Winning a Graphic Design Contract Job

As some companies begin to scale back internal operating costs, they may concurrently start outsourcing their graphic design jobs instead of hiring a full-time in-house graphic designer. This presents an opportunity for freelance graphic designers and graphic design firms. Making sure you know how to conduct an initial meeting with a client can make or break your ability to land a contract job with him or her.

Understand Your Client's Graphic Design Needs

If a client comes to you with a discrete job, you'll want to get a good sense of what his or her needs and expectations are. Ask the client questions such as how the project supports his or her business goals. Study the company's Web site and try to get a sense of their style - are they formal and reserved or flashy and trendy? Get a feel for what type of design style would appeal to them.

Get a Sense of Your Client's Graphic Design Budget

This will help you narrow your focus as you begin developing a job proposal for a client. Knowing whether the client is able to spend $10,000 or $100,000 will obviously affect the type of services and products you propose.

After you take stock of your client's needs, you can begin preparing for your meeting with him or her. Bring together a portfolio - samples of jobs you've worked on during your career - that are most relevant. Be prepared to offer a client a suite of options from which to choose as well as a few creative ideas to whet their appetite.

It's also advisable to have a couple of career-related or professional references you can provide in case your client asks for them. A reference from a large business is preferable to one from a friend you did some work for.

Winning over a client begins with understanding their needs and who they are. These tips will begin to put your career on a road to landing graphic design jobs with new clients.