Best way to communicate with new client as a freelance graphic designer?

Best way to communicate with new client as a freelance graphic designer?

• I am a recent graduate and am very reserved, shy and a little nervous about how to go about communicating with my clients. I want to appear very professional and knowledgeable.What kind of questions should I ask my client right off the bat to gain the most information possible about what the client needs and what they are looking for in a project? Should I have the client sign a contract? When should the subject of billing come up in the process? Which would be more professional and beneficial: to contact the client by phone or through email?

• Answer:

  Face to face is the best way. Basically, WHAT does he have in mind? What kind of business? What sort of attitude in the company? What is their MISSION? What sort of project? ALWAYS sign a contract... If you can agree on the terms. There are standard templates on what freelancers such as you can use on projects such as this. Leave the billing to the last, but you may want to hold off a day or two to calculate the true cost of the project. Voice is usually better. Leave e-mail for attachments. Your bank can probably help you with online billing.