Keep It Up!
Let’s say you’re a web designer! Or not, wait, let’s say he’s an illustrator! Hold on, let’s say I’m a logo designer! With all of the niches divided sometimes we forget that we need to have an idea on how to do everything, and here’s why.
Defining Yourself
When I started designing, I made it clear to myself, that I am a logo designer, so all I did was logos, business identity packages, leaflets and stuff like that, but I never considered myself a web designer or a motion designer. I still consider myself a logo designer today, and I still don’t accept jobs including website design or anything that has nothing to do with print and actual colors.
Despite that I still learned how to create websites and how to work with video and moving images. Here are the reasons why:
Consulting clients
When a client needs some help in something you don’t usually do, you can’t just send them off with the “none of my expertise” crap. Consult them, google it and learn it yourself and then explain it. Not only will it lead to a bigger client base further down the road, it will also help you out in future.
Of course, don’t make the clients use you and if the questions keep coming and coming, explain that you won’t resolve every problem they have for free.
Working as a team
Often us freelancers are working on a project as a team, with the graphic designers and web designers working on a site together, or an architect working with a designer to make a house or an apartment look great. Either way, knowing something from the other fields of design helps a lot, when working together. Not only does this help understand each other better, it also improves the speed rate at which your team is working.
Extra Work
Of course, you should never expect something like this to happen, but if you’re asked to do an easy job that isn’t covered by your niche, an extra buck won’t be too bad. This way, you also keep the client working with you only and instead of them going to other designers, he stays loyal. And loyalty can never be overrated.
Never say never
Of course, specializing and finding niche is vital and you’ve done a good job if you established yourself among your niche, but nothing lives forever and one day you can end up doing something you have never done before with no turning back. If this ever happens, the knowledge you’ve gained will give a good boost in your beginnings.
Even though, widening your expertise is extremely important, don’t forget about your roots. Your niche is still your primal task of improving, so don’t forget to keep it up!
See you next time!
