Graphic Design Positions: Agency Vs Freelance Vs In-House

Graphic design positions can take many forms depending on the work setting – from being part of a creative agency team, to working as an in-house designer at a single company, or freelancing as your own boss. Each path comes with a unique work environment, set of responsibilities, and career implications. Today, I’ll break down the key differences, pros and cons of agency vs. freelance vs. in-house graphic design roles.

Whether you’re a new designer or a seasoned professional considering a change, this guide will help you understand which option might suit you best and how to pursue each route.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)

• Graphic designers can work in three main contexts: at an agency (creative firms serving multiple clients), in-house (within a single company’s team), or as a freelancer (self-employed).
• Agency roles offer diverse projects and a fast-paced, collaborative environment, but often come with tight deadlines, high pressure, and less job security if client work slows.
• In-house roles provide a stable paycheck, regular hours, and deep focus on one brand’s design needs. However, they may involve a slower pace, less variety, and adhering to strict brand guidelines.
• Freelance roles grant maximum flexibility and independence – you can choose projects and work from anywhere – but you must handle all business tasks and endure variable income (no guaranteed salary or benefits).
• Core design responsibilities overlap in all three paths (e.g. creating logos, marketing materials, digital graphics), but freelancers also manage client acquisition, contracts, and invoicing on their own.
• Work environments differ: agencies are buzzing with creative colleagues and multiple client briefs; in-house designers collaborate with non-design teams (marketing, product, etc.) within one company; freelancers often work solo from home or co-working spaces on a schedule they set.
• Pros: Agencies offer mentorship and portfolio variety; in-house offers job security, benefits, and seeing your designs’ long-term impact; freelancing offers creative freedom, location independence, and the potential to earn more per project.
• Cons: Agency life can mean long hours and client-driven stress; in-house can feel creatively limiting due to brand rules; freelancing brings isolation, ongoing client hunting, and irregular pay with no employee benefits.
• Salary expectations: Graphic designers earn about £28,500/year in the UK, around $58,900/year in the US (median), roughly C$63,000 in Canada, and about A$73,700 in Australia on average. Freelance earnings vary widely (from ~$15 to $150/hour) – experienced freelancers might charge ~$35–$60/hour, but must factor in unpaid downtime and expenses.
• Job search tip: use niche job boards and communities before general sites. For example, The SaaS Jobs is a top resource for finding graphic design positions in the SaaS industry, connecting you with specialized opportunities. Niche boards often have more relevant, high-quality listings than giant job sites, so you can find better matches faster.

Agency Graphic Design Positions

Working at a design agency (or creative studio) means you are part of a company that provides graphic design services to a variety of external clients. Agencies are hired by outside businesses to produce creative work, so as an agency designer you might handle projects for many different brands even within a single week. The environment is typically fast-paced and team-oriented. You’ll collaborate with other designers, art directors, copywriters, and account managers. Common responsibilities in an agency role include brainstorming concepts for client campaigns, designing a range of deliverables (logos, advertisements, social media graphics, websites, packaging, etc.), presenting your work to clients, and incorporating client feedback under tight deadlines.

Agency designers often juggle multiple projects at once and need to adapt to different brand styles quickly. For example, one morning you could be sketching ideas for a local restaurant’s logo, and by the afternoon you’re laying out a brochure for a tech startup – a level of variety that keeps the work fresh. This diversity of projects is a major draw for creative people who thrive on new challenges. As one agency designer describes, “in the morning I might be brainstorming a landing page for a local landscaping company, and in the afternoon designing an ad campaign for an international clothing company”, which keeps you constantly inspired. Agencies also tend to be hubs of creativity, with designers working together and learning from each other.

Pros of Agency Roles

• Broad creative variety: You get to work on an assortment of clients and industries, preventing boredom and rapidly expanding your portfolio. The diversity of projects means you continually learn new styles and techniques, which many designers find highly motivating.
• Collaborative creative team: In an agency you’re surrounded by fellow creatives. Your managers and co-workers are designers or understand design, so they expect high-quality work and push you to excel. This also means less need to justify design decisions to non-designers – everyone speaks the same creative “language.”
• Mentorship and skill growth: Agencies often have experienced senior designers and art directors who can mentor juniors. Established processes and teamwork allow new designers to glean valuable experience from veterans. Many professionals say an agency is one of the best places to quickly sharpen your design skills and learn industry best practices.
• Focus on design: Unlike some in-house positions or freelancing, agency designers generally focus purely on graphic design work. You won’t be pulled into non-design tasks (e.g. data entry or marketing strategy) – your daily work stays within the creative realm. This lets you hone your craft without as many distractions.
• High-profile projects: Established agencies often work with big-name brands or large campaigns. Landing a role at a well-known agency can give you a chance to add recognizable client projects to your resume, which can be a springboard for your career.

