Comments on: How I became a self-employed graphic designer

By: David Airey

David Airey — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:31:54 +0000

When I discovered it’d be too expensive to start-up my own indoor football business, and as, at the time, I was in the same city as my former employer, I thought I’d ask if they needed any work done. Self-employment made sense so I could work remotely — it wasn’t critical that I was on-site. The remote aspect was on my mind for a year or more beforehand (I think).

By: Graeme

Graeme — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:40:53 +0000

Hello David,

I have this blog bookmarked and I keep returningevery now and then. I was wondering if kind of one day you just said ‘right I’m starting up on my own’ and how did you plan it? I know you once told me to set up a web site portfolio but what say if I client asks for any qualifications?

Thanks David,

Best wishes
Graeme

By: Phuong Kagan

Phuong Kagan — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 21:42:28 +0000

Hello David,
I am really interested in everything you shared about your experiences at the very first idea in your mind to become self-employmed. It is not easy but it doesn’t mean “impossible” like people usually say.
I am now a graphic designing freelancer. And I know I am still a small little girl in a world filled full of talented people like you. But I do agree that “having passion and commitment” to keep on learning and sharing as much as I can, I will be success.
Your posts always keep my spirit up and open widely my mind, honestly.
Thank you so much for another very good post,

Phuong

By: Karthik

Karthik — Sat, 21 May 2011 06:28:43 +0000

Hi David,

Good post, sharing your experience and i get more confidence in me when i read it. I lost my job in recession 2 years back and was pushed to start as a freelancer. I dont have persuasive/communication skills to attract the clients through speech. So took the route of online freelancing. Slow, but steady after 1 year i got 1 work, at the same time i got fulltime job too as a magazine designer. After 2 years now, i have few number of prospective clients in USA.

Inspired by your post, just wanted to share my experienced too.

Regards
Karthik.R

By: David Airey

David Airey — Fri, 20 May 2011 14:51:03 +0000

Hi Jane, an ideal way to attract clients when you sleep is to build a useful website — one people can learn from. Authoring a blog is beneficial, if you’re not already doing that.

By: Jane

Jane — Fri, 20 May 2011 14:34:08 +0000

Hi David,

Since starting my business a few months ago as a graphic designer, I am having some difficulties keeping old clients or getting new ones. When the work is done, I have to start all over and this really is tiring.. I am not willing to go back to work full time..My question is how can we develop a 6 month financial goal or plan to keep receiving income from clients or something similar ??

Thank you!

By: caleb kemboi

caleb kemboi — Wed, 04 May 2011 08:59:37 +0000

You are a role model to me being a graphic design student and i’ll work to my very best.

By: Artist

Artist — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 07:27:54 +0000

This may be an option for some designers but not for me. I am a black graphic designer who is hired for nothing. No matter what I present on the table. I got to a point where I just gave up on this country. it is one thing to receive a no thank you or some form of rejection. But it has been 6 years now. The last response I received from a job was in 2005. it sucks to be treated as if you are non-existent. But that is how it goes and after sending out I am sure over 300 application over the past 6 years. And receiving no reply from all of them. it can make a man feel kind of down to say the least. As a result I have totally lost respect and belief in the usa and am in the process of finding a way out of it. I went to one of the top design schools in the world and had several renowned teachers. But I later learned that it doesnt matter. Strangely as it may be, despite being unemployable in the usa. I have devoted my time to being freelance. And in that time pushed myself hard and eventually broke through int othe mainstream technology industry. Where some of my work is now hosted. I receive some mainstream publicity for my work. But strangly, no jobs? I went to LA once and got blatantly rejected by every gallery from Santa Monica to Long Beach. Yet i walked away from LA with several art commissions from very well known Hollywood Celebrities ?!?!? That has been the story of my life pretty much. It is very weird. Not good enough but beyond good enough. When a man has to do 500% to be considered 50% as good as the average guy who doesn’t look like me. I guess it makes a man work much harder. And some people take notice even though the industry refuses. I have so many unique ideas and concepts in my head worth billions of dollars it isnt even funny. Trust me Ihave had lots of time to think things through. But nobody is willing to invest in them so it doesnt matter. I guess that’s the most heartbreaking thing of all. But as I have learned, a man like me can’t make it in America. No matter what he does. Being declared the loser of a race before it even starts is a pain that few men have to deal with. And i would not wish it on anyone. Not even those who have treated so badly. I only look forward to the day that I can look back at the usa and know that i am finally free. Damn me for choosing to embrace graphic design. I never knew it would damn me to a life of invisibility and to a hell of no opportunity.

By: Marty McColgan

Marty McColgan — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:24:32 +0000

Good article David,

I am currently in the process of trying to make the decision to either go out on my own or stay in my job part time, its a tough one to call. Its good to read what other people have done.

By: David Airey

David Airey — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:11:22 +0000

Thanks, Anna. I hope your son’s site is a success.