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Embarking on a freelance web design career means embracing uncertainty. You’ll have to book enough gigs to keep you financially afloat. You’ll also need to weather the ups and downs. Most importantly, you’ll have to adjust to a changing landscape.
Nothing is guaranteed. Thus, I was astonished and amused when the calendar flipped to 2024. This year marks the 25th anniversary of my freelance business. How time flies.
I had no such milestones in mind back in 1999. My goals were relatively simple. I wanted to apply what I’d learned working for others. And I wanted to do things my way. Longevity wasn’t a priority for that 21-year-old kid.
Maybe I’ve beaten the odds. But I’m still working with clients. Some have even been with me for the entire run.
My goal today is to share some valuable lessons I’ve learned. Things that I hope will help you on your journey in this ever-changing industry. Here we go!
You Can Run Your Business Your Way
The world is full of copycats. Freelance web designers are no exception. We look at our peers and want to keep up with them. It’s a competitive field, after all.
Still, blending in makes it hard to stand out. Thus, trying to be like everyone else won’t get you far.
Think about what you want to accomplish. Ask yourself:
What kinds of projects do I prefer?
What technologies will I use?
What’s my ideal work environment?
What will my work schedule look like?
You can build the business you want. Now, you may need to make some sacrifices along the way. Not everything will go according to plan. However, you have an opportunity to work towards the future you envision.
The same principle applies to marketing. Your website doesn’t have to look anyone else’s. Nor do you have to hide your personality.
Show the world the best version of yourself. And don’t be afraid to do things your way. You’ll position yourself for happiness in the long term.
You’ll Change When the Time Is Right
The web design industry has come a long way in 25 years. We went from hand-coding HTML to content management systems (CMS) like WordPress. We went from employing layout hacks to using native CSS specifications. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
There’s a constant pressure to change and adapt. A steady flow of new tools and techniques arrives almost daily. It’s easy to feel left behind.
However, I’ve found that changes occur organically. There’s a time when making a change makes sense. You may outgrow your current workflow. Or you might book a project that would benefit from a different approach.
WordPress is a prime example. I didn’t shift my business to WordPress the moment it became popular. I came to it out of need.
Clients began asking for more complex websites. WordPress allowed me to build them more efficiently. Eventually, I decided to focus on it exclusively.
You don’t have to force yourself into changing. Instead, take action when it feels right.
Make Time for Personal and Professional Growth
Busy freelancers can become overwhelmed with projects. Spending all of your time working could lead to burnout. Not to mention fewer opportunities to learn.
It’s easy to fall into this trap. Making money and crossing items off your to-do list are priorities. But at what cost?
We rely heavily on our brains. Crafting designs and writing code requires mental fitness. A tired mind is less creative and less productive.
You need space to breathe. But no one will tell you to slow down. The responsibility is yours alone.
Schedule some time out of the office. That could be anything from a vacation to a daily walk. It’s a chance for a mental and physical reset.
Also, consider the importance of education. Learning a new skill or improving an existing one makes you better. It raises confidence and increases your earning potential.
The idea is to be mindful of your time. Use it wisely and allow yourself to rest and grow.
Be Careful Who You Work With
There is a temptation to book every gig that comes your way. On the surface, it makes sense. You build websites. The client needs a website. Everybody’s happy.
Freelancing is a long-term commitment, however. The project you accept today could be with you for years. Sometimes that’s a positive. But it can also be a drag on your business.
The issue can take a couple of forms. One is the classic “difficult” client. They’re picky and argue about every dollar. You dread your encounters with them. Do you want to be stuck in this situation for a decade or more?
On the other side, not all projects will fit your business. Maybe it uses a tool you no longer work with. Or the revenue doesn’t match the required effort.
It’s OK to be choosy when it comes to clients. So, keep the future in mind when considering a project. A little foresight can save you a lot of headaches.
Customer Service Makes All the Difference
There is no shortage of web designers out there. Everyone from freelancers to agencies is looking to boost their bottom line. And there are only so many projects to go around.
