Sub-contracting

[pantonedream]

So I found this amazing book, Talent Is Not Enough: Business Secrets for Designers, by Shel Perkins. It's full of great advice.

I'm looking specifically into the sub-contracting and freelance stuff. I'm into my 5th year as a full-time agency designer and I'm interested in doing some freelance or sub-contracting on the side. I know about free-lance, but have only heard a little about sub-contracting. It sounds intriguing.

Does anyone have personal experience in this area? Is it easier or harder than dealing directly with clients? Do agencies pay well for this type of work?

[PrintDriver]

Actually sub-contracting is just like any other job, pay-wise, client-wise, deadline-wise. Don't expect to not be dealing directly with clients unless the subcontracting job is production only. And sometimes even with production, you are the one dealing with the client getting the approvals and doing the changes on the production work. Been there, still doing that.

The only thing different about sub-contracting is once you get a good reputation out there, your name travels around the agencies and printers. You don't have to look for work so hard. If you don't mind doing other people's hand-me-downs.

Collaboration sub-contracting is rare, IMO.

[kevincdg]

I currently work two in-house design jobs and sub contract for an agency on the side. I make much better money at the sub contracting job then I do at my in-house jobs, and I prefer never interacting with clients. The only downside, though, is that you know the agency is getting about a 400% mark-up on what you're doing.

but hey, work is work, and i'd prefer the amount of money i'm getting there then what I get at my other jobs, and i'm building a reputable name at one of the only decent agencies in the town -- all of them know eachother here, so it's by far one of the easiest ways to get your name spread if that's what you want.

bottom line, from my experience: sub contracting is more money than in-house design, but less than getting the freelance jobs yourself.

[vxbda]

In my personal experience, sub contracting can be good if you're in it for the money. If you are in it for recognition, I've found that many agencies won't allow you to use the work in your portfolio since they want to maintain control over the work. It might not be that way in ALL cases. It's just something to look out for.