Graphic Design Firm or Ad Agency?

When you are ready to promote and advertise your business you actually have a lot of choices. Worldwide there are many ad agencies and graphic design studios that are capable of helping you grow your business. But, is there a difference between a graphic design studio and an advertising agency and if so, what is that difference and why does it matter?

Advertising agencies are qualified to do everything from design logo and business cards to television commercials and everything in between. Large advertising agencies may also have a marketing department that will work with you to build and implement a business strategy which may or may not include a corporate identity, branding, advertising, telemarketing, etc. There are various services that an advertising agency presents as options; they may perform only one task.

Graphic design studios can generally put their total efforts into a project. Advertising agencies often have extra services that would not be found in the more targeted service list for a graphic design studio. Although some graphic design studios do have a marketing department available for their clients. Businesses generally need assistance with the message and brand in addition to a well designed piece of marketing collateral.

Advertising and design can get very expensive so it is important to understand which route you should take based on what you are trying to accomplish. As a designer, I often find that clients do not need to hire expensive advertising agencies; much can be accomplished with a graphic design studio, saving thousands of dollars. Don't get me wrong, advertising agencies have their place, but often a graphic design studio is sufficient.

When to Work with a Graphic Design Studio Instead of an Advertising Agency:

If a large scale advertising campaign is more than you are looking for. There are times when you simply need a brochure, a logo, business card, poster, or other collateral, but not an ad. When you work with an advertising agency, you may be paying for more than necessary because they offer so many services. Even if you are not using those services, you are ultimately paying a higher price for your projects because of the high overhead at the agency.

If you need an ad, but are willing to manage the ad buying and ad space yourself or work with the graphic design studio on a media plan. Often clients have their own contacts with publications and other advertising venues. Therefore, managing the ad buying and placement is not a problem and can keep you within your budget.

For smaller projects. Ad agencies love the big project, that's where the money is at, but not everyone has large projects all the time. Graphic design studios are perfect for smaller to medium projects.

If you desire personal service. If you prefer working one-on-one with your designer, you have a better chance of that a graphic design studio. Advertising agencies use account managers to work with clients so you may never meet the designer.

Time crunch. Most graphic design studios are more timely in their work than their advertising agency counterparts as there is typically one designer or team for each project, rather than a conglomeration of departments found in an advertising agency. These days everyone has strict budgets and are trying to make a dollar stretch as far as they can. Choosing a graphic design studio over an advertising agency can help you to accomplish your goals while keeping your project in the black.

Sam is working in conjunction with Chris Howell, a graphic designer, conceptor, creative genius. HalfNine Graphic Design Studio is his Gold Coast, Australia firm. Chris has worked with companies large and small for over 15 years. Chris takes pride in helping businesses identify and acheive their advertising goals, and provides advice and free consultations through his Gold Coast Graphic Design Studio .