Need an ad, a logo, or a re-designed Web site but can’t afford to hire an ad agency? There are thousands of accomplished freelance designers, copywriters and other “creatives” (as they are often called) who offer the same creative services that advertising agencies provide. Graphic designers and copywriters often team up to service clients. They can bring in other professionals, such as illustrators and photographers, if your project requires specialized skills.Among the benefits that freelancers offer:
1. They are usually more affordable than an ad agency because their overhead is lower.
2. The designer and writer you meet with won’t hand the work off to someone else. They execute the project themselves.
3. You don’t have to worry about signing a long-term contract because most independent creatives will work on a project basis.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the right creative talent for your project

The best way to find reliable creative freelancers is to ask others in your field for recommendations. If that doesn’t turn up the talent you need, check out online resources.

I recommend: If you want to work with local freelancers, ask regional advertising trade organizations for a list of local freelancers, or post an ad on the organizations’ online job boards. Start with groups that are affiliated with the American Advertising Association. Designers and writers put their best work in their portfolios. You can view the portfolios of freelancers from throughout the world on Creative Hotlist and Graphic Artists Guild. For links to the Web sites of more than 17,000 creatives, including copywriters, check out FreelanceDesigner.

No time to interview prospects?

Consult a staffing agency that handles creative services. An account executive will review your needs and recommend someone from the firm’s stable of pre-screened, creative professionals.

I recommend: Aquent, The Creative Group and Paladin have offices in major metropolitan areas.

Let the talent come to you

Instead of going out and searching for talent, get the creatives to come to you.

I recommend: At sites like Guru.com and Elance.com, you can post a description of your project and have freelancers bid on it.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It’s not imperative that you work with local talent, but face-to-face meetings can help build the rapport that is vital to a strong working relationship.
• •  Ask prospective freelancers to show you samples of work they have done for other companies in your industry, or for similar industries or markets. Do you like the look and tone of the pieces you see? If not, move on.
• •  When interviewing graphic designers, keep in mind that just knowing how to use design software does not a designer make. To find professionals who understand the principals of good graphic design, look for people who attended a reputable art school or advertising-design school.
• •  If a freelancer quotes a fee that is beyond your budget, negotiate for a lower fee by agreeing to conditions that will make the process more efficient. For example, offer to limit the number of revisions you will request or extend project deadlines.
• •  If a freelancer quotes a fee that is beyond your budget, negotiate for a lower fee by agreeing to conditions that will make the process more efficient. For example, offer to limit the number of revisions you will request or extend project deadlines.