Where do I find clients?

What an easy question to answer! Living in Houston, you have access to so many networks and resources.

What do I mean by networks?
Networks are your support system where you can share information and services. Networking events are often hosted around food and drinks -- "happy hour." Every industry has networks, and Houston has an ENORMOUS network for young creative professionals.

Check on the links on the side of the blog for local and national organizations you should consider joining. They offer many member benefits and even have student membership rates and discounts!

Back to the real reason you're reading this ... We all know the best type of advertising is word of mouth. What better way is there to advertise than networking? You pass the word around about what you can offer and someone's eyes will open wide with curiosity. They'll think, "Oh, I need someone like that." or "Oh, I have a project I need help with." And there you go, you get work. It's a chain reaction. If you do good work, they will refer you and so on.

Many designers are now posting their portfolio on these organizations' Web sites. I believe some are fee based, but I don't think you need to do that at all. Just get away from the computer, create some snazy business cards and get the heck out there and NETWORK!

If you're not interested in doing your own graphic design business, and you're just looking to do graphic design with a company, check out the local organization's Web sites for job postings. Also, there are many staffing organizations like Aquent, Art Squad and The Creative Group. You may find short term projects with these folks as well as full time opportunities.


What has been your experience finding clients? Is there one place you always look? What advice would you give? Select the "comments" link below to post your response.