I'm a graphic designer by trade but have not had any freelance experience besides regular work experience and hobby specialization in print, and am thinking of starting my own agency or studio for freelance or client work.

Got a few colleagues and friends who are specialists in their own category, illustration, 3d, motion, me myself is graphic and web. So we are open to the idea of having our own collective studio.

I know design industry isn't the best in Msia, so I'm thinking of trying to attract clients from outside (yes, i am ambitious, at that age where it's time for entrepreneurship ).

I'm also interested to learn how to get contacts & networks for work here considering when u have ur own agency, besides paying for ads and implementing good SEO strategy.

Does anyone have any experience or story they can share, good or bad? So i can prepare myself. Or any personal SME or startup stories, difficulties, achievements, etc etc.

Thank you.


Also: does gov have grants for starting up new business in this industry? I'm bumi, if that helps