While there are many great benefits from working with a larger design firm or agency, it’s sometimes necessary for smaller businesses (with smaller pockets) to opt for a more practical solution to their visual communication needs. Just because you don’t have the budget for a larger firm doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the quality of creative. This is where smaller studios or freelancers can really shine. Most are well rounded and can handle a variety of tasks, while those that specialize usually have a network of contractors they can call upon when the project requires. Due to smaller numbers and lack of complicated hierarchy, there is often a better working relationship that fosters more open collaboration between creatives and clients. Here are some other benefits to working with a smaller design studio:

1. Expense

It’s no secret that working with larger agencies can be expensive. Increased fees are necessary to cover the larger operating expenses. Even though you are almost guaranteed to get good work out of them, working with a larger firm isn’t a prerequisite to great creative. Studios on the other hand don’t have nearly the amount of overhead as the big boys. While some can still be a bit pricey, the typical hourly rates still don’t compare, and simplified business structure means that you aren’t paying for a handful of administrative staff on top of creative.

2. Communication

Let’s say you hire an agency. You communicate your problem, your needs, and your message to your own personal account representative. Your message then filters through (depending on structure) account staff, creative directors, art directors / copywriters, creatives, production managers, and production staff before the final product is delivered to you. What are the chances that your message will remain pure and undiluted through the grapevine? When working with a small studio, your message only passes through one or two people, and most of the time you communicate directly with the creative staff. This makes it easier for clients and creatives to communicate and collaborate through every step of the process.

3. Focus

Agencies are by nature hectic, fast-paced environments. A multitude of projects and tasks cross creatives’ desks every day. When circumstances (and timelines) dictate, projects often pass from one creative to the next. Since studios have a more limited staff and structure, there isn’t the passing around through departments and from creative to creative. In most cases one or two creatives sees a project through from concept to completion. With a smaller creative staff there is less competition and better collaboration and focus on the client’s needs, which leads to a better product for you. A smaller volume of work than larger agencies also means that studio creatives are able to devote more time to projects and complete them more efficiently. That’s not to say that studios aren’t busy too, but most schedule projects accordingly so there isn’t an overload and adequate time can be spent with each.

4. Personal Attention & Service

I’ve already talked about the drawbacks of agency hierarchy and the grapevine. You talk to a member of the account staff about what you need, but what you receive back comes from a department and a person that you never see. Studios on the other hand have a face, not just a representative. You know who runs the shop, you know who you’ll be in touch with primarily, and you know and have communicated with the creative that will be producing your finished materials - it’s most likely all the same person. You can speak directly with the creative staff and eliminate the grapevine (and diluted communication) of a larger agency. Smaller studios offer more personal service which leads to a more trusting and therefore successful business relationship.

5. Accessibility & Availability

Agencies are busy places, there is a lot going on creatively, and also a lot of bureaucracy and process to go through. There are certain hoops to jump through, and the creative process usually involves at least 5 or 6 different people. Hiring a studio that has a smaller staff and lighter workload works to your advantage - communication is more convenient having to speak to only one or two people throughout the process, and work is done more efficiently when it doesn’t pass between a handful of people and departments. Without a ton of other clients to compete with, more time is spent in communication with you making sure all your needs are met.

The most beneficial aspect of working with a smaller studio is the opportunity to have a more personal and rewarding business relationship, one that allows you to step in and be as much a part of the process as the creatives producing the final work. So whether you already have an established relationship with an agency, or are looking for a new firm to handle your marketing needs, really consider working with a studio for your next project. You might be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.