Graphic Design Jobs: Freelance, Agency, or In-House? Picking the Right Career Path for You

With the rise of the internet, and the ability for people to work from anywhere in the world, there’s a plethora of graphic design jobs and career paths to pick from.

The three main ways in which you can work in the graphic design industry are: on a freelance basis, in an agency, or as a dedicated in-house designer. We’ll explore the differences between each of these, and what you can expect, as we dive into the article.

It’s important to remember that there are nuances with each graphic design role, so finding what best suits your way of working is critical.

Graphic Design Jobs: Embracing Independence with Freelancing

Working as a freelancer affords a lot of flexibility. If you feel like you can do more, simply accept more projects. But if you want to slow things down, well, you can do that too.

Freelancing is the epitome of being your own boss. The downside of that, however, is that you need to handle all aspects of the business. That includes marketing, outreach, admin, accounting, and everything else involved in running a business.

You can of course outsource certain jobs, however, all of this will come at an expense, which at the beginning of your freelance journey, may not be something you’ll be able to afford or justify. Additionally, you’re able to get help with client acquisition by joining a network like The Work Crowd.

Pros of Freelancing

• Flexibility: Freelancers enjoy the freedom to set their own schedules, accommodating personal preferences and work-life balance.

• Diverse Projects: Working with multiple clients exposes freelancers to a broad range of projects, fostering skill diversity.

• Autonomy: Freelancers have full control over their creative direction, client selection, and project execution.

• Skill Development: Working as a freelancer forces you to develop other skills outside of design. Things like people skills, marketing, and time management.

Cons of Freelancing

• Inconsistent Income: Income can fluctuate, especially when starting. Securing a steady stream of clients requires proactive self-marketing.

• Isolation: Freelancers often work in solitary environments, which can lead to feelings of isolation. This can be remedied by working with networks or joining coworking spaces, however the latter are often quite expensive.

• Administrative Responsibilities: Managing invoices, contracts, and client communication are additional responsibilities freelancers must handle.

• Holiday Leave: As a freelancer, the time that you’re not working is often time that you’re not making any money. This can make taking time off and relaxing on holiday quite difficult.

Graphic Design Jobs: Stability of In-House Working

If you’re someone who enjoys working on design projects, and being able to develop and work with a brand on an ongoing basis, an in-house graphic design role might be the option for you.

As an in-house graphic designer, you have the opportunity to develop your skills, work your way up within a business, and enjoy all the benefits that come with a standard job.

Pros of In-House Working

• Stability: In-house designers benefit from a stable work environment, a fixed salary, and often, comprehensive benefits. This also includes regular hours with defined start and finish times.

• Collaboration: In-house roles involve close collaboration with internal teams, fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork. For those who thrive as part of a team, this will be a huge benefit.

• Focused Expertise: In-house designers often become experts in their company's brand, allowing for deep, focused creative work, as well as an opportunity to rise in the ranks, so to speak.

Cons of In-House Working

• Limited Project Variety: In-house designers may find themselves working on a narrower range of projects compared to freelancers or agency professionals.

• Corporate Hierarchy: Corporate structures may limit creative freedom and involve navigating through layers of approval.

• Limited Exposure: Exposure to diverse design trends and industries may be limited compared to agency or freelance roles.

Graphic Design Jobs: Variety with Agency Work

Another option that often feels like a form of freelancing is working with a graphic design agency. These are businesses that hire designers – often from many different disciplines – and assign them brands and businesses to work with.

Many freelancers often get their first taste of graphic design experience and what the industry has to offer through working with an agency.

Pros of Agency Working

• Diverse Projects: Agency designers often work on a variety of projects for different clients across multiple industries.

• Networking Opportunities: Agencies provide ample networking opportunities, exposing designers to industry professionals and potential clients. For those looking to transition into a freelance role, these connections can be invaluable.

• Creative Collaboration: Working in teams encourages creative collaboration and the exchange of ideas, fuelling innovation. Of course, this will depend on how the agency is set up, as not all are run the same way.

Cons of Agency Working

• Tight Deadlines: Agencies often operate under tight deadlines, requiring designers to work efficiently under pressure. This pressure can often have negative effects on a designer’s overall wellbeing.

• Client Demands: Balancing multiple client demands and expectations can be challenging and stressful. This can be the same with freelancing, however in an agency role, you have very little to no control with which projects and what clients you work with.

• Less Autonomy: Design decisions may be subject to client preferences and agency guidelines, limiting individual creative autonomy.

Making the Decision: What's Right for You?

Choosing between freelancing, in-house positions, or agency work ultimately hinges on your personal preferences, career goals, and work style.

As a freelancer, you can relish independence, working with whichever clients you wish, however may struggle with the other aspects of running a business.

In-house designers will benefit from the stability of the traditional work environment, but may feel as though they’re not getting enough exposure to trends and other industries.

And agency designers will enjoy working on a range of different design projects, but may find the pressure of tight deadlines hard to handle.

Consider your priorities, aspirations, and preferred working conditions to make an informed decision that aligns with your graphic design career journey.

If you’re considering moving into an in-house or agency role, you’ll need a CV that’s going to catch the eye of recruiters. In this guide, you can learn how to optimise your graphic design resume for design roles!

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