Solo designer vs larger agency

The benefits of hiring a solo designer vs. a larger agency: Why going small can lead to big results

When it comes to hiring a designer for your project, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to work with a solo designer or a design agency. While both routes have their pros and cons, many businesses are discovering that choosing a solo designer offers significant advantages – especially when it comes to a more personalised service, cost-effectiveness, and high-quality work.

In this post, I’ll break down the key benefits of hiring a solo designer over a larger agency and explain why going small could yield better results for your project.

1. Cost-effectiveness: lower prices, higher expertise

One of the most significant advantages of hiring a solo designer is cost savings. Design agencies often have large overhead costs – office rent, employee salaries, administrative expenses – that they pass onto clients. As a result, agency prices are often significantly higher.

On the other hand, solo designers typically work independently or in small teams. Without large overhead costs, they can offer competitive rates while delivering the same, if not better, results. In fact, many solo designers come with years of experience in the industry, often having worked at agencies before venturing out on their own. This means you could pay less for a solo designer with more experience and specialised skills.

2. Personalised attention and focus on your project

When you hire a solo designer, you’re not just another client in a long queue. Solo designers typically have fewer clients than large agencies, which means they can devote more time and attention to your project. This focused attention often translates to a deeper understanding of your brand, your needs, and your goals.

Having worked at larger agencies, I know first hand that those designers are juggling multiple projects at once, and your project could end up being passed between several team members, diluting the consistency and attention to detail. With a solo designer, you get direct communication and a streamlined process – ensuring your project stays a top priority from start to finish.

3. Direct communication = faster turnaround

One of the frustrations of working with a large design agency is the potential for delays in communication. With multiple layers of management, account executives, and designers, relaying your feedback or getting updates on your project can take longer.

In contrast, working with a solo designer means you communicate directly with the person responsible for the work. This one-on-one interaction eliminates middlemen, speeds up the process, and allows for a faster turnaround time. You’ll have quicker access to updates, and revisions can be implemented a lot quicker.

4. Creative freedom and flexibility

Solo designers often have more creative freedom than those working within a larger agency. Agencies can sometimes impose rigid guidelines and processes that may limit a designer's ability to think outside the box. However solo designers have the flexibility to adapt their style to your project, explore innovative ideas, and tailor their approach to suit your specific needs.

This flexibility means solo designers can provide customised solutions that might be harder to achieve through a larger agency’s more standardised processes.

5. Accountability and consistency

When you hire a solo designer, that person is directly responsible for the success of your project. Unlike agencies where tasks are divided among a team, the solo designer takes full ownership of the design process, ensuring that every aspect aligns with your vision. This higher level of accountability can result in a more consistent design experience, where the same creative mind is involved from concept to completion.

In larger agencies, it’s not uncommon for your project to be handled by multiple people – potentially leading to miscommunication, inconsistencies, or a final product that doesn’t align with your initial expectations. With a solo designer, you can rest assured that your project is in the hands of a highly dedicated professional.

6. Building stronger relationships

Hiring a solo designer can lead to a longer-term partnership built on mutual trust and collaboration. Since they work with a smaller client base, solo designers are more invested in the success of your project. They are likely to go the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction, knowing that repeat business and referrals are crucial to their success.

In contrast, agencies might not prioritise your project with the same level of dedication, especially if they are balancing multiple high-profile clients. If you aren’t one of their biggest clients they’re less likely to prioritise you and allocate their best designers to your project. With a solo designer, you’re viewed less like a client and more like a partner.

7. More flexibility for smaller or specialised projects

Not every project requires the full force of a design agency. If your project is smaller in scope or highly specialised, a solo designer may be a better fit. Solo designers often have the flexibility to take on projects that might be considered too small or niche for larger agencies. They can also offer more tailored solutions that align perfectly with your vision, rather than trying to fit your needs into a pre-existing template or workflow.

8. Niche expertise

Many solo designers focus on specific niches, whether it’s web design, branding, illustration, or motion graphics. When you hire a solo designer, you often get the benefit of working with someone who has deep expertise in a particular area. This specialisation can result in higher-quality work that’s perfectly suited to your industry or project type.

Larger agencies may offer a wide range of services, but that doesn’t always mean they have the same level of expertise in every area. By hiring a solo designer with a particular specialty, you ensure that your project is handled by someone with the skills and experience necessary to deliver top-tier results.

Conclusion: Choosing a solo designer could be your best move

In today’s competitive market, choosing a solo designer over a larger agency can offer a host of benefits. From cost savings and personalised attention to faster turnaround times and creative flexibility, solo designers provide the value, expertise, and commitment that many businesses are looking for.

By working with a solo designer, you’re not just another project in a long list – you’re a partner whose needs and goals are given the attention they deserve. So, if you’re looking for high-quality design work without the high price tag, hiring a solo designer could be the perfect solution for your next project.

Need a talented designer for your project? Contact me to get started with a free consultation and discover how I can help elevate your next project for your brand.