There’s a myth that you must be the best designer or coder to succeed. Sure, skill and talent mean a lot. However, clients may not be able to discern your skills from others. To them, you might be one of many options.
Therefore, the customer experience is another way to stand out. Give your clients more than they expect. It will keep them happy and encourage them to refer others to you.
Providing top-notch customer service is easier than you think. For example, these simple practices can make a positive impact:
Answer client inquiries promptly and politely;
Be honest with your project assessments;
Explain technical concepts in plain language;
Listen to your clients and help them determine their needs;
Keep an open line of communication;
Deliver on your promises;
Customer service can pay dividends for years to come. And it’s as important as any technical skill.
Some of your competitors don’t measure up in this area. Take advantage and give yourself an edge.
The Freelance Experience Is What You Make It
Being a freelancer takes a lot of effort. You must be willing to earn your way to success. And you’ll have to start building from the ground up.
However, you’ll also have a chance to define your vision for success. From there, you can craft a plan to achieve your goals. It could take years.
Thus, the lifestyle may not be a fit for everyone. But it’s possible for those who want to make that commitment. I’m living proof.
What will freelancing look like in another 25 years? Will I still be working then? Time will tell. My experiences so far have given me hope.
Good luck – wherever you are in your freelance journey. Keep going and make the most out of the opportunity. Take time to celebrate your milestones – you’ve earned it!
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Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) make for versatile design elements. They can be intricate or simplistic. You can combine them with animation and special effects. And they’re inherently responsive.
It’s no wonder that web designers have taken to the format. SVG adds a new level of flexibility compared to pixel-based images. They are a perfect match for modern design. Plus, browser support is universal.
As such, we went on a search for examples of SVG shapes. The goal was to find a diverse collection of implementations. Curious about what’s possible? Take a look at these eight fun examples of SVG shapes in action.
Simple CSS Waves by Goodkatz
Divider graphics are a natural fit for the SVG format. These images stay razor-sharp on every screen. The animated waves in this snippet add a touch of elegance. Even better, mobile users can enjoy the feature without a performance hit.
Here’s an example of what SVG masking effects can do. Watch as polygons fall from this tree to reveal a masked image. CSS and JavaScript are used to power the animation. This effect used to require the likes of Photoshop and Flash. No need for those heavy tools anymore.
We can use SVG to create compelling page transitions. Click the “hamburger” menu or scroll to unleash a drip effect. It’s as if the screen is melting right before our eyes. And it’s sure to grab a user’s attention.
Mundane elements like radio buttons and checkboxes also benefit from SVG. This snippet features common form elements dressed up with slick animations. It adds a highly-polished look that is miles ahead of the default.
SVG doesn’t have to be the centerpiece of an element. It can also flourish in a decorative role. Here, a single shape is repeated and styled via CSS. Each variation creates depth and beauty.
This snippet uses SVG filter effects to create a noisy gradient. The animated waves stretch across the viewport. It might be a neat addition to a footer area.
There are a few implementations of SVG in this snippet. But our primary focus is the curved background. It’s a key element in the presentation. The added text and video combine to create a jaw-dropping effect.
Let’s finish this collection with a bang. Don’t have a drum kit handy? You can always play this virtual set. SVG is used to power the graphics. Meanwhile, some spot-on sounds bring them to life. Here we go, Ringo!
Display fonts are a category of typefaces designed for use in large sizes, such as in headings, posters, billboards, and more. Their primary purpose is to stand out and make a statement.
With features that often include more exaggerated proportions, unique shapes, and distinctive styles, display fonts can add character and style to any project, helping to set the tone and support the design’s overall theme and purpose.
When selecting a display font, several criteria should be considered. The font must be clear and legible at various sizes and suitable for multiple projects and contexts. And uniqueness, as it ensures that your design is memorable and stands out.
This collection aims to introduce designers to top-quality display fonts that meet these criteria, all available for free.
Top Free Display Fonts for Creative Projects
From bold and impactful to elegant and refined, these free display fonts offer versatility and readability across various mediums. They all cater to diverse design needs, ensuring your work stands out with character and professionalism.
