Freelance or agency? I’ve done both. Here’s a real talk breakdown of the pros, cons, and lessons from each side of the creative world — no fluff, just facts.
If you’re in the creative world, you’ve probably had this thought at least once: “Should I freelance or go the agency route?”
It’s a big question, and one that’s tougher to answer than you might think. After spending years freelancing as a brand designer and working in agencies, I’ve seen the perks and pitfalls of both. And spoiler alert: both have their challenges, but both also have their own magic.
In this post, I’ll break down what I’ve learned from my experience in both worlds and help you decide where you might best fit.
Freelancing, in theory, sounds like the dream. You set your own hours, choose your clients, and have total control over your creative process. But, let me tell you — the freedom comes at a cost.
Creative Freedom
When you're freelancing, you call the shots. You get to pick projects that resonate with you and align with your values. Whether you’re designing a brand for a non-profit or creating a sleek new logo for a startup, you have full control over the creative direction. No client meetings where you're forced to bite your tongue (well, sometimes 😉).
Flexibility and Autonomy
You get to choose your work hours. Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, as a freelancer, the world is your oyster. I can spend my mornings at a local coffee shop, work from the comfort of my home, or even travel while handling projects.
Client Relationships
Direct client contact means you can build relationships on your terms. You get to know the brands you’re working with on a personal level, and clients often see you as an integral part of their team. Plus, you get that beautiful feeling of personal satisfaction when you deliver a project that knocks their socks off.
The Constant Hunt for Clients
One of the downsides of freelancing is the pressure to always be looking for your next gig. Unlike an agency, you don’t have a steady stream of clients coming in. The search for new work is real, and it often means you spend as much time marketing yourself as you do designing.
Managing Everything Yourself
Being a freelancer isn’t just about the creative work. You also have to be the CEO of your own business — chasing invoices, negotiating contracts, dealing with client complaints, handling taxes, and making sure you have enough time in the day to actually work. It’s a 24/7 hustle, no matter how you slice it.
Isolation
Working solo can be awesome for focus, but sometimes it feels lonely. In an agency, you have a team to bounce ideas off of, collaborate with, and support you when things get tough. As a freelancer, you’re wearing all the hats. You’re the designer, the manager, the marketing team, and sometimes even the customer service rep. It’s a lot.
When you’re working at an agency, there’s a lot more structure. There’s a team, there’s a hierarchy, and there’s usually a ton of people around to bounce ideas off of. The catch? You don’t have as much control over the final product or client relations.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Agencies thrive on collaboration. You work with other creatives (designers, writers, strategists) to bring the client’s vision to life. This team dynamic can be incredibly energizing and creatively stimulating. It’s the opposite of isolation, and there’s always someone around to offer feedback or brainstorm.
Steady Workload
One of the best things about agency life is consistency. You don’t have to spend time chasing clients; work just keeps flowing in. There’s a process in place, and once you’re settled into the rhythm of the agency, you know what to expect. Deadlines, meetings, and creative reviews become second nature.
Bigger Projects
Agencies tend to work with bigger clients and more complex projects, which can be super exciting. There’s the opportunity to work on large-scale campaigns, rebrands, or multi-channel projects that have a bigger impact. It’s not just about logos — it’s about creating integrated, full-on brand experiences.
Less Creative Control
When you’re working at an agency, your ideas are subject to client approval and the agency’s hierarchy. The creative process can be a bit slower, as multiple people are involved in decision-making. It’s not uncommon to spend weeks on a project, only for a client to suddenly change their mind. Flexibility takes a backseat to deadlines.
Tough Clients and Deadlines
Let’s not sugarcoat it — agency life can be stressful. Tight deadlines, big client expectations, and revisions can cause a lot of tension. While the structure of an agency is nice, it can also make you feel like a cog in the wheel, especially when clients demand quick fixes or changes.
Limited Personal Growth
Agencies often have established processes that require sticking to a particular formula. While it’s great to learn how a large operation runs, you don’t get the same personal growth you would as a freelancer. You don’t get to build your own brand; you’re building someone else’s.
Both freelancing and working at an agency offer incredible learning opportunities. If you value freedom, variety, and personal connections with clients, freelancing might be your vibe. But if you thrive in a team environment, want steady projects, and are ready for bigger-scale work, an agency might be a better fit.
For me? I’ve loved both worlds — the creative control of freelancing, mixed with the team collaboration of agency life. The key is figuring out what works for you and balancing the pros and cons.
At the end of the day, whether you’re a freelancer or agency pro, it’s about finding your flow. And who knows, you might even find the sweet spot where you can experience the best of both worlds. 😉