Introduction:
In today’s world, with technology at our fingertips, opportunities to generate extra income have skyrocketed. One such avenue I stumbled upon while searching for additional income was graphic design. In this blog, I will share my journey of how I started my graphic design business from scratch and turned it into a successful venture.1. Discovering the Potential:
Like many others, I was searching for ways to generate extra income. I stumbled upon a list of ten money-making ideas, and graphic design caught my attention. Intrigued by the possibilities, I decided to explore this field further.As I reminisce about my childhood, one thing becomes abundantly clear – the influence of my dad on my passion for writing and drawing. From a young age, my Dad made it a point to instill in me the importance of practicing writing. His own handwriting was nothing short of a work of art, capable of filling an entire chalkboard with perfectly straight lines. It seemed that I had inherited this talent from him, and with practice, I honed it to perfection.But it wasn’t just writing that ran in our family. My siblings, too, had an uncanny ability to create impressive drawings as kids. Now, I can’t say for certain how their artistic skills have evolved over the years, but I like to imagine them still wowing people with their talent, perhaps even unintentionally drawing funny mishaps or hilarious characters along the way.As a child, I found joy in not only observing the world but also in adding my own artistic touch to it. I vividly remember picking up books from the shelf and decorating their pages with intricate drawings of flowers, human body parts, and even abstract objects. My passion for drawing wasn’t just a mere hobby; it was a way for me to express myself creatively and immerse myself in a world of imagination.It wasn’t until one insightful teacher noticed my affinity for drawing that my passion began to take on a whole new dimension. This teacher recognized my talent and encouraged me to showcase it to the entire class by drawing on the chalkboard. The sheer pleasure of technically drawing, of creating something beautiful right before my classmates’ eyes, ignited a fire within me.As I journeyed through school, my passion for drawing only grew stronger. I found myself increasingly drawn to the world of engineering, fascinated by the meticulous precision of engineering drawings and CAD designs. These technical drawings allowed me to blend my artistic flair with practical problem-solving skills, a perfect combination that further fueled my passion for this craft.In today’s digital age, where technology has opened up a new realm of possibilities, my love for drawing has only intensified. I have embraced various drawing apps, exploring different techniques and styles. These apps have become my canvas, allowing me to experiment, express myself, and connect with a global community of fellow artists.Discovering my potential in writing and drawing has been a journey filled with joy, growth, and endless possibilities. It’s not just a skill or an interest, but a part of who I am. It’s a passion that drives me to continuously evolve and explore new horizons in the world of art and design.So, join me as I unveil the wonders that lie within the realm of creativity. Together, we will embark on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering the hidden treasures that lie within our own potential. Let’s harness the power of art to inspire, uplift, and create a world that is truly extraordinary.2. Self-Learning and Skill Development:
During the Christmas of 2018, I dedicated about a month to learning the basics of graphic design. Instead of investing in expensive courses, I turned to YouTube and downloaded comprehensive videos on graphic design. This allowed me to learn at my own pace and without any financial burden.3. Acquiring the Necessary Tools:
In late 2019, I made an investment in a 3D printer with the intention of expanding my graphic design skills. Although I didn’t get to use it for its intended purpose, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.4. Helping During COVID-19:
When the global pandemic hit in early 2020, there was a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), especially face shields, for healthcare workers. Leveraging my 3D printer, I started printing and supplying face shields to hospitals and frontline workers. This not only helped fulfil a crucial need in my community but also gained exposure for my graphic design skills.5. Building a Portfolio:
As I printed face shields, I also used my graphic design skills to create impactful designs for the shields’ visors. This gave me an opportunity to showcase my creativity and expertise. I documented all my projects, creating a robust portfolio that highlighted my capabilities.6. Marketing and Networking:
I understood the importance of marketing and networking to grow my business. I utilized social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase my work and reach potential clients. Additionally, I attended industry-related events and joined online communities to connect with like-minded individuals and potential collaborators.7. Diversifying Services:
As my business gained momentum, I realized the importance of offering a variety of services. I expanded my graphic design services to include logo design, branding, website design, and social media marketing. This helped me attract a broader range of clients and increase my earning potential.8. Continuous Learning and Growth:
Graphic design is an ever-evolving field, so I made a commitment to continuously learn and grow my skills. I enrolled in online courses, participated in workshops, and followed industry trends to stay updated with the latest techniques and design practices. This not only enhanced my expertise but also helped me deliver high-quality work to my clients.9. Client Satisfaction and Referrals:
Maintaining strong relationships with clients and ensuring their satisfaction became my top priority. By delivering exceptional work and providing excellent customer service, I gained client loyalty and received referrals. Satisfied clients became the driving force behind my business’s growth.10. Scaling the Business:
As my client base expanded, I realized the need to scale my business. I hired additional graphic designers and outsourced certain tasks to meet the increasing demand. This allowed me to take on more projects and offer a quicker turnaround time, further solidifying my reputation in the market.Conclusion:
Starting a graphic design business from scratch requires dedication, self-learning, and adaptability. My journey began with a simple desire to generate extra income and evolved into a thriving business. By continuously learning, seizing opportunities, and delivering top-notch work, I was able to build a successful graphic design business. If you have a passion for design, don’t hesitate to pursue it – you never know where it might lead you.