ColorTube is a vibrant and visually striking display font that stands out with its unique, colour-infused design, making it perfect for projects that need some creativity. Ideal for digital media, advertising, and bold headlines, ColorTube adds a dynamic and playful touch to any design.
Maengame is a display font that exudes fun and joy through its unique, bold, and bubble-filled design. Perfect for projects looking to convey a sense of playfulness and creativity, Maengame’s rounded, effervescent characters make it an ideal choice for children’s books, party invitations, and branding that seeks to stand out with a cheerful look and feel.
Gilbert is an animated display font that stands as a symbol of support and unity for the LGBTQ community. It features bold, rainbow-coloured patterns that make any design pop with pride and inclusivity. Ideal for projects that aim to make a strong, positive statement.
Bolden is an all-caps display font that captures attention with its strong, impactful design. Characterized by its thick lines and assertive shapes, it’s perfect for headlines, branding, and any project that requires a commanding presence. Its robust character ensures legibility and makes a bold statement in any creative work.
Ailey is a display font that beautifully captures the essence of retro charm and old-style aesthetics, drawing inspiration from the work of classic lettering artists. Its curvy, elegant design exudes a timeless beauty, making it perfectly suited for projects that require a touch of nostalgia or wish to pay homage to the past.
Fistura is a free display font that offers a mix of gentle curves and sharp angles, creating a striking visual balance. It’s designed to bring a retro, 1980s feel to any project, from editorial designs to bold advertising campaigns. With its unique style, Fistura will add an edgy touch to your typography.
Neon is a free display font that mimics the glowing allure of neon lights, ideal for bringing a luminous, eye-catching element to signage, nightlife promotions, and digital designs. Its unmistakable brightness and flair inject life into words, making them stand out with a retro yet futuristic vibe.
Blandit is a versatile display font with clean, block characters that embodies a modern simplicity that makes it highly effective for creating striking, memorable brand identities and powerful visual statements. The font’s clarity and boldness ensure legibility across various applications, from digital platforms to print media.
Pikolo Block Alt is a playful display font with a geometric structure that radiates creativity. Its rounded edges and stencil-style letters make it exceptionally suitable for logo design, apparel design, or anything needing a touch of style.
Neo Tetra is a free futuristic display font that blends geometric precision and avant-garde aesthetics. It offers a modern, cutting-edge look ideal for tech startups, digital media, or any project that aims to convey innovation and forward thinking. With its distinctive style, Neo Tetra will add a dynamic, contemporary edge to your typography.
Agetta masterfully combines vintage elegance with boldness. Its vintage-style serifs exude a classic charm, making it exceptionally suited for design projects that aim to capture a timeless aesthetic. The elegant contours and robust structure of Agetta lend it a distinguished presence, ideal for sophisticated branding and editorial work.
Aemstel is a free layered display font that offers versatility and depth to design projects. With its unique ability to create various effects through layering, it perfectly suits branding, packaging, and poster designs. Its robust and retro feel, combined with modern layering techniques, makes it ideal for projects that need a strong, yet nuanced visual impact.
Black Sansa is a retro-inspired display font that captures the essence of the past with a modern twist. Its elegant lines make it perfect for high-end branding, sophisticated editorial content, or any design work that demands a touch of vintage charm. This free font effortlessly blends nostalgia with modernity.
This free display font is a fun and whimsical typeface that brings a playful and light-hearted feel to any design project. With its rounded, bubbly characters, it perfectly captures the joy and buoyancy of balloons. Ideal for party invitations, children’s books, and branding that aims to evoke a sense of happiness and fun.
Scritus is a distinctive typeface that offers a blend of rounded edges and flowing curves, creating a dynamic and contemporary look. This free font stands out for its unique design that combines elements of traditional calligraphy with modern minimalism, making it versatile for a wide range of applications.
Newake is a bold and modern display font that embodies energy and movement. Its thick, clean lines and subtly curved edges make it ideal for impactful headlines, brand identities, and promotional materials that require a strong visual presence. With a contemporary flair, Newake is designed to grab attention and convey messages with confidence.
