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How Does an OTDR Work?

In fiber optic networks, OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) is an opto-electronic instrument used to characterize an optical fiber. OTDR is both the best known and least understood fiber optic instrument.

OTDR does not measure loss, but instead implies it by looking at the backscatter signature of the fiber. It does not measure cable plant loss that can be correlated to power budgets.

An OTDR injects a series of optical pulses into the fiber under test. It also extracts, from the same end of the fiber, light that is scattered back and reflected back from points in the fiber where the index of refraction changes. This working principle works like a radar or sonar, sending out a pulse of light from a very powerful laser, that is scattered by the glass in the core of the fiber. The intensity of the return pulses is measured and integrated as a function of time, and is plotted as a function of the fiber length.

An OTDR may be used for estimating the fiber’s length and overall attenuation, including splice and mated-connector losses. It may also be used to locate faults, such as breaks.

Physical Limitations of OTDR Testing

The OTDR suffers from several serious uncertainties in measurement and physical limitations. The measurement uncertainties come primarily from the variations in backscatter of the fiber. The backscatter coefficient is a function of the material properties of the glass in the core and the diameter of the core.

Variations of the fiber materials or geometry can cause major changes in the backscattered light, making splice or connector measurements uncertain by as much as +/-0.4dB. This has often led to confusion by showing a virtual gain at a connector, where the fibers involved have different backscatter coefficients. Connector or splice loss must be measured from both directions and averaged to remove this source of error.

OTDR Design

The principle optical components in a simple standard OTDR include a laser, a receiver, a coupler and a front-panel connector.

A laser is pigtailed to a connector on the OTDR through a 3dB optical coupler. This coupler is typically a fused bidirectional device but may also be made of discrete optical components.

The laser fires short, intense bursts of light that are directed through the coupler and then out through the front-panel connector and into the fiber under test.

As the pulse travels along the fiber, some of the light is lost via absorption and Rayleigh scattering. The pulse is also attenuated at discrete locations, such as splices, connectors, and bends, where local abrupt changes in the waveguide geometry couples light out the core and into the cladding. When the pulse encounters discontinuities in the index of refraction (such as those found in connectors or the cleaved end of a fiber), part of the pulse’s optical energy is reflected back toward the OTDR.

The Applications of Pulse Suppressors

Pulse suppressors, also referred to as OTDR launch boxes, delay lines or “Dummy Fibers” are used to occupy OTDR “dead zones” which enables accurate loss measurements on near end connections of the fiber under test. Suppressors may also be used in an educational setting to simulate networks and during installation and troubleshooting.

With the inclusion of additional loss points, the pulse suppressor becomes a test box or quick verification of your OTDR’s calibrated accuracy.

Colin Yao is an expert on fiber optic communication technologies and products. Learn more about large core fiber, large core optical fiber, fiber innerduct on Fiber Optics For Sale Co. web site

I’ll repeat that. Working from home is easier than you may think. Working from home holds the promise of having it all meaningful work and more time to be with family and loved ones. This article will show how you can enter into this working from home phenomenon.

Working from home is a dream for many, but now you can make your work from home dream a reality through the internet and your home computer. Working from home likely implies flexible hours, increased productivity and in many cases, an unlimited income. Working from home, as with most everything, has its ups and downs. However when you consider how no one likes to have a boss breathing down their necks, working from home really looks attractive. Many report their #1 benefit is being able to be fully available to their families.

Working from home is good but it is not a free joy ride. It requires a lot of hard work. As with everything in life, what you put into it is what you get out of it. Passion, focus and dedication are needed to make it work. Also, it may require you to learn new skills. Don’t let that scare you off. With anything new that you do, there is a learning curve. Be open to learn all you can because your success depends on how well prepared you are. Working from home is not for everyone. Those who think it should be easy ‘just because’ will not make it. If you are not willing to commit to your success, maybe working from home is not for you.

