How to Promote Yourself As A Designer (Including Social Media)

I'm sure all young designers have asked themselves at some point, ‘‘how can I become more popular in the ‘designisphere’?” Well, maybe not in those exact words, but more or less. I have been doing research, and I believe I have come up with the perfect remedy to boost your portfolio awareness and make a name for yourself.

I've noticed people with awesome personalities (that shows in design or face-to-face) always have some sort of positive recognition. I think all the design seniors have great personalities, but everyone should concentrate on what makes their personality different. It will make you stand out. Be true to yourself, use it to your advantage and be authentic; show it in your work, show it in your personal interactions, live it and breathe it.

Creative Bloq says:

"These sorts of descriptive flourishes can be a great way to express some personality, so pay attention to things like blog headings and Twitter biographies. And if you'd rather focus on face-to-face contact, apply the same approach to exhibitions, talks or workshops. Little things can make all the difference, from the name of your talk and the way you write your biography to the outfit you wear. It all adds up, and first impressions can be hard to undo."

With that said, how do you promote yourself? Where do you start? I've come with a list that will help everyone get on their feet and confident with where they stand as an accomplished designer.

1. Networking
Attend events, conferences, talks and workshops. You'll end up learning a lot and people will become aware that you're very interested in design. This might sound scary but, try public speaking. Expressing yourself as a designer and even a knowledgeable designer is important and your peers will recognize it... along with your cunning bravery.
 
2 ...Keep In touch
After you make all those fans public speaking, stay in touch. Remember, they are designers too. When you respect your peers you become well respected, who knows, you could be called for a job offer you can't deny. There are multiple forms of keeping in touch, but I suggest email. In this day and age emailing is the primary form of business communication. Be yourself but also maintain a professional tone of voice in all your verbal/written interactions. If your writing in emails comes off as positive and well-spoken, people will like you more. Humility goes a long way.

3.Twitter/Linkdin/Pinterest
 These platforms are ample for interaction amongst designers and self promotion. Talk about design, preach it, show it off, people will follow you and your ambition. As far as Linkdin, keep it updated and connect with people that you met networking. It's a great system for finding design jobs.

4. Blog
Starting a blog or blogging about design can actually be fun. It shows that your invested in design and some of those fans you have could possibly give your blog some decent activity. Plus, there are tons of amazing design blogs and they can be very inspirational.

5. Update Your Website
Keeping your website updated is super important, especially when you use it in a number of applications; business card, letterhead, e-mail signature, self promos, kitchy pens... so on and so forth.

6. Submit
Submit your work! It may end up being expensive but you'll surprise yourself. If you place in even one competition it looks great on your resume. Who would turn down a multi-award winning designer?

8. Expose Yourself ;)
Not like that... Get your design work onto the interwebs. Use Behance, Dribble and get your work on prestigious blogs like the Dieline. I think our work is awesome and these sites are great opportunities  to be seen.

That seems to a pretty good start to promoting yourself, if anyone has anymore ideas make a comment! I'd be curious to see what everyone thinks. And don't forget to check the Creative Bloq on promotion.

 >>>> http://www.creativebloq.com/business/how-promote-yourself-designer-91413040