Invertor Decorator is a free display font that stands out for its unique, inverted style, offering a fresh twist on traditional typography. With its attention-grabbing design, it is particularly suited for innovative advertising, distinctive branding, or any project aiming to make a bold statement.
Better Hobby is a free display font that combines creativity with a touch of whimsy, making it perfect for various design projects. Its balanced mix of clean lines and playful curves lends itself well to everything from hobbyist blogs and DIY project branding to engaging social media content.
Alinsa is a display font distinguished by its bold yet uncomplicated shapes that combine thick and thin elements to create a striking visual impact. This free font is characterized by its fat, unambiguous letters that demand attention, making it an excellent choice for headlines, posters, or any project that requires a strong typographic presence.
Choosing the Best Free Display Fonts
Selecting the right display font for a project is a crucial decision. This choice goes beyond mere aesthetics; it involves a series of considerations that ensure the font aligns with the project’s goals and audience needs.
Here are the core aspects you should look for when choosing a display font for a particular project.
Readability: The Foundation of Communication
At the heart of any design lies its ability to communicate effectively. Readability is, therefore, a non-negotiable aspect of font selection. No matter how visually appealing, a display font must first and foremost be legible across different platforms and sizes.
This ensures that the message not only reaches the audience but is also easily understood. Whether viewed on a massive billboard or a small digital screen, the font should maintain clarity and ease of reading, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Versatility: A Multifaceted Tool for Designers
The true value of a display font lies in its versatility. The ability to adapt to various design projects, from print materials like posters and brochures to social media posts and website banners, is indispensable.
This adaptability means a single font can serve multiple purposes, making it a cost-effective and efficient choice for designers. Versatility also extends to the font’s compatibility with other typefaces, ensuring it can blend seamlessly into diverse design environments without losing its impact.
Aesthetic Appeal: Standing Out in Style
What sets display fonts apart is their aesthetic appeal. These fonts carry unique qualities that make them stand out—be it through their design, style, or character.
It’s these distinct features that can transform a simple design into something memorable. The aesthetic appeal of a display font contributes to the project’s tone, emotion, and overall visual storytelling.
Therefore, selecting a font with a strong design personality that aligns with the project’s theme is essential in making a lasting impression.
Display Font FAQ
What is a display font?
A display font is a typeface designed for use at large sizes, intended to attract attention and convey messages clearly in short bursts rather than extended texts.
How can I check the license details of a font?
License details are typically available where you download the font, such as on the font’s webpage or within a readme file that comes with the download. It’s crucial to review these details to understand the scope of permissible use.
Can display fonts be used for body text?
While display fonts are primarily designed for headings and large text, some can be used for body text with careful consideration of readability and spacing. However, it’s generally recommended to use fonts specifically designed for body text to ensure readability at smaller sizes.
How do I choose the right display font for my project?
Consider your audience and the context of your design. The font should align with the project’s tone, be readable in its intended use, and have unique qualities that make your design stand out.
Can I modify a free display font for my project?
This depends on the font’s license. Some licenses allow modifications, while others do not. Always check the license agreement before making any changes to a font.
How many display fonts should I use in a single design?
To maintain clarity and cohesiveness in your design, it’s best to limit the number of different fonts. Using one or two display fonts along with a complementary body font is a good practice.
What makes a display font legible?
Legibility in display fonts is influenced by factors such as the size of the type, letter spacing, and the contrast between the font and its background. Fonts with clear, distinguishable characters and appropriate spacing are more legible.
Can using a unique display font improve my brand identity?
Absolutely. A unique display font can significantly contribute to your brand’s visual identity, making it more memorable and distinctive.
Conclusion
These free display fonts are not just a means for displaying text; they are an integral part of the design that demands attention, sets the tone, and communicates the core message effectively.
We encourage you to explore and experiment with these fonts across different types of projects. Whether it’s branding, advertising, web design, or print media, the right display font can transform a good design into a great one.
By carefully considering the project’s needs and the unique qualities of each font, you will be able to create compelling, visually appealing works that capture the audience’s attention and convey messages with clarity and style.
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