Freelance graphic design offers a unique blend of exhilarating creativity and independent work. While it does come with benefits like flexibility and owning your schedule, it presents numerous challenges that can catch even the most experienced designers off guard. As a seasoned freelancer myself, I have collected stories that come from my personal experiences making career mistakes. In this guide, I have included 10 graphic design freelancer career blunders every aspiring designer should avoid, along with helpful advice for maintaining professional success.
The Problem with Underpricing Your Work
A couple of years ago, when I started freelancing, I was eager to get any work I could get my hands on. As it happened, getting my hands on work entailed charging a rate that was way beneath the industry standard. That proved to be a major mistake on my part. The lower my price, the more hyper-competitive my clients became. This situation left me stressed and undercompensated. Not only does underpricing your services damage your income, it also entrenches the perception that you have low-value offerings for clients. Research your industry rates, account for your level of experience, and put your skills to use at a meaningful price. Skills command premium service pricing, not clearance!
Contracts
Lack of formal contracts can hurt both clients and freelancers. I, until recently, used to take handshake deals to finalize deals for projects. This latter behavior proved disastrous when I decided to go with a logo project. The client kept altering their requirements, and because I had no written contract detailing them, pandemonium ensued. A comprehensive agreement guarantees that problems resulting amid disputes are kept to a minimum. It is imperative that every contractor who goes for a handshake deal is aware that written agreements do bring order amid chaos. You will find that contracts do establish professional expectations and responsibility divisions.
Overbooking Projects
As an eager individual focusing on shifting from in-person clients to remote ones, I personally can empathize with the thought process behind saying yes to every gig that comes your way. If only that were true. Last year, I took on multiple tight-deadline tasks and pulled all-nighters in a bid to meet these fake deadlines to maintain my image but quickly realized I overbooked myself and this form of self-destructive behavior. Predictably, my project fell apart. I advocate using Controlio, or any other project management software, to keep track of your workload and help you understand your limits. Organizing is easy when these tools save time and improve structure.
Communicating with Clients Poorly
Even a great design can go wrong because of a communication breakdown. For example, I once thought a client expected a minimalist logo, but they actually wanted something much bolder and more colorful. Having regular overviews and adhering to set briefs helps a lot. Asking, outlining their needs, and confirming in writing saves time while keeping everyone aligned.
Failing to Manage Time Effectively
When a deadline is set, there is so much freedom to complete the task that it is very easy to forget about the approaching deadline and shift focus. I have spent too much time in what I call “creative purgatory,” attempting to perfect a design instead of completing it on time. Always remember that realistic timelines need to be set, and make use of tools like the Controlio app, which allows you to monitor your hours. It’s proven that organized systems beat relentless effort.
Utilizing Excessively Diverse Fonts
Utilizing many fonts is something almost everyone has done at least once. Personally, I added five different fonts to one of my flyers because I wanted it to “look dynamic.” Screaming for attention is putting it mildly. Your designs should communicate clearly, not look chaotic.
Neglecting Color Theory
Picking the wrong colors can get your message lost since colors invoke feelings. For instance, bright red suggests aggressiveness, but I once used it for a wellness brand. To avoid this, study color psychology and evaluate your palettes for contrast and readability. Consider devising a cohesive color scheme to elevate your work from amateur to pro.
Overdesigning
Like many people, I learned Photoshop and overused filters and effects, thinking it highlighted my skill. Instead, I created a busy look. Overdesigning dilutes your message and overwhelms audiences. Consider embracing white space and minimalism instead. It fosters breathing room in your designs. In this case, less is better.
Forgetting to Proofread
Credibility can go downhill because of simple issues such as typos. I sent a poster to print that read “Sonday” instead of “Sunday.” Proofread multiple times alongside other pairs of eyes to remove changes. Clients want to work with focus and professionalism, but these small errors can raise doubts, especially while trying to resolve trust issues.
Not Marketing Yourself
Like I did, you might believe assuming new clients automatically comes alongside great work. However, it doesn’t work that way, and focus must shift towards marketing. Create personal portfolio sites, network on Dribbble, and share your work on social media. Take the time to engage with many other designers and wannabe clients to broaden your circles. Remember, marketing is not optional—it’s your lifeline.
Final Note: Learn, Adapt, Thrive
Working as a freelance graphic designer is a process of learning through mistakes. While it’s said that no one likes to make mistakes, you can embrace them with open arms as they lead to immense self-growth. Try to learn from these oversights—setting low prices for services, neglecting to formalize an agreement, taking on too much work, and many more—and you’ll be on your way to a fulfilling and self-sustaining career. Think back to your own mistakes, make the necessary adjustments, and then continue to forge ahead. Remember, you are absolutely capable of this!
