Are you a creative person looking for design business ideas to venture into? Then, you have come to the right place. let show you how ypu can start a profitable graphic design business.
A designer is someone who is skillful and knowledgeable in creating a product. He creates tangible and intangible objects, products, processes, graphics, services, etc.
Graphics design is the most common of design business ideas that anyone can start in Nigeria.
It is the use of visual compositions to communicate ideas and solve problems. It is usually done with typography, color, symbols, form, imagery, and sketch which form messages.
The visual element can be created to inspire, transform, persuade, inform, and other objectives that humans can easily comprehend.
Graphics design involves a high level of creativity and can thrive in as many industries as possible. Graphics designers can create a corporate design (logos and branding), editorial design (magazines, books, newspapers), signage, product packaging, and work in other areas that employ design for visual communication.
Step By Step Plan On How To Start Graphics Design Business In Nigeria
Going forward, you will learn the step by step guide on how to structure and run your business.
Choosing A Business Location
It is always advised if you are into many areas to get a shop near or close to where those things are needed.
Good locations for graphics business are schools, offices, markets etc. and high traffic density areas with comparatively high demand for graphics services. High demand of course, is equal to high profits margin.
Market Structure/Demand Analysis
I have already discussed that there is a huge market for graphics business in Nigeria. Here are some tips to guide you on the choice of specific markets.
Before starting this graphic business, first of all, check out the market to see how the service is in demand.
Are people really in need of this service or have they gotten other alternatives to it. If the business does not move in your area, be sure you move to where the service is needed.
How To Start Making Money As A Graphic Designer In Nigeria
Below are the steps to guide you on how to make money as a graphic designer in Nigeria.
Knowledge/Skill needed
Graphic design as a business needs expatriate, certification and special training. To start with, you must be a computer literate.
You have to obtain at least 6 months to a year comprehensive training on computer graphics skills.
This is possible by attending computer training centers in your area or where it suits your interest.
People also learn it in school e.g bizmarrow as a course.
While school may introduce you to the theoretical aspect of the business, if you must go far, try getting hands-on experience by undergoing at least 3 months apprenticeship at computer centers.
READ: TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS: FUTURE CHANGES IN CLASSROOMS
Do your research to find out centers that have professionals who knows the business very well.
Certification
You must have a certificate in graphic design if you must really succeed. One of the reasons is that it will command respects for you. People will not talk to you as the wish. It also shows professionalism and expertise.
Business Plan
To start out with this business, do not be in a hurry. Just sit down and outline what it takes to succeed in this business.
This includes things like the capital you need, the people to meet, places to buy your equipment/tools etc.
It is also in your business plan that you will itemize how you want to beat the existing competition and stand out from the crowd.
There, you will document what to add that others are not doing and a whole lots of things.
If you do not set out this plan very well, you may experience setbacks and disappointments.
This, of course, may lead you to failure and business closure. So, do your research first, and document this in a business plan before setting out.
Licenses And Permits
This is a well-known and a recognized business in Nigeria. Hence, it is advisable that you first of all get your business registered with the appropriate organs of government.
Doing this will allow you to publicly advertise all your services and contacts information to clients.
Business name registration in Nigeria is done with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria, CAC. Find out their office in your town and go there for your business name registration.
Tools/Equipment Needed
There is no too much tools other than software installations. You need to buy and install software that will help you in your graphics designs.
This includes such graphics software as Corel draw graphic suits, Photoshop, Windows Movie Maker, Camtasia etc.
For the equipment, you will need a laptop or desktop computer and their peripherals.
You also need a printer, a power generating set (mini), fan or air conditioner, lighting etc.
Staffing
Graphics business is a big business. At the initial stage, anyway, you may not have to start out big.
But as the business expands, you certainly will be employing workers to assist you with the workload.
Thy come handy especially when you are not available at the moment.
If you stay in a busy area where you have lots of clients you will need to employ one or two staff to help beat the deadline and deliver as at when due.
Always employ people who are sound, competent and dedicated to work.
Advisers
Get a coach or a mentor to guide and advise you on this business. Make sure he or she is an expert and have gotten at least 5 years’ experience in graphics and design business.
Advertising Strategies
Looking forward to advertising and making more profits? Get radio or television jingles on your business aired.
Also, advertise the business on billboards and send out flyers and complimentary cards to clients.
Furthermore, encourage your clients and customers to bring their friends and get a price slash on jobs.
You should equally get a personal business website where you advertise your business.
The website will help create awareness on price slashes and promos on your service.
This is a pretty good way of boosting sales and creating awareness.
Remember, your domain name should always go along with your business name.
