The Tribune

By Deidre Bastian

Should a designer start their career in-house or forge ahead as a freelancer from the outset? Should they fight for freedom and flexibility through working hours, wages and clients? Is that even possible? Or do stability, studio stimulation and set hours provide a better base from which to build a craft?

With clear pros and cons for these two paths, it is a tough decision being faced by many new designers. Let’s examine each course.

IN-HOUSE DESIGNER:

There are many advantages, as this allows one to learn from colleagues and gain inspiration, which broadens overall knowledge.

• The in-house designer is usually provided with increased opportunities and benefits as an employee of a larger organisation.

• The values of an organisation can be inspirational, as they offer the designer a real sense of community, prestige and pride, especially if the designer plays a real part in creating the public face that greatly aids the organisation.

• I suppose that an in-house designer is likely to enjoy more structure, a regular pay cheque and a more predictable schedule. Many in-house designers consider this statement to be circumstantial, since many companies downsize and try to squeeze extra juice from fewer workers.
  

• There is no need to constantly beat the drum for more work, as some independent designers do to stay afloat.

• An in-house designer, if used properly, is often more cost-effective for an employer.

• The in-house designer is likely to have a vested interest in the long-term success of the company.

By the same token, just as in-house designers have pros, there are disadvantages as well:

Cons:

• Being in-house offers less flexibility on hours, clientele and projects.

• Communication is less than if you were freelancing, meaning a feeling of isolation is possible.

• If you want to thrive in a studio environment, team work is paramount.

• Adaptability is also essential, as you need to be able to retain creativity while being pulled in many directions simultaneously.

• Another negative is that the organisation’s structure may cause the wheels of change to move very slowly, so project completion is longer.

• The organsation’s product, service or overall philosophy may be conservative, or otherwise challenge creativity. Consequently, efficiency may sometimes work against creativity as in: “Just change the date/colour/ headline and run it again.”

• The in-house designer can outgrow the challenges of the organisation and become frustrated or burnt out.

FREELANCE DESIGNER:

The advantages:

• Freelancers tend to have a quicker response time and to finish projects faster.

• There may be some hidden talent in the freelance world that doesn’t get overwhelmed by the procedures of a company.

• Most companies usually charge more than a freelancer.

• Works from home, sets their own pace,and no additional overhead expense and supervisors involved.

Cons:

• Some clients may find themselves stuck in a situation where all design proposals are of the exact same style, which may not be too satisfying for customers.

• May lack motivation, quiet space and possibly require time management.

There is a ‘pro’ and a ‘con’ in everything that we do, and it really does not matter which pitch you choose just as long as you make smart choices. Scrutinise both platforms and philosophies so as to gain the most satisfying outcome, as this is a field always ripe for growth. Until we meet again, fill your life with memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game!

• NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com. ABOUT COLUMNIST: Ms Bastian is a trained graphic designer who has qualifications of M.Sc., B.Sc., A.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.