Business Skills for Freelance Designers

How much should you charge?

To be a freelance graphic designer, means to work for yourself, without having to report to a supervisor. There are many skills needed, however, to be able to go into business on your own or with a partner. One must be a certain type of individual in order to start a small business. You must be diligent, a hard worker, and willing to work at all hours of the day to establish a name for yourself. Freelancers must also establish connections with clients. These skills not only apply to freelance design, but many other careers as well. 

Questions to think about:

• How do I price my time & talent?
  
• How do I manage day to day finances?
  
• How do I manage taxes?
  
• How do I cover my health insurance?
  
• How do I get the programs needed to design?
• How do I market my business? How do I network?
  

Take a look at this online article about tips for being a freelance designer.

Read this article by David Airey on freelance design and pricing. 

Assignment: 
Your assignment is to fill out the freelance designer worksheet to decide how much you should be paid for design work.