I am self-taught and I do not have a degree, but I do have an online portfolio. I have worked with Computer Graphics for years and I also have office experience. I have a full computer system and can do both Virtual Assistant and Graphics work from home.
It's great that you have an online portfolio, but what I noticed is missing from your description is a specialty or a description of concrete skills. Both "graphic arts" and "computer graphics" are broad and outdated terms. Are you doing Web / mobile UI design? CAD? 3D modeling? Vector drawing? Branding and marketing materials? Print design? What software do you use? In what media and channels do you have the most experience?
Normally, I do not recommend designers do pro bono, volunteer, speculative, or other unpaid work, -except- for in cases like yours where your professional design experience is nonexistent. Take on a few of these projects that interest you. Do them for 6 months to 1 year. After that, charge a reasonable starting rate for your area. After another year, raise your rate, and so on.
After that, as in any other business, is establishing your unique value proposition -- what you can offer that no one else in that specialty or skill set can.
Feel free to schedule a call with me to discuss further branding and design techniques.
Answered 7 years ago
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