So You Want To Be A Freelance Graphic Designer?
Angela Lyons has been freelancing in graphic design for over 10 years and is Freelancer Magazine’s very own Creative Lead.
We asked Angela about how she got into graphic design, the best and worst thing about being freelance, and the advice she’d give to someone starting out as a freelance graphic designer.
What started your interest in graphic design?
I trained in Product Design at Central St Martin’s, and every time I had to show my work, I got positive feedback about my graphics and visual presentation. When I left, I started an internship in Habitat’s merchandising department, thinking that I would be a product designer, but again I started leaning towards graphics.
A guy who worked there in packaging designs used to let me play around on his Mac and said I should do a graphic design course, so I did.
What was your first job in graphic design?
A local company came looking for an intern while I was taking my evening graphic design course at a local college. This was my first ever magazine design work: the publication was Tractor Resale! It might not have been a glamourous title, but I learnt all about the print process, including plates and inks. They only paid for my lunch and bus pass, but luckily I was still living at home.
How did you make the move to freelance?
From Wardour, I moved to a software company. I got more money, had less responsibility, and worked just three days a week, but I hated it. There was no creativity and they had very strict corporate guidelines. It made me miserable, so I left after five months.
It was at this point I decided to go freelance. My husband encouraged me to do it, and so did my friends. I had my two children by this point too, which meant I wanted a bit more flexibility with my working hours.
How did you get your first clients?
I got one job through a recruitment agency, but apart from that, every client has come from people I’ve worked with within the past or by word of mouth.
What’s the best and worst thing about being freelance?
The best is when you feel like part of a team and are given recognition. And of course, the flexibility with work and time.
The worst thing is when clients ask, “Can you just photoshop this quickly?” “Can you just fit this in? It’ll only take a minute.” It never takes a minute…
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting as a graphic designer?
Keep your eye on the world of design, follow inspirational people and progressive companies on Instagram/online. I look at lots of magazines to keep up to date with design.
Build your portfolio. College can only teach you so much, and people want to see your creativity.
Find Angela at angelalyons.com.
