay off in the long run.
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