How to Get Your First Freelance Client as a Designer

How to Get Your First Freelance Client as a Designer

Getting your first freelance client is the hardest part. You don't have a portfolio, you don't have testimonials, and you don't have experience.

This guide shows you how to land your first client — even if you're starting from zero.

📖 Part of our freelancing guide series: Once you get clients, learn How to Price Design Work and How to Invoice as a Designer or Creator.

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The First Client Challenge

Why It's Hard

Challenges:

• No portfolio
• No testimonials
• No experience
• No network
• No credibility

But it's possible. Everyone starts somewhere.

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Building Your Foundation

1. Create a Portfolio (Even If Small)

What you need:

• 3-5 projects (even personal projects)
• Show your best work
• Explain your process
• Make it look good

Even personal projects count. Show what you can do.

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2. Define Your Services

Be specific:

• "Logo design" not "design work"
• "Brand identity" not "graphic design"
• "Website design" not "web stuff"

Specific = easier to sell.

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3. Set Your Rates

Research:

• What others charge
• Market rates
• Your experience level

Start:

• At market rate (or slightly below)
• Adjust as you gain experience
• Don't race to the bottom

Fair rates attract better clients.

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Finding Your First Client

Method 1: Your Network

Start with:

• Friends and family
• Previous colleagues
• School connections
• Local community

Ask:

• "Do you know anyone who needs design work?"
• "I'm starting freelance, can you help spread the word?"

Your network is your best resource.

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Method 2: Social Media

Use:

• Instagram (show your work)
• Twitter/X (share process)
• LinkedIn (professional network)
• TikTok (behind the scenes)

Share:

• Your work
• Your process
• Your journey
• Your availability

Social media = free marketing.

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Method 3: Local Businesses

Reach out to:

• Small local businesses
• Startups
• Non-profits
• Solo entrepreneurs

Offer:

• Portfolio review
• Brand audit
• Design consultation
• Small project

Local = easier to connect.

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Method 4: Freelance Platforms (Carefully)

Platforms:

• Upwork (competitive, but possible)
• Fiverr (race to bottom, but can work)
• Dribbble (for designers)
• Behance (portfolio + jobs)

Tips:

• Start with smaller projects
• Build reviews
• Don't compete on price alone
• Focus on quality

Platforms work, but be selective.

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Method 5: Cold Outreach

Reach out to:

• Businesses that need design
• Startups looking for help
• People you admire
• Potential collaborators

Approach:

• Personal message
• Show you know their work
• Offer value
• Be genuine

Cold outreach works if done right.

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Outreach Strategies

Strategy 1: Value-First Approach

Instead of:
"Hi, I'm a designer looking for work."

Try:
"Hi [Name], I noticed [specific thing about their brand]. I have some ideas that could help. Would you be open to a quick chat?"

Value-first = better response.

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Strategy 2: Portfolio Review Offer

Offer:

• Free portfolio review
• Brand audit
• Design consultation
• Small project at discount

Free work = relationship building.

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Strategy 3: Collaboration

Propose:

• Collaboration project
• Trade services
• Joint project
• Mutual benefit

Collaboration = win-win.

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What to Say in Outreach

Email Template 1: Personal Connection

Subject: Quick question about [their brand/project]

Hi [Name],

I came across [specific thing] and really loved [specific aspect]. 

I'm a designer specializing in [your niche], and I have some ideas that could help [specific benefit].

Would you be open to a quick 15-minute call to discuss?

Thanks,
[Your Name]

P.S. Here's my portfolio: [link]

Why it works: Personal, specific, value-focused.

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Email Template 2: Portfolio Review Offer

Subject: Free portfolio review for [their brand]

Hi [Name],

I noticed [specific thing about their brand] and thought I could help.

I'm offering free portfolio reviews to a few brands I admire. Would you be interested?

It's a 30-minute call where I'll review your current brand and share ideas for improvement. No obligation, just value.

Let me know if you're interested!

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Portfolio: [link]

Why it works: Free value, no pressure, relationship building.

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Building Credibility

1. Show Your Work

Share:

• Portfolio
• Process
• Behind the scenes
• Case studies (even personal projects)

Show = credibility.

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2. Share Your Journey

Document:

• Your learning
• Your process
• Your wins
• Your challenges

Transparency = trust.

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3. Help Others

Offer:

• Free advice
• Design tips
• Resources
• Support

Helping = building reputation.

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4. Be Consistent

Consistently:

• Share work
• Engage with community
• Show up
• Be helpful

Consistency = visibility.

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Pricing for First Clients

Option 1: Market Rate

Charge:

• Market rate (or slightly below)
• Don't undervalue
• Build from there

Pros: Sets right expectations, sustainable.

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Option 2: Discount for First Clients

Offer:

• 20-30% discount
• In exchange for testimonial
• Limited time offer

Pros: Easier to get clients, get testimonials.

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Option 3: Trade/Collaboration

Propose:

• Trade services
• Collaboration
• Mutual benefit

Pros: Builds relationships, gets work.

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Common First Client Mistakes

1. Undervaluing Yourself

Mistake: Charging too little to get clients.

Fix: Charge fair rates. Don't race to the bottom.

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2. Being Too Desperate

Mistake: Coming across as desperate.

Fix: Be confident, show value, don't beg.

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3. Not Being Specific

Mistake: "I do design work."

Fix: "I design brand identities for startups."

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4. No Portfolio

Mistake: Reaching out with no work to show.

Fix: Build portfolio first (even personal projects).

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5. Giving Up Too Early

Mistake: Quitting after a few rejections.

Fix: Keep going. First client is hardest.

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After You Get Your First Client

1. Deliver Great Work

Focus on:

• Quality
• Communication
• Meeting deadlines
• Exceeding expectations

Great work = referrals.

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2. Ask for Testimonial

After project:

• Ask for testimonial
• Get permission to use work
• Build your portfolio

Testimonials = credibility.

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3. Ask for Referrals

After successful project:

• Ask if they know anyone who needs design
• Offer referral incentive (optional)
• Stay in touch

Referrals = easier clients.

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4. Document the Process

Create:

• Case study
• Portfolio piece
• Process documentation
• Learnings

Documentation = better portfolio.

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FAQs

How long does it take to get first client?

Varies: Could be weeks or months. Depends on:

• Your outreach
• Your portfolio
• Your network
• Your persistence

Keep going. First client is hardest.

Should I work for free?

Maybe, strategically:

• Free portfolio review: Yes
• Free full project: Usually no
• Trade/collaboration: Maybe
• Pro bono for cause you care about: Maybe

Be strategic. Don't work for free just to get clients.

What if I have no portfolio?

Build one:

• Personal projects
• Redesigns
• Spec work
• Practice projects

Even small portfolio is better than none.

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