To some the word “freelancer” may have a certain stigma of a maverick who ignores rules and misses deadlines. In reality freelancers have usually been around the agency block already and know their stuff. Nobody starts work as a freelancer.
There used to be advantages in employing large agencies for big jobs. Economies of scale, strength in numbers, experience and access to resources were benefits of the big boys over a lone ranger. Nowadays, this isn’t true. All a freelancer needs is a computer and broadband. Now large files can be moved around quickly, huge jobs – series of billboards, brochures, books, presentations, videos, websites – can sit on secure servers anywhere in the world. The designer has the work on his computer at home so in the unlikely event of data loss there is always a copy. Viruses are virtually unheard of as well – it’s a Mac thing.
If the scale of the job is too much for one freelancer they can simply call on someone else to help. Files can be downloaded from the freelancer’s FTP site and uploaded when finished. Every freelancer has a network of contacts each with their specialities.
So what of using an agency? Well, the design agency or consultancy have their premises to pay for and add to the bill. They also have directors, account managers, senior creatives and junior designers each with their own ideas, spins and interpretations to confuse the message. They also have attitude, and can be full of precious personalities with an “us and them” relationship with the client.
When a client enlists the help of a creative freelancer they are creating a one-to-one relationship with a professional. They now know who to phone or email about the project and will get a quick answer without getting stuck in the corporate maze of finding the right department. Last minute changes to a job before it prints or goes live can be quicker and cheaper with the freelancer.
Also the freelancer has his reputation on the line with the job and it means so much more to him than to the individuals in an agency.
I’m doing a colour 120 page A5 booklet for my client at the moment and they are very happy. When they asked the previous agency to amend things slightly they were met with tuts! Incredible! In my opinion, the client is always right. It has to be that way.
© Rob Cubbon 2007 Freelance designer and artworker in London.
Mar 23, 2007
Email this article
Printer friendly page
Previous Page
