Making Graphic Design Assets Online with Indieground The Indieground -
The last update was January 26, 2022
When Roberto Perrino of Indieground Design published his first graphic download He had no idea the path that would lead him to where he is now. Today, he's managing an organization with a crew of designers that serve customers from all over the globe. More than a decade (and an epidemic) years later this Italian graphic designer looks back on how he took that first step towards professional independence as well as the things that today's entrepreneurs should be aware of in order to be successful as well as the tools that have been instrumental to Indieground Design's success.
What made your team composed of graphic designers, photographers and developers of software decide to collaborate together?
It all started in the year 2010, just following the completion of my bachelor's degree in graphic design. I was working a job which was unrelated to the field I learned; in the beginning graphic design was an interest that I could enjoy as well as earning money with some clients. Then, I came across Graphicriver, among the first platforms for graphic resources. I started creating some designs (mostly designs for flyer templates) for fun and put them on to be sold.
As I was expecting however, I started earning some money immediately, and it quickly increased as I added new templates to the market. After a long period of creating in the evening and working during the day, I decided to try something new and commit all my energy and time in the design process. About a year later I earned an adequate income, and eventually made my full-time job.
During the first years, I continued creating flyer templates, but then I had to diversify to expand my collection of items. Therefore, I began looking for those who could assist me out with this. Finally (after several failed attempts) I was able to form a group of individuals whom I am able to count on and who have made a significant contribution in the development of Indieground Design. At present, the team comprises me, Francesco (Graphic Designer), Federica (Photographer), and Simone (Web Developer) as well as others who are occasionally collaborators in accordance with the plans.
as a group made up of creators, working mostly for other creators, what kinds of obstacles do you encounter in terms of selling online, and what is the most frequent blunders that your clients make when trying to accomplish similar?
The most difficult part is how to translate a fresh idea into something users can modify and reuse. It's a matter not only of innovation but also of practicality. Since some products are more time-consuming than others to create, you need to know which ones are worth making to avoid wasting weeks or even months on products that aren't popular. This foresight is crucial to ensure that you are able to provide high-quality products to your clients, who are increasingly seeking out the best.
The selling of graphics online has become extremely popular, to the point that some areas of the market are saturated. This makes it difficult for new entrants to get their feet wet. Also, selling exclusively on major marketplaces is no any longer enough. As a result, creators such as us have been able becoming more self-sufficient and selling direct through our personal store and working to improve our reputation by providing various product categories.
Making sure you have your own personal fashion sense is essential: A lot of novice sellers copy other designers' work. It's possible to make a profit, but it will not last long in the term. In the end, designers must create styles that can change over time , but remain faithful to their distinctive aesthetic.
In the end it is essential to continue going with the same routine even when you have a solid clients. This industry is constantly evolving and, over time, I've seen many creators become complacent and lose what they've worked for when they've experienced that first wave of success.
What do you think you can say to the person who is trapped by the confines of working for in-house businesses? What can you do to assist them in taking that first step towards working for themselves?
There are a lot of brilliant people selling products online is easier nowadays than it was ten years ago. When it comes to considering self-employment, I believe it depends on what people want to do and what they are passionate about. If a steady income and financial stability is what drives you to market your work on the internet, it might be best to pursue it as part-time job.
But, on the other hand, if the products you develop are the result of your passion, an idea you believe in, as well as a work that you would do for free, these are good indicators that online selling could lead to a successful and independent profession. There is no doubt that it's best to always be prepared with a solid 'Plan B' and never launch your business blindly.
With regards to designing graphics, what suggestions can you provide to artists or small companies with small budgets for these services?
Our products and those that can be offered on marketplaces such as Creative Market or Envato are targeted at professionals. As long as they've got some familiarity and basic knowledge of software, even small entrepreneurs and designers can make use of these services as well.
However that the graphic aspect is fundamental for the image of a company, and as with any other field is it always best to collaborate with an experienced expert.
The cost of hiring graphic design professionals is often subjective and complex. The reason is that there aren't any universal prices for the graphic design services and, more importantly customers often have no concept of the typical prices for certain services. Many are shocked when a professional offers $100 for logo designs as well as those who throw $1000 for something that is far from the norm.
You should take time to discover the perfect one for your preferences and budget. Don't go on the first person you find, the one who works nearby and is that is recommended by someone else, or even the posh agency. Select the one you wish to trust by looking at their portfolios and whose style is closer to what you'd like your business to present. Today , it is possible to work with designers across the world. Tools such as Behance and Dribbble make it easy to select and hire professionals that meet your needs and budget. If spent wisely, the amount you invest in your company is never too much.
Which channels for marketing have proven to be the most efficient to your business?
My opinion is that there's not a definitive answer for this issue since each one performs different functions and attracts a different sort of viewer.
Instagram allows you to reach out directly to a larger public on a global scale as well as attract users who have different interests. It is primarily used to stay up to date with our following and ensure that our clients are informed.
We are particularly fond of Pinterest since it operates in an "perpetual" method and does well in bringing people directly to our web site. We believe that Behance can be highly effective since it allows us to connect with an audience of a specific size that encompasses nearly all of the major features of our targeted market.
What has been the most helpful way to market and sell your product?
Indieground Design provides brands with an array of design tools like templates, mockups, custom fonts, and much more. Check out their entire assortment of offerings on their website.