AboutChristopher Quereau Expertise Owner of a Creative Services firm in Northern New York. Available for questions relating to the business of design, client relations, billing, design startups, employee management, production, brand and print development.
Experience GrafiQa has a combined experience of over 30 years. Our client list is extensive. We have developed brands for companies across the state of New York. Visit www.grafiqa.com to learn more about what we do.
I've been employed as a Graphic Artist for the past few years, however, I'm interested in starting my own business. I've done some research and recognize a need for the service in the Caribbean.
I'm also interested in freelancing as a graphic artist online. I currently do not have a web site of my own.
What advice can you provide for both situations and how do I do business as a Graphic Artist on the Internet?
Answer Hi, freelancing and getting work purely on line will be difficult - there are hundreds of thousands of people clamoring for work on the internet including super low budget quick turnaround people from other countries - THat is unless you have some unique or individual skill.
In regards to establishing a base in the Caribbean- do you live there? if so here is what I reccomend from what i know works.
1. NETWORK like Mad - join chambers, go to mixers, make friends, vollunteer on boards, hand out cards. (this is number one in establishing the business)
2. Brand yourself hardcore - Establish a solid brand for your business, consider not making it just your name ie: something bigger then yourself so when you add people you can grow and its not all about talking directly to you. - but good brand will allow people to recognize your business and refer you, etc.
3. Make some type of print pieces, brochure, stationery, etc - COmpanies hire companies they think can handle their business noone significant will hire you with cards printed out on your home printer.
4. Consider Niching ie: pick an industry and be the best designer for designing in that industry ie: carribean tourism businesses - that does not mean you dont take a job from a non profit - it just means your marketing targets the former.
5. Become a businessperson first and a designer second - learn to talk to clients, learn to listen, learn to manage your business and learn about money and talking about money.
