As every freelancer and design agency is different, it’s impossible to cover all the advantages, so if you can add to any of these pointers, please do leave a comment.

Freelance Graphic Designer Vs Design Agency

It’s also worth noting there’s a certain amount of overlap. For instance, my first reason for choosing an agency is because they’re well-versed in dealing with large accounts. The same can be true of a freelancer.

Reasons to work with a graphic design agency

  • Well versed in dealing with large accounts versus freelance graphic designer.
  • The client isn’t reliant on the health of one person for the successful completion of the design project.
  • There is often a group of designers collaborating on ideas, offering a broad range of outcomes.
  • A list of prestigious, trustworthy client testimonials can be offered.

Reasons to work with a freelance graphic designer

  • From start to finish, the client is talking to the top creative designer on the job, so the project specifications don’t need to be relayed before action is taken.
  • There are no separate account managers, senior creatives or junior designers, each with differing interpretations of the design brief.
  • The client is hiring the person 100% responsible for this project.
  • Client phone calls go directly to the designer working on the project — not a sales person or account manager.
  • With with freelance graphic designer can save you a lot vs hiring a design agency.
  • Design revisions and idea can you share frequently be made almost immediately after the request.
  • Billing inquiries and delivery time frames can be clarified at the same time as specific design discussions.
  • Best for small and medium size business to work with the freelance graphic designer to keep their budget aligned.

“…it must be clearly pointed out that not all freelancers are created equal. There are too many people who label themselves “freelancers,” who in reality are frighteningly uneducated and sorely inexperienced individuals who can do a lot of damage to the creative industry. A company running into one of these designers can easily be burned, either through mediocre creative work, inappropriate and uneducated charging, or just plain bad business practices.”

Quoted from Kevin Potts’ article, Selling yourself: market advantages of a freelancer, published on Creative Latitude.

Making a decision

The aim of this brief post is to look positively upon both agencies and freelancers. The fact that I list more pros for freelancers isn’t purposely because I’m a self-employed designer, but because I believe it can be a more advantageous route for clients to pursue.

Whether or not it’s the most suitable option is another question, and depends upon individual projects and needs.

Some of the world’s most respected graphic designers work in agencies, but that’s not to say you won’t find equally respected creatives working independently. Designers are successful because of a love of the craft. I’m happy working from my home studio  with flexible hours along with keeping my full-time job and work.

Should the advantages I’ve listed differ from your own experience, I’d appreciate your input, and if you’re outsourcing a design project.