When Engaging Freelance Designers: 5 Key Points Often Overlooked

The world of work is evolving, and one trend that's gaining significant traction is the rise of freelance designers. With more college graduates entering the job market and the culture of freelancing becoming increasingly popular, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, the number of freelance designers is expected to grow.

Working with a freelance designer presents numerous benefits for employers. For starters, it eliminates the need for employers to establish a legal entity in a foreign country when hiring freelancers from overseas. An Employer of Record (EoR) can take care of this, ensuring compliance with local labor laws and tax codes.

Recruiting freelancers also offers economic advantages. By hiring designers in different time zones, employers can ensure continuity of work throughout the day. This flexibility can lead to increased productivity and efficiency.

When hiring a freelance designer, it's crucial to consider how well their aesthetic style aligns with your brand and the project's requirements. Ignoring this aspect could put employers at risk of hefty penalties due to contractor misclassification.

Trust is a crucial factor in hiring freelancers. Asking for references can help build it. In Germany, organizations such as the Allianz deutscher Designer e. V. (AGD), the Europaverband der Selbständigen - Deutschland (ESD) e.V., and some creative agencies have offered frameworks or support for independent designers as clients or employers. However, the exact number of such organizations providing this service is not specified.

Hiring freelance designers for short-term projects is acceptable, but if they're expected to work full-time or on long-term projects, they might be entitled to the same benefits and rights as permanent employees. In such cases, working with an EoR can be beneficial as they assume complete responsibility for payroll, taxes, and legal compliance for independent contractors.

The freelance economy offers benefits to both employers and professionals, providing designers with flexibility. However, when hiring for long-term projects, it might be wiser to work with an EoR for independent contractors to avoid potential legal hassles.

Lastly, it's important to provide a clear timeline with key milestones and deliverables when hiring a freelance designer to ensure project progression. For a sales pitch presentation, it may be wiser to hire someone with traditional sensibilities instead of out-of-the-box ideas. For a social media campaign, a quirky aesthetic sense could be beneficial.

In conclusion, the rise of freelance designers presents a win-win situation for both employers and designers. Employers get the benefits of increased productivity, flexibility, and the elimination of legal liability, taxes, overtime wages, etc. While freelance designers enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with independent work. As the freelance