Creative Agency or Freelancer, Who to Hire

It’s fair to describe Conspire as "small but mighty." We do.

We also really like "small by design." It truly represents a value we bring to the table when partnering with clients.

There’s no doubt we purpose these idioms to compare ourselves favorably to larger agencies. They really do reflect just how different we are from the classic big agency.

In the same vein, a case should be made for how Conspire, a small strategic branding agency, differs from the other end of the creative spectrum – creative independents or freelancers.

First, let us start by saying Columbus has some amazing freelancers. In fact, we often level-up by bringing in the city’s brightest minds when a client’s goal requires a specific expertise outside of our wheelhouse.

However, we fancy ourselves as the sweet spot between the big dogs and the independent operators. The cons to big agency are glaring: they’re pricey and rigid. We want to offer our (hopefully fair, but not exhaustive) nuanced perspective on how an intentionally small strategic branding agency, like Conspire, differs from the freelancer landscape.


PROS

AGENCY

  • More creative minds / varying perspectives result in more holistic solutions

  • Diverse industry experience

  • Design specialty paired with brand strategy

  • Full-service account management

  • Standardized time tracking via client portal

  • Integrated copywriting services

  • Broad array of capabilities & services

  • Standardized processes

  • Timely turnarounds without missed deadlines

  • Activity projections & reporting

  • Easy, clear communication with less headaches

  • Redistributed workload for new opportunities

  • No downtime for vacations or sick leave

FREELANCER

  • Low overhead means ability to take smaller budget projects

  • More likely to have the ability to work onsite if needed

  • More focused capabilities / specialties

  • Most likely mid to senior level

  • Design focused, tactical recommendations


CONS

AGENCY

  • Budget most likely higher than freelancer

  • Depending on relationship, ramp up and turn-around time could be longer due to collaboration needs

  • Less likely to be available nights and weekends

  • Less likely to have someone available to work on-site

FREELANCER

  • Manually self-reported time sheets

  • Variable weekly fees based on workload

  • Talents / skillset varies based on individual experience

  • Project outcomes vary based on individual’s specialties

  • Standard processes & client-integrated workflows unlikely

  • Client has to work with freelancer’s schedule (vacations, sick time, other clients)


Obviously we’re a little biased. But that bias comes from an honest perspective from being on both sides of the fence – or all three sides if you will (big agency, small “by design” agency, and freelancer).

We’re always glad to continue the conversation. If Conspire isn’t right for your goals, we are always glad to connect you a freelance, or big agency, that is.

Conspire

CONSPIRE builds brands on purpose. We infuse strategy with emotion, forming brands and telling stories that CONnect people to purpose and inSPIRE them to move.

https://www.conspirewith.us
Previous
Previous

No Fear, Underdog is Here

Next
Next

Tips to Building Brands of Purpose - Podcast