How do I become a Graphic Designer?

How Do I Become A Freelance Graphic Designer?

• As of right now I'm not in school for graphic design YET but I am going to next fall in 2010, I would do it in January but I'll be in a 8 week nursing program just because it's a short program and I want to be able to work because $ is short right now. But I wanted to know what are the ways to become a freelance graphic designer? where should I go to promote to get clients? I've done some work for people that found me via twitter but it wasn't consistent and a few people that were contacting me thought they didn't have to pay. Please help, thanks in advance.

• Answer:

  1. Portfolio 2. DO WORK FOR FREE for small businesses - local businesses will be very happy for you to do this and it will build on your... 3. .... Portfolio 4. Your own website, business cards, flyers must look professional as this is mainly what you'll be doing for people 5. Find out what prices people are charging (ring up competitors and ask them as if you were a small business what they would charge). UNDERCUT THIS PRICE. You are new and your portfolio is limited - why should somebody choose you over a designer with more experience? 6. Deliver previously mentioned adverts to local businesses and small businesses further afield. 7. PORTFOLIO!