Cons of Agency Roles

• High-pressure & long hours: Agency life is fast-paced. Tight client deadlines and last-minute changes are common, so overtime and late nights happen, especially ahead of major deliverables. The workload can be rigorous, which may lead to stress or burnout if not managed.
• Less job security: Work at agencies can be somewhat unstable. Agencies rely on a steady stream of client projects; if a few big clients leave or cut budgets, management may have to downsize staff. In economic downturns, agencies might freeze hiring or reduce team size more quickly than in-house departments would.
• Client-driven creative limits: While you work on diverse projects, ultimately the client’s vision guides the work. You might have less creative freedom on a project if a client is very specific or conservative. Also, account managers serve as intermediaries with clients, which can sometimes lead to miscommunications or having to incorporate feedback you disagree with.
• Entry-level pay and benefits: Junior positions in agencies sometimes offer modest salaries compared to in-house roles at large corporations. You’ll likely start as a junior designer and need a few years of experience to reach higher-paying senior roles. Some smaller agencies might also have limited benefits (though larger agencies do offer standard benefits). That said, as you progress to roles like Senior Designer, Art Director or Creative Director, compensation can become quite lucrative.
• Work-life balance challenges: The combination of multiple projects and client service means work can spill beyond the 9–5. Taking vacation might require careful timing so it doesn’t conflict with client deadlines. Agency folks often love the excitement, but if you prefer a predictable, low-stress routine, this could be a drawback.

Career growth and outlook: Agency experience is highly respected in the design field. You can progress from Junior Designer to Senior Designer, and potentially to Art Director or Creative Director overseeing a team. The fast learning curve at agencies often prepares designers for other paths too – many later transition to in-house roles or start their own freelance/agency business using the diverse experience gained. In terms of salary, agency designers’ pay varies by location and agency size. It generally aligns with industry averages for graphic designers in that region (for example, a mid-level graphic designer in the US earns around $55–60k per year). Top agencies in major cities may pay premium salaries, whereas small local studios might pay a bit less. Keep in mind the intangible benefits of agency work (portfolio quality, contacts, accelerated skill growth) often compensate in the early career stage if the salary is on the lower side.

Finding agency jobs: If the agency route appeals to you, build a strong portfolio showing range and creativity – agencies hire based heavily on portfolio. Look for openings on creative industry job boards and networks. Many agencies post jobs on their own websites or on design-centric job sites (for example, sites like Dribbble Jobs, Behance, or industry-specific boards). Networking can be key: attend design events or engage in online communities where agency recruiters might be present. When searching online, using niche boards can help too – you might find agencies that specialize in certain industries posting on related niche job boards. In any case, tailor your application to showcase versatility and the ability to handle an array of design projects.

In-House Graphic Design Positions

An in-house graphic designer works within a single company, producing creative materials exclusively for that employer. Instead of having external clients, your “client” is your company’s own brand, products, and internal teams. In-house designers are common in all sorts of organizations – from tech startups, to retail brands, to nonprofits – any medium or large company with ongoing design needs might have an in-house design team. Your projects might include designing marketing collateral (flyers, emails, ads), product packaging, website/app graphics, social media visuals, presentations, and any other visuals the company needs. You’ll typically collaborate with colleagues in marketing, product development, or communications departments to fulfill internal requests.

The in-house work environment is more stable and structured than an agency. You have a steady workload focused on one brand’s identity and audience. Because you’re inside the organization, you’ll develop deep knowledge of your brand’s style guidelines, values, and customers. Over time, you become the “brand guardian,” ensuring consistency in all design output. The pace can be slower or more predictable than an agency – there are busy periods (product launches, campaign pushes) but also lulls. In-house designers often work regular business hours and have fewer last-minute emergencies compared to agency life. For example, a typical day might involve updating a brochure template, brainstorming a new product logo with your team, and attending a meeting to discuss an upcoming marketing campaign’s design needs. You won’t get the same variety of brands as an agency, but you gain the satisfaction of seeing your designs implemented and evolving over the long term.