Working from home is never been easier now with the internet so easily available. No more long commutes, boring staff meetings or work that you hate. Getting involved in a home working opportunity can be fun, simple and rewarding. If you are willing to put time into it on the front end, you can develop a solid financial income on the back end. Working from home is the best that one can ask for. Private research firms find even larger numbers of people working from home. No matter which numbers one considers more believable, working from home is “in” and growing.

In addition to spending time with your family, working from home makes it easier to exercise. many of us have poor health because we have no time to work out. Being able to properly prepare your food and eat from home reduces the stress of trying to cram everything down in 20 - 30 minutes. Having free time to begin an exercise regimen can increase your health and extend your years to enjoy your wealth.

In conclusion, there are many benefits to you working from home Just keep in mind that it’s not a hobby. What you put into it is what you’ll get out of it. It it totally possible for you to become a major success, but it won’t be easy. Passion, focus and persistence is required. If you want it badly enough to do whatever it takes to succeed, nothing will or can stop you.

Having access to the right information can make the difference between success and failure. For Free information how you can start working from home please visit Demond’s website now.

To find a job super fast, you are going to have to get organized. Without being organized, you will never know where to begin or end the process of obtaining a job. The only way to keep up a high enough level of organization is if you know exactly what you need to be doing on a day to day basis.

Consider using the one-day schedule. This schedule will, hour by hour, give you guidance in finding work. When following this schedule the main rule is to stay focused on the task at hand and not the problems that might occur the next day. Just follow this schedule, repeat each day, and don’t worry about any other day of the week.

6:00 am to 7:00 am:

Read the Bible and say your prayers. Even if you’re not a Christian make sure to pray to whichever God you believe in because as mentioned before you are going to need all the help you can get and faith is the best kind of help. Also by saying your prayers and/or giving thanks to God, you are immediately serene and peaceful. This makes it easier to go on through the day’s difficult tasks ahead. Finding a job isn’t easy, so you need every last bit of help and every moment of peace you can reserve. This is the most important hour of your because it keeps your attitude positive and your hope alive.

7:00 am to 8:00 am:

Section off each part of you’re the yellow pages that you will need for the day. First, section off the Employment Agencies. Next, the companies that are in your industry. Make sure your ready to call every single one of these companies.

8:00 am to 12:00 noon:

The phone numbers you have sectioned off in your yellow book are now coming to use. For the next four hours you need to call each company and agency for their fax numbers/email addresses/mailing addresses (whichever is more convenient for you). Make sure to write down all the information and save it. After you have called at least 100 -200 numbers then you need to send out your resume to every one of the companies on your list.

12:00 noon to 1:00 pm

Lunch time. Eat and get your rest but don’t be lazy - make sure you get back to work on time.

1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

These five hours are dedicated purely to interviews. If a company has scheduled their interview for morning then go for it but make sure you get right back to your one-day schedule as quickly as possible.

Also, be sure not to slow down your pace just because your interviews are going well. Some jobs may work out and others may not, regardless of how well the initial interview went. The best thing to do is have lots of backup work ready just in case your dream job doesn’t work out the way you wanted it to. That way, you aren’t left “high and dry”. Go to every interview you can during this preferred time period.

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm:

Get prepared for the next day. Make sure to have tidy interview clothes ready for the next day. Get all of your follow up phone numbers and fax numbers ready to use tomorrow.

Just remember, the more you pour into the glass, the more full it becomes. Keep trying, and repeat, repeat, repeat. Failure is only when you give up.

Did you know it takes 9 months for the average American to find a job? Can you afford to wait that long? Brad Rhoton has been Vice President of local and national employment agencies all over the US for over twenty years, and has used his experience to write a book called How to Find a Job Super Fast. Now you can use Brad’s time-tested tips to find a job in days instead of weeks: http://www.JobsSuperFast.com

Looking to apply for a new contract or temporary position but are unsure of how to create the right resume? You’ll be happy to know that writing resumes for these types of positions is not as difficult as you think.

The major difference between resumes for temporary or contract work and those for permanent positions is the need to more specifically focus on your accomplishments and personality. Let’s explore some ways you can get this done.

“I’m a Quick Learner”

When applying for a temporary or contract position, the prospective employer often expects you to arrive with some knowledge of the work they do. And if you don’t have the knowledge, they hope that you can learn it very quickly. Likewise, if you are a contract worker, you may have your own business specializing in their field, which also means that the employer probably will expect you to hit the ground running.

So how can you convince them that you are the right person for the job? One way is by highlighting those responsibilities that showcase how flexible and adaptable you are. For example, if you are applying for a temporary clerical position, you might mention that in your four-week stint with Anheuser-Busch, you supported both the sales and legal departments by completing a variety of clerical tasks – then describe those tasks in detail. This information lets them know that not only are you qualified to take on a clerical position, but that you also can multitask under the pressure of two departments and complete numerous projects within a short period of time.

List the Companies You’ve Worked For

If you’ve been temping for a while, it may feel natural to write down the names of any agencies that you’ve worked with instead of the companies they’ve introduced you to. However, it’s not a bad idea to list the companies, mainly because this is where you’ve gained the experience you’re now trying to market to the prospective employer.

As a temporary worker, by telling them the companies you’ve worked for, they can better determine what types of skills you’ve acquired as well as the likelihood of you successfully completing their projects. However, as a contractor you will not have this concern if you make it a practice to approach companies on your own for work.

Show Them You Can Fit In

Another great way to get your foot in the door as a temp or contractor is by convincing the prospective employer that you fit into their organizational culture. Most times, this means making an effort to research their company for information that will help you understand their goals. By showing them that their goals and your skills and accomplishments are well aligned, they are likely to develop the impression that you will transition easily into their company and get the job done with minimal training.

Working a temporary or contract position can provide you with a great opportunity to highlight how versatile, adaptable, and truly talented you are. So let your resume showcase this dynamic side of your personality when searching for your next short-term position.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Check out reviews of the top resume writing services in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com

The Apple Ipod has grown tremendously popular since its release in late 2001. In fact over 100 million of them have been sold to date with no sells drop in sight. There are many accessories for them such as speakers, earphones and carrying cases.

It has revolutionized the way we listen to our music. There are Ipods out on the market now that have more gigabytes than many brand new computers. Other mp3 player makers have modeled their mp3 players to resemble it’s competitor in appearance and functionality. There have been some slight problems associated with Ipods in the past though.

Issues over the audio volume came to the Apple imprint in the form of a lawsuit. Since then Ipods can be locked so the volume can’t pass a certain point. People had complained about the possibility of hearing loss if the player were turned all the way up. Even violence has been associated with the Ipod.

Due to the unique headphones that the Ipod has, people have become victims of robberies. The attacker can see your earphones and know that you have an Ipod which probably cost you a few hundred dollars. It is advised no to use the Ipod earphones if you are going to listen to music while you are out.

There are several different types of Ipods that vary in gigabyte space, color and functionality out on the market. Some are only available in certain countries. Gigabyte space ranges from as low as 512 MB all the way up to 160 gigabytes of space. With fifteen styles to choose from like the iPod shuffle, iPod nano, iPod touch and iPod classic, you can mix and match with the gigabyte space to get the one that’s right for you.

Ipods were originally made for just music. However, this has recently changed. You can now get audio and video Ipods with photo settings along with it. The newer Ipod Touch allows for audio, video, photo and limited internet use. Some of the best features on the Ipod include its small size, resolution display and its playback time. Although each model is different, this seems to be the prevailing opinion as to what attracts people to buy the Ipod instead of the many other mp3 players brands.

It is common practice for a health club to include complementary Ipods for use during work outs. One story out of India detailed of one woman’s fascination with her Ipod. She would eventually go on to married to the 30 gigabyte Ipod in a private ceremony. People caused a huge stir when they began to auction off the pre owned Ipods full of music. We have had to think about issues that were just impossible not that long ago.

Yet today, we are debating whether or not a person can sell a product that holds songs with song already stored on it. Nike and Ipod recent teamed up to make the Ipod shoe. One of the shoes has an Ipod stored in the sole of it. One of the biggest complaints with the cd players was the skipping whenever a person with move in a motion that didn’t agree with their cd.

The Ipod puts an end to that once and for all. This has got to be one of the biggest reasons many people switched from their cd walkman to the Ipod.

Purchase Cheap Ipods and Cheap Mini Ipods online now!

Painless Installation with Verizon FiOS

Signing up with a broadband Internet service provider can involve a very difficult installation, or paying through the nose for a professional installation. With Verizon FiOS fiber-optic Internet access, you receive free professional installation with your one-year contract.

One of Verizon’s trained, professional installers will come to your home to install your Verizon FiOS Internet service at your convenience. You won’t have to struggle with installing wiring or hardware yourself, and you’ll have the assurance that everything is working before the technician leaves your home.

Your professional installation of Verizon FiOS includes installing the necessary wiring to your primary computer. If you use a wired or wireless home network, the other computers in your home can access the Internet through your primary computer using wireless or Ethernet network adapters, also available from Verizon.

If your installation requires any wall jacks for telephone service, your installer will set up the jacks as part of your installation service, at no additional cost. With your one-year Verizon FiOS contract, you get all the installation services required to get you up and running, at no charge.

After setting up your hardware, your installation tech will install the Verizon FiOS software on your computer. If you’ve ever wrestled with a new software installation, you’ll appreciate having a pro get the Verizon FiOS software running for you. While the software is very intuitive, you’ll no doubt be glad to spend your time on something else, and let your technician handle this installation.

Your installer will connect your computer to the Internet and verify that your Verizon FiOS connection is working properly. Before the technician leaves your home, you’ll be surfing the Internet at lightning speed, courtesy of Verizon FiOS’s fiber-optic network that extends all the way into your home.

Once your Internet connection is working, your Verizon technician will migrate any voice services on your account to Verizon FiOS and make sure your new FiOS phone service is working properly.

Finally, your installer will present you with a welcome kit with all the information you need to get the most enjoyment and use out of your Verizon FiOS connection, including games, entertainment and Verizon Central. Any questions you may have about your Verizon FiOS service will be answered in this welcome kit.

Professional installation is just one of the many benefits of your new high-speed, fiber-optic Verizon FiOS service. You’ll also receive the fastest possible Internet access in your home, great entertainment and games through the Verizon network, and the confidence of knowing that you’re working with Verizon, one of the largest providers of telecommunications services in the world.

Changing Internet providers can be nerve-wracking, particularly if you’re not particularly technically minded. Many Internet service providers charge high fees for professional installation, and installing the hardware and software yourself can be challenging and time-consuming. Verizon’s courteous, professional installers come to your home at your convenience, help you get up and running, make sure everything is in order, and let you spend your time using your new Verizon FiOS Internet service, not installing it.

Russell Blanc manages an online Consumer’s Guide and Resource to Verizon FiOS TV and High Speed Internet at http://www.ifibercompany.com

Sand casting is the most ancient form of metal casting and has been around since at least Ancient Egypt. Many metal casters prefer using sand casting over many of the other forms of processes because it’s cheap and the sand used is readily available.

Many experienced metal casters will continue to use sand casting even though their abilities and resources allow them to use the other metal casting methods like Lost Wax Casting or Investment Casting. Sand casting involves less material and less effort than the other casting methods. Sand casting is a great way for new casters to get into the trade.

In sand casting, the metal caster will create a mold by placing an original in the flask which is filled with sand. The original will be a pattern of what you want to cast. By ramming or vibrating the sand, the caster creates a mold of the original. The casting sand used needs to be able to retain the shape of the mold. Finding the right mixture of sand to water is crucial. Too much water can ruin the mold and possibly destroy it while too little water will create a poor casting. Green sand is a type of casting sand that many prefer since its ability to retain the shape of the mold is far better then normal sand. Green sand usually contains bentonite clay, sand, and water.

After the sand is packed, the pattern or original is removed carefully. Molten metal is poured into the mold and allowed to cool. The metal caster will then break the mold and dig out the casting.

While sand casting has its benefits the use of green sand can greatly increase the likelihood of a successful casting. Green sand is not really green the color refers to the damp nature of the sand. Green sand is created by adding water and bentonite to the sand. One of the benefits of using bentonite in green sand is that it makes the sand more permeable which allows more gas to escape.

Metal casters can get the bentonite from a variety of sources like home improvement stores and even from household resources. Many have milled the type of cat litter that clumps since one of the ingredients is bentonite. Remember to work in a well ventilated room or to wear proper face gear when working with bentonite since it will irritate the lungs.

There are several recipes online for green sand but the most common method is experimentation. What you are looking for when mixing the sand, water, and bentonite is a texture that is not wet but damp and will retain its shape when molded.

The type of sand you use to make green sand depends on you and the availability of the sand. Many will use sand that they found out in the wilds of nature and some will buy bags of sand like playground sand. As you cast with green sand you will find out which works best with what metals.

Green sand is growing in popularity as more casters are recognizing the properties of this method. If you have traditionally used regular sand casting, green sand casting will prove to be easier to work with and will produce better casts.

The best part about green sand casting is that is does not cost a lot of green.

Go to Metal Casting Zone to get your free ebook on Metal Casting at Metal Casting. Metal Casting Zone also has Green Sand Forum, Green Sand Filter Blog and a Metal Casting Blog with daily news on Metal Casting. You can Find Metal Casting Zone at www.metalcastingzone.com.

Metal casting supplies can run the gamut of cheap to expensive. Home foundries tend to use supplies that are not too costly or that can be found close at hand. After all, home metal casting is usually a hobby and many get into this hobby since they need a cheaper source of parts and pieces that are either far too expensive or just impossible to find. This reason is actually what draws many people to metal casting in the first place. Given this, metal casting supplies used in smaller backyard foundries are generally cheap and made of items that are available in the garage or can be found at home improvement stores. There are several online resources and stores that offer supplies specially made for metal casting and if you have the money and are unable to create your own, it is encouraged that you purchase already made supplies.

The metal casting supplies you will need ultimately depend upon the type of work you plan to do. If you plan to use lost foam casting you will not need any wax and in that same thought you won’t need any foam if you are going to use lost wax casting. The furnace type is also a consideration. Cupola furnaces do not use crucibles. A crucible is where you place the metal which will then pool and collect inside. So it is important to decide what kind of casting process and what kind of furnace that will be used before you rush out to buy supplies.

As for the supplies this will include the fuel source. Fuels sources can range from wood to propane. Metals with a higher melting point will need propane while wood can be used to melt pewter and possibly aluminum. Most home foundries will use propane since it produces a high temperature and is easily available.

Many of the metal casting processes use sand as a way to create molds and help secure those molds during the pouring. The type of sand used does not have to necessarily be specially formulated. Sand has been used in casting since ancient times so it only makes sense that most sand types can be used. Many hobbyists will even use playground sand to meet their needs. Now, there is a special type of sand used in casting called green sand. Green sand packs well and is able to hold its shape far better then common sand. For processes like lost wax you will need to find a healthy supply of wax since many of the steps involve the creation of wax models and molds. The good thing about this process is that the wax can be reused time and time again. Supplies for lost foam can be found in home improvement stores since foam insulation is suitable to use. You will not be able to reuse the foam but luckily, the foam is cheap.

Perhaps the most important casting supply is the metal itself. The metal used in casting varies due to need. Aluminum is a common alloy used in casting for a number of reasons, chief among them is availability. Aluminum soda cans are crushed and melted and proves to a good source of the metal. Many casters will find scrap metal in junk yards which tend to be a good source for brass, bronze, and iron. There are places to buy metals in ingots if you want a purer metal to work with.

Metal casting supplies often dictate what the caster can and can not do. Keep this in mind as you plan your next project as adjustments might be needed to your plan.

Go to Metal Casting Zone to get your free ebook on Metal Casting at Metal Casting. Metal Casting Zone also has Foundry Supplies Forum, Casting Supplies Blog and a Metal Casting Blog with daily news on Metal Casting. You can Find Metal Casting Zone at www.metalcastingzone.com.

Metal casting takes a certain amount of skill and knowledge not to mention the appropriate tools of the trade. Luckily, anyone can learn metal casting and the tools are widely available and some can even be crafted right at the home workshop.

Most of the metal casting tools are pretty standard and can be used for the different casting processes. If you already familiar with metal work then the chances are pretty good that you already have some of the tools in your garage or workshop. In fact, it is possible to make many of the tools that are commonly found in small foundries. If you are unable to make your own tools then there are many online resources where you can buy tools and even home improvement stores will have the tools.

The absolute must have metal casting tools will be used for safety. Safety in the home foundry is a must since any accidents that can occur will more then likely result in devastating injuries, remember safety first.

Gloves will be necessary when pouring the molten metal or picking up the crucible with the aid of heavy strength tongs. The heat from many of the molten metals will be very intense so long sleeve shirts are also advisable. Jeans and work boots will help prevent any injuries in case of spills. Remember, molten metal will splatter when poured on wet surfaces or surfaces that have recently been wet. Even concrete can cause molten metal to splatter that is why metal casters always keep a muffin tin on hand where any excess molten metal can be safely stored. Always wear goggles when working with intense flames to avoid eye damage. Without the appropriate safety gear injuries are pretty much guaranteed.

The furnace is the most important tool of the trade when it comes to metal casting. This tool does not necessarily have to be large and can even be as small as a flower pot. Size does not matter and even the smallest of furnaces can melt your alloy. The individual tools used in the furnace can differ. Not all of them will use a crucible but all of them will use a fuel source and require a refractory of some sort to help shield the furnace and direct the heat.

The crucible is where you place the metal to be melted. It pools inside the crucible and with help of tongs which can be made in a workshop is transported to the mold to be poured. For furnaces that do not use crucibles like cupolas, a ladle is needed to transport the mold. The mold is what will be used to shape the molten metal into the desired piece. The mold consists of two pieces a cope and drag. The cope is the top half of the mold and the drag the bottom. The sprue is where the molten metal enters the mold. After the metal solidifies the sprue is cut away from the cast.

Metal casting involves many other tools some of which are used for all processes and some are not. The tools needed change from job to job. When you start out in metal casting make sure you gather all the needed tools before you begin. From there you can easily increase your tool inventory as you take on new jobs.

Go to Metal Casting Zone to get your free ebook on Metal Casting at Metal Casting. Metal Casting Zone also has Silversmithing Tools Forum, Foredom Tools Blog and a Metal Casting Blog with daily news on Metal Casting. You can Find Metal Casting Zone at www.metalcastingzone.com.

Are you a whiz kid with a pen in your hand? Can you whip up photographic mash-ups that make the Mona Lisa look like illegible scrawl on a bathroom wall? Do you look at album covers and glance at the heavens above, shaking your head knowingly? Then why not put those skills to use and show those rank amateurs how it’s really done?

Whether it’s putting together album covers, posters and logos for the local garage band, doing ensemble flyers for traveling street theatre or producing viral advertising for the world’s largest shoemaker, there’s never been a bigger market for freelance graphic designers, or a better time to be one. The software and hardware that once made digital design and subsequent mass-marketing a rare and expensive medium has cheapened to the extent that anybody with an internet connection, an inexpensive personal computer and an inspired idea can have their work broadcast to tens of millions of people around the world.

Graphic design in its truest form is about conveying a message with a combination of carefully selected colors, symbols, images, shapes and words that, put together, create a unique identity for a product. Those who can do this with rapidity, enthusiasm and a little flair are always in demand. If you’ve got some ability within the realm of traditional fine arts, all the better, but it’s not the be all and end all of your career. Like all artistic pursuits, though, you need the right tools for the job. Specifically, you’re looking for the following:

1. Software. Whether you work with a can of paint and an easel or a mouse and a monitor, you are going to eventually end up with a digitized version of your finished work for delivery to the client. For those of us with liquid assets, I highly recommend Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. If you can’t splurge the high cost for these programs, you can find extremely serviceable replacements in the free, open-source GIMP and Inkscape. Together, these should cover your needs for vector artwork, photo retouching/manipulation, post-processing and final file exports.

2. A good digital (or even film-based!) camera is a useful optional extra. I prefer Canon DSLRs for their aggressively reasonable prices and excellent image quality, but high-end point and shoots can do the job in a pinch. They do, however, lack slightly in credibility while on-site. For those of us nostalgic for the days of 35mm, you can find brilliant film SLRs on eBay for knock-down prices.

3. If, however, photography isn’t your cup of tea, then free stock photo services such as MorgueFile or Stock.xchng are excellent resources that do all the work for you.

4. Finally, a flatbed scanner always comes in handy, whether you’re digitizing hand-drawn designs, scanning client-provided images or transmitting 35mm negatives. The Epson Perfection and Canoscan 8400F have garnered extensive praise for being well-rounded and affordable. Throw in a color inkjet printer or a membership to the local Kinkos, and you’re done.

So now you’re well-equipped and looking to set the world on fire as a gun-for-hire designer, but don’t know where to start. Assuming you haven’t done this kind of work before, your first priority would be to produce a varied portfolio guaranteed to blow the socks off any potential employer. A useful technique, I’ve found, is to start by going through your collection of books, video games and CDs, and picking out a few of each with covers you either hate or love. Decide why it is they produce such strong reactions in either case, and what you would have done differently. With this in mind, attempt to redraw as many as you can in your own image. As you come up with successful designs, put them aside.

Similarly, find some eye-catching stock photos and see what comes about when you simply sit and play with them in your chosen image manipulation software. Get to know the functions of the software and the way images respond to different treatments until it’s second nature.

When you think you’ve got a killer portfolio and the mindset to successfully close a deal, it’s time to find a client. Great first-time employers include local musicians and stage acts, as well as neighborhood businesses with uninspiring logos or lackluster advertising material. (You know what we’re talking about when I mention brochures or restaurant menus that look like they were put together by a ten year old using Word Art and MS Paint).

Most potential clients of this caliber don’t know how presentation affects their business, or feel that hiring a graphic designer to do work for them would be too expensive, so offer them a cheap, friendly, local alternative: yourself! For small projects, offer a flat rate; and for larger ones, keep a log of hours you spend and how many designs you produced so that you can bill accordingly.

It helps, too, to do some gratis work to get your name out there. Use your judgment and offer to redesign for free when you think it’s suitable. Networking and subsequently maintaining contacts in the local business community is what can net you, initially, the most lucrative projects, as well as long-term contract work. Graphic designers in the freelance arena have to think of themselves as part-artist, part-salesperson. Pound the pavement, scan the back pages of community newspapers for projects that look interesting, make calls to fashion, art and IT magazines to see if they have any space for an aspiring designer in their ranks.

On a larger scale, attracting corporate clients requires an online presence, and enough of the above to make an impression. Magazine freelancing in particular can generate contacts and assets in the upper tiers of international marketing and design. Spend some time uploading your creations to a website like Flickr.com or DeviantArt.com, where you can get free exhibition space, as well as having a place to call your own that you can point people to for easily accessible examples of your work. This is just an extension of your portfolio; but like your portfolio, make sure it’s a showcase of all your abilities. Indicate especially that you can diversify and handle different mediums and project sizes.

Freelancing as a graphic designer can be initially difficult; more often than not you may find potential clients slamming doors in your face. Take this in stride and persevere. Like most creative positions, as you accumulate paying jobs, more will become available to you. There’s a lot of demand globally for you to carve out a niche for yourself in freelance graphic design.

Brian Scott is a freelance writer for http://www.FreelanceWriting.com, a free website offering freelance writing jobs and hundreds of writer’s guidelines to paying magazines. Read his blog for freelance writers at http://workingwritersnewsletter.blogspot.com