1. Brand yourself. Nearly any company or organization falls apart without an established style. Without an impressive personalised brand you will just fade into the background where literally thousands of freelance designers wander.

2. Create an efficient on-line portfolio. It is almost impossible to be successful in graphic or web design without having a powerful web presence. Any possible clients or employers will want to see your work and many of them will prefer to type in a URL and click what they want to see.

3. Create an equally effective print portfolio, business cards, resume, et cetera. This is somewhat a combination of the other two steps. Be sure to develop an impressive concrete portfolio that you can give to those who need to see your work "in person". Also make use of your branding and identity to make business cards, stationery, etc. Any time you can put your personal logo on something, do it.

4. Be brave, bold, and professional. Don't be afraid to call people, offer services, email organizations and more. Not too long ago, I was printing a job for a client and at the printing shop, a man complimented me on the design of the piece. After participating in friendly conversation, he asked me for a few tips on the piece he was printing for his own business. Although I was short on time, I was happy to assist him and once I got ready to leave, I offered my future services and handed him a business card. Believe that people will recognize your skills.

5. Go the extra mile for your customers. Word of mouth is the most important tool you have. Nothing could help you or harm you a lot more than rumors and compliments spread by those for whom you might have done work before. About 90% of the freelance work I do comes from word-of-mouth publicity.

6. Take the small opportunities first. Doing well at a smaller job for somebody can help open doors for your client to do greater, better things. I entered a logo contest for a particular organization and out of the four logos I entered, two tied for first place pick. They were so impressed, I offered to make their online page as well. Similar offers can be made for a corporation's stationery, business cards, etc. Find a niche and then take courage and offer more.

7. Don't underestimate yourself. This goes along with Number 4. Make sure you believe in yourself. Nobody will ever hire a designer that thinks he may not do as good a job as another guy. Make sure to reflect your confidence in your pricing. If your work is good, charge good money for it.

8. Network. Graphic and web design are rapidly changing. Every single day new methods and styles are developed and the designer found sleeping on the job is left in the dust. Sign up for social networks just like twitter, linkedin, facebook, digg, and more. Create a blog and frequently add significant feedback on others' websites. Creating a name for yourself within the design world takes some time but could be done using social networking resources.

9. Practice, practice, practice. Nothing would show you how to increase in self-confidence and ability more than practice. If work is a little slow, nail down a few of those personal projects you've been meaning to finish. Join a group at school or locally where you'll be able to freshen your own skills. Participate in design forums, contests, and workshops. Nothing could take the place of real life application and experience.

10. Pay attention. I like to carry a smaller notebook around with me. Whenever I see an advertisement, picture, building, person, etc. that influences my artistic thinking.

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