How to find clients for a novice website designer?

Question

Freelance

Hello! First of all, I would like to apologize for such a question, I understand that this has been discussed more than once, but I did not find an answer for myself.
Actually, how it was.
I drew myself a small portfolio consisting of 6 works (Website design). I know it's not much, but still.
I bought an account on fl.ru and another exchange, and began to respond to orders, but, alas, in a month of searching, no one chose me as a performer, there was the only order that was unsuccessful, because there is nothing to work without prepayment. In general, I calmed down on this, and after a while, I decided to try again.
Actually a question. How can a beginner work on such exchanges when there are 50+ performers for each order?
I do not pretend to have a large number of orders at this stage, 2-3 small orders per month would be enough for me, with a small payment, in order to make a normal portfolio, but with such a flurry of competition, it is very difficult to find an order.
As for foreign freelance exchanges, such as odesk, elance, I do not mind, but my English at the moment does not allow me to communicate freely with customers.
I would love to know how you were looking for clients at the initial stages.
Thanks in advance.
My portfolio

Answer 1

1) find forums where webmasters live and offer their services (for example , searchengines.guru/forumdisplay.php?f=73 ).
2) take orders for freelance, with simpler requirements =)

Answer 2

“..at the initial stages, they were looking for clients.” It was so long ago that it is no longer relevant, but in general, now there is a sharp decline from the new year on design, and in general in freelancing, probably. The total number of projects in the feed has decreased by almost two, hence all the ensuing competition. Plus, now summer is also affecting activity.
Although this part may be devoured by typical services on FL, but something I doubt they also rained down at first, and now there is silence and for a long time ..
I can only advise you to try more and try on foreign exchanges, try yourself in other directions, in layout, for example it will be useful for web design.
If you can’t take it from sites, take business card banners and other trifles.
Good luck.

Answer 3

In addition to everything that has already been said, I advise you to look towards the design of mobile applications ─ this is where there is a severe shortage of specialists and good prices

Answer 4

I'll add an option. Find a development team (or several) and collaborate with them. Together, you will be able to do not separate parts, but offer a more holistic solution. Developers have a problem finding designers. help each other)

Answer 5

Maybe the clients don't like your portfolio. All the same, these are “fake” works that you made to your taste and color, and the colors, by the way, are the same in 5 works) See what others are doing on the same fl, try contests, for example, here is a good site , even if you don’t win, then another work in the portfolio, which is made according to the present TOR.

Answer 6

And you know how to type?

Answer 7

Who is looking for professionals in the field of web design, I recommend contacting the guys  www.kontur-design.ru/service/web-dizayn  in which I ordered web design. I was so intrigued that now I want to study and do the same myself. The impression of the work of the specialists of this company was positive, sympathetic people who can help, advise and consult.