Pros of In-House Roles

• Stability and benefits: In-house positions usually offer a steady salary (with regular paychecks) and full employee benefits like healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off. Many designers appreciate knowing they have a reliable income and job security, rather than worrying about finding the next client. One designer noted that she chose in-house work because she “wanted to have a steady paycheck right off the bat” instead of hustling for clients. If you value financial stability and perks such as sick leave, holidays, and perhaps bonuses, in-house delivers those.
• Deep brand involvement: Focusing on a single company’s brand allows you to really immerse yourself in its visual identity and strategy. Over time, you become extremely fluent in what works for that brand and its audience. You can develop designs with a long-term vision, building on previous work. This deep involvement often gives a strong sense of ownership and pride — you see the direct impact of your designs on the company’s success (for instance, increasing sales or user engagement through better design). You’re not just handing off work to a client; you’re part of the team implementing it.
• Predictable workflow: While still deadline-driven, in-house design work tends to be more predictable and balanced than agency work. Projects are scheduled around the company’s internal deadlines (product launch dates, marketing calendars) rather than sudden client demands. Work hours are typically regular (e.g. Monday to Friday, 9–5). This can translate to a better work-life balance. Designers often enjoy perks of a traditional workplace – as one in-house designer shared: having coworkers around, a supportive boss, and the ability to take time off when needed, all contribute to a healthier routine.
• Collaborating across departments: In-house designers work closely with non-design teams like marketing managers, writers, engineers, or sales. This can broaden your perspective beyond just design. You’ll learn about business strategy, marketing tactics, and how design fits into bigger goals. It’s a chance to educate others about design and advocate for good design practices in company projects. Being the go-to design expert in-house can also raise your internal profile, leading to advancement opportunities.
• Advancement opportunities: Within a company, you may climb a career ladder. For example, you might start as a Graphic Designer, then move up to Senior Designer, and potentially to roles like Design Manager or Creative Director overseeing branding. Companies often prefer to promote internal designers who have proven their understanding of the brand. This advancement can come with higher salaries and management experience. Additionally, companies may invest in your professional development with training or sending you to conferences.

Cons of In-House Roles

• Limited creative variety: Because you work on one brand, the scope of styles and projects is narrower. Over time, designing within the same guidelines can feel repetitive or limiting. You might miss the excitement of trying completely new design styles. Some in-house designers eventually feel their portfolio isn’t diverse, since it’s all one company’s work. If you crave constantly new challenges, this could be a downside.
• Strict brand guidelines and bureaucracy: In-house design often means adhering to established brand standards on every project. While consistency is good, it can constrain creativity – you’ll need to stay innovative within set rules (and sometimes corporate bureaucracy means numerous approvals). Designers have noted that a single brand environment “can also feel restrictive” creatively. Moreover, you typically can’t pick and choose projects; you must take on whatever design tasks the company needs, fun or not. Saying no to an internal project isn’t really an option in a corporate setting.
• Office environment (often among non-designers): Unlike an agency full of creatives, an in-house designer might be one of a small handful of designers at the company. You could be sitting among marketing or product folks with few peers who fully grasp design. This sometimes leads to feeling isolated creatively. Also, non-design colleagues or managers may not understand design rationale, so you might find yourself frequently explaining or justifying your choices. Decision-by-committee is common – a design might be tweaked because, say, an executive dislikes a certain color. These dynamics can be frustrating if you’re used to a creative peer group.
• Potentially slower growth in skills: Since the variety of work is limited, you might not be pushed to learn new design techniques as quickly as at an agency. It’s up to you to keep evolving (though you can take initiative on side projects or rebranding efforts internally). Additionally, if the company’s design maturity is low (i.e., they haven’t prioritized cutting-edge design), you may not have mentors to learn from in-house. You might need to seek inspiration from outside communities to avoid stagnation.
• Job dependence on company health: While in-house jobs are generally stable, your fate is tied to the company’s performance. If the company faces financial trouble or restructuring, the design team could face cuts (since it’s a cost center). Also, upward movement might depend on a senior leaving or the company growing enough to create new roles, which can vary.

