While it would sure be a luxury, not all companies need a full time, in-house Graphic Artist. I often see job postings for full time positions and the list of required duties and tasks is a little... varied.
For example:
Must be able to lift 50 lbs
Will be on the sales floor when needed
Answering phones and directing calls at reception desk
Willing to work weekends as hostess
Now, I'm not saying you aren't going to find a Graphic Artist capable of doing all those things. They're out there! In my opinion though, hiring a Freelance Graphic artist is a far better solution that will save you money while getting top notch work done quickly and with the attention your company deserves. Let me explain:
1. Save Money
Right out of the gate, there is no overhead in hiring me. I don't need a desk with a fully decked out computer and expensive software at your office. You don't need to buy me a space heater and I won't use your electricity to run it 8 hours a day. I have it all at my own office! We can hit the ground running as soon as you're ready.
2. Get Attention
The "small" projects are just as important as the big ones to a freelancer. Unlike in an agency, where there is often a few big clients (think Lucky Strike or Chevrolet if you've ever watched Mad Men), I just move from one project to the next as they come in, regardless of size. I only take on a few projects at a time so you can rest assure your projects won't be ignored when another one rolls in.
3. Direct Communication
When you hire a freelancer, you know exactly who you're working with. There's no chain of managers before you get to the actual artist working on your project. This actually is a benefit for me as well because nothing is lost in translation when I get to work directly with the client (you!).
4. Speed
When working with a freelance designer, you have a better chance of getting a rush project done. We have a clear idea of existing time lines and projects. There isn't some manager who is going to walk by my desk and drop off a list of projects that have to be done before the end of the day. With an agency, you're not going to have designers staying late or working weekends to get it done. Let's be honest, with me, you might not either. I'm just saying there's a better chance ;)
5. Fresh Eyes
Outside opinions are valuable. Sometimes you're looking for a solution and you're looking in all the same places, with the same people. Ideas tend to get recycled and it can be a challenge to look at things from outside in. That's where I come in!
6. Slow Times
All businesses have their busy seasons just as all businesses have slow months. I'm not on your payroll so if there's nothing for me to do, I exist only in your inbox. I'll check in from time to time and will be excited and ready to go when the next project comes around but there's no sense paying someone a salary if you're not using them to their full potential. When I worked as a in-house designer, there was a whole host of random tasks I would be assigned when there wasn't an immediate need for design. Scheduling cleaning appointments, packing and shipping boxes, building furniture etc. All this to say - you don't have to worry about keeping me busy when you're not!
Those are just six of the many reasons hiring a Freelance Graphic Designer can be a great thing! It may not be the traditional way of hiring a new staff member but it sure can be effective.
- Laurel