Working Paid with Exposure? Perhaps You Actually Need It.

I have seen in many graphic design forums that you should not be paid with exposure. Exposure is, indeed, do not pay your bills or buy you food for daily needs. It does not buy you any Adobe subscription too.

Photo by Sahand Hoseini at Unsplash 

But here's my thought: If you are a newcomer in the design industry, I think, you need it.

Starting any business is usually tough. You have to compete with the already established competitors. Getting potential clients will take much more effort than those established ones. You need to get known or nobody will recognize what you do or what you offer. 

Photo by Alexandre Pellaes at Unsplash

If you have a wonderful portfolio, that will help. But then you also need to promote it on various platforms such as social media, marketplace, forums, and events. Getting exposure, especially from high-profile people or brands or top social media influencers, could potentially get you more recognized, even in a small percentage. From there, you may find someone that will be interested to work with you. 

Of course, though, you need to be paid eventually.

Don't let every client take the best of your free exposure. After all, we all have bills. You are the only one that knows where to stop. As you gain your reputation, it is time to put a proper price on your services.

Photo by www.thoughtcatalog.com.