Career growth and salary: In-house designers can have fulfilling long-term careers at one company or move between companies for advancement. A benefit of in-house work is that your resume can show tangible contributions (e.g. “redesigned the website leading to 20% higher conversions”). Salary-wise, in-house positions range widely based on industry: a designer at a large tech company or financial firm may earn above the industry average, while a nonprofit’s in-house designer might earn less. On average, graphic designer salaries are in the mid range (as noted earlier, around £28k in the UK or $58k in the US). In-house roles often come with annual raises or bonuses that reward company loyalty. Over a career, you might move up to managerial roles which can significantly increase pay (for instance, a Creative Services Manager or Design Director in the US can earn well above the base designer median). For entry-level designers, in-house jobs can be easier to land than competitive agency spots, and they provide a solid foundation and steady growth.

Finding in-house jobs: To land an in-house graphic design position, start by targeting the industry or type of company you’re interested in (tech, fashion, media, etc.). Use niche or specialist job boards for that sector – as mentioned, The SaaS Jobs board is excellent for finding design roles at SaaS and tech companies, for example. Niche boards let you skip irrelevant listings and find companies seeking exactly your skillset. Also check general job platforms (LinkedIn, Indeed) and company career pages; many businesses post design jobs there. Tailor your portfolio to show projects relevant to the company’s domain (if you’re applying to a sports brand, highlight any sporty or retail design work). Emphasize your ability to maintain brand consistency and collaborate with teams, since those are key in-house. Networking can help here too – connect with marketing or HR folks at companies you like, or join industry groups. Since in-house roles value cultural fit, a referral or connection might get your resume noticed. Once you get an interview, be ready to discuss how you handle working within brand guidelines and balancing creative ideas with business needs.

Freelance Graphic Design Positions

Freelance graphic designers are self-employed professionals who offer design services to clients on a project or contract basis. As a freelancer, you are essentially running your own one-person design business. This path is all about independence – you choose which projects to take on (in theory), set your rates, and manage your own schedule. Freelancers might work for a mix of clients such as small businesses, startups, agencies (subcontracting work), or large companies that need extra help. The work can range from one-off logo designs to long-term engagements like being a contract designer for a company. A freelance designer’s responsibilities extend beyond just designing: you also handle marketing your services, writing proposals, communicating with clients, scheduling your work, and billing for your time. In other words, you wear many hats, as one designer put it, “from marketing and client relations to bookkeeping and invoicing” all on your own.

The freelance work environment is whatever you make it – often a home office or a co-working space, sometimes a coffee shop. There’s no office chatter or boss looking over your shoulder (a pro or a con, depending on your personality). You might work alone most of the time, collaborating virtually with clients or other freelancers when needed. Because you’re not tied to a location, this route can be “location independent,” meaning you can work from anywhere with internet. Many freelancers enjoy the freedom to travel or move without worrying about changing jobs. Time management is crucial: you’ll need to be self-disciplined enough to create and stick to a schedule since no one else imposes one. A typical day could involve prospecting for new gigs, checking in with current clients via email or Zoom, doing design work for several projects, and then handling administrative tasks like sending invoices. The mix of activities can be stimulating but also challenging, especially when you must balance working on current projects and finding future ones simultaneously.

Pros of Freelance Roles

• Flexibility and freedom: Freelancing offers unmatched flexibility in both schedule and location. You can often set your own working hours and adapt your work to your life (for instance, taking an afternoon off and catching up at night). As one expert noted, the ability to “earn your living from anywhere with Wi-Fi is hard to beat”. If you prefer to avoid commutes or work while traveling, freelance makes it possible. You also have the freedom to choose projects that excite you – if you’ve established a good client base, you can select work that is most inspiring or profitable to you, giving a sense of creative freedom not always found in salaried jobs.
• Control over your work: Being your own boss means you decide which direction to grow. You can pursue a niche (say, exclusively doing album cover designs or UX/UI design) or be a generalist as you prefer. You can often negotiate project terms to your liking. There’s no company hierarchy, so you have full say in creative decisions (as long as the client agrees, of course). Many freelancers enjoy not having to defer to a manager’s approach – you build your own brand and work style.
• Potentially higher earnings (in the long run): While freelancers don’t have a fixed salary, successful freelancers can out-earn their in-house counterparts. You set your rates and can increase them as you gain experience and a strong reputation. For example, freelance graphic designer rates can range from $15 to $150 per hour, and experienced designers often charge around $35–$50+ per hour. If you manage to fill your schedule at $50/hour, that’s roughly $100,000 a year for full-time hours. Additionally, as a freelancer you directly profit from working more or more efficiently. (Keep in mind you also must cover expenses and unpaid downtime, but the ceiling is high if you can build a steady stream of projects.)
• Variety of projects (you choose): Much like agency work, freelancing can expose you to many different types of projects and industries – the difference is you have the say in what to pursue. One month you might design a website for a local boutique, the next month create marketing graphics for a software startup, and after that, design t-shirts for a band. This variety keeps skills sharp. And you can pursue clients that align with your interests or values (e.g. focusing on non-profit organizations or on edgy, experimental design) to build the kind of portfolio you want.
• Personal satisfaction and growth: Running a freelance business is challenging but can be very rewarding. You develop not just as a designer but also as an entrepreneur. Over time, you’ll likely become skilled in client communication, project management, and business strategy. Many freelancers take pride in building their own brand and client list from scratch. Each success – whether it’s a happy client or a higher-paying contract – is a direct result of your own efforts, which can be deeply satisfying.

Cons of Freelance Roles

• No steady paycheck & benefits: Perhaps the biggest downside: income can be irregular and unpredictable. Especially early on, your earnings may swing dramatically month to month. There’s no guaranteed paycheck; if you don’t have clients, you don’t earn. This requires strong budgeting and financial planning. You also don’t get benefits automatically – no employer-paid health insurance, retirement plan, paid vacation, or sick leave. You must charge enough to cover these yourself and handle things like insurance and taxes. For some, the financial uncertainty is a serious source of stress (you’ll need a tolerance for risk or some savings cushion).
• Continual client hunting: Unlike a job where work is assigned to you, freelancers have to go out and find (or attract) their next project. You can’t “sit back, waiting for projects to land on your desk” – marketing yourself is an ongoing part of the job. This might involve bidding for jobs on freelance marketplaces, networking to get referrals, maintaining a strong online portfolio and social media presence, and even cold-pitching potential clients. During slow periods, you might spend more time prospecting than designing. Competing with other freelancers (some of whom might undercut on price) is part of the game, which can be exhausting for those who just want to create art.
• Isolation and lack of team: Freelancers work alone most of the time. While you might interact with clients or even collaborate on a project occasionally, day-to-day you don’t have coworkers. There are no teammates to bounce ideas off in person or help pick up slack. If you thrive in a social, collaborative environment, this isolation can be uninspiring and lonely. You have to find external ways to get feedback or motivation (some freelancers join online communities or meetups to simulate a peer network). Also, there’s no built-in mentorship – you won’t have a senior colleague to learn from, so you have to seek out learning opportunities on your own.
• All business responsibilities on you: Many creatives find the business side of freelancing to be a challenging con. You must handle contracts, invoicing, accounting, setting aside money for taxes, and sometimes chasing down late payments. You’re also your own IT support, admin, and salesperson. All these non-design tasks can eat up a significant portion of your time (time which isn’t directly paid by any client). If you dislike paperwork or negotiations, that aspect can be a headache. It requires discipline to balance working in your business (designing) with working on your business (operations and marketing).
• Unpredictable workload & overwork risk: Freelance workload can be a feast-or-famine cycle. You might have too many clients wanting work at once (leading you to work overtime to meet all deadlines), or you might have dry spells with little paid work. It’s hard to perfectly balance. Beginners often feel they must accept every job, which can lead to overwork. On the flip side, turning down work (when you’re at capacity or it’s a bad fit) is a skill one must learn to avoid burnout. Time management and saying “no” strategically become very important, or else you could end up working seven days a week to keep your business afloat.

Career growth and earnings: The freelance path can be unpredictable but potentially very rewarding. In terms of growth, success is measured a bit differently – you might aim to increase your rates, take on bigger clients, or even expand into a multi-person design studio by subcontracting work once you have more clients than you can handle. Some freelancers eventually hire other designers and transition into running a small agency. There’s also a trend of experienced designers doing freelance consulting for high rates. Earnings as mentioned range widely: some part-time freelancers might make just a few thousand a year for side gigs, while top freelance designers with a strong niche can make six-figure incomes. According to one guide, U.S. freelance graphic designers average about $34–36/hour (which would be about $70k if full-time), but the range is huge. The key to increasing income is building a solid reputation and client base so you’re consistently booked at good rates. Geographically, freelancing can level the playing field – for example, a designer in a smaller town can take on clients in London or New York remotely. This means your earning potential isn’t strictly limited by local salary norms, but by your ability to compete and market yourself.

Finding freelance work: Getting started as a freelancer requires hustle. Many people begin by freelancing on the side of a regular job or after leaving an in-house/agency role with some client leads. To find gigs, you can use freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr, or 99designs, but be aware these can be very competitive (with clients sometimes looking for the lowest price). A more sustainable approach is networking and direct outreach: let your connections know you’re available for design work, attend industry events (virtually or in person), and consider joining platforms like Dribbble or Behance where clients sometimes scout for designers. Your online portfolio is crucial – it’s effectively your storefront, so invest time in making it showcase your best work and what services you offer. You can also sometimes find freelance contract opportunities on niche job boards or communities. For example, a tech company might post a contract graphic design gig on The SaaS Jobs board to find a designer familiar with software marketing. Using specialized boards for industries you like (tech, entertainment, etc.) can connect you with clients who value your domain knowledge. Don’t forget social media – many freelancers successfully generate leads through LinkedIn or even Twitter by sharing their work and insights. Over time, as you build a reputation, referrals from happy clients become a major source of projects. The early phase requires persistent outreach, but later on you may have clients coming to you.

Choosing the Right Path & Final Advice

By now it’s clear that agency vs. in-house vs. freelance graphic design positions each offer a distinct experience. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – the best path depends on your personality, priorities, and career stage. Many designers actually try more than one of these routes over the course of their careers. For instance, you might start at an agency to build a strong portfolio, then move in-house for greater stability and eventually go freelance to be your own boss (or bounce between them as opportunities arise). Skills you gain in one context – like client management in agencies or multitasking as a freelancer – can benefit you in another.

When deciding which path to pursue, consider the following questions about your goals and working style:

1. Do you need a steady, predictable income (favoring in-house) or are you comfortable with some financial uncertainty in exchange for higher upside (freelance)? Agency roles provide a fixed salary but remember, their stability can depend on client contracts.
   
   
2. Do you thrive in a team environment or prefer working solo? If you love collaborating and bouncing ideas off peers, an agency or a larger in-house team will suit you. If you’re very independent or enjoy solitude, freelance might be more satisfying.
   
   
3. How important is project variety to you? If you crave constant new challenges and variety in design style, agency or freelance life will offer that. If you’re happy to focus deeply on one brand and refine it over time, in-house could be rewarding.
   
   
4. Are you business-inclined and self-motivated to handle things like finding clients, managing finances, and setting your own schedule? If not, you might find freelancing overwhelming – an in-house or agency role provides structure so you can focus mostly on design. Freelancing requires an entrepreneurial mindset.
   
   
5. What are your long-term career aspirations? If you want to climb a corporate ladder and potentially lead a creative department, in-house (or agency to an extent) is a good path. If your dream is freedom to work on your own terms or even build your own design brand, freelancing is a step in that direction. And if you want to quickly become the best designer you can through varied experience, an agency is often a great training ground.

Your answers to these questions can guide you toward the option that aligns best with your current needs. Remember that the decision isn’t permanent – many designers switch paths when their priorities change. Early in your career you might value learning and mentorship (agency is great for that), while later you might value flexibility (hello, freelance) or security (in-house). Keep an open mind, and seek out mentors or peers in each area to learn what daily life is really like.

Finally, no matter which route you choose, success in graphic design comes from continually improving your craft and making connections. Leverage specialized resources (like The SaaS Jobs for niche opportunities and other design communities) to find roles that truly fit you. The world of design is broad – agencies, companies, and clients all need talented creatives. By understanding the pros and cons of each type of graphic design position, you can navigate your career more strategically and land a role where you can thrive both creatively and professionally. Good luck in designing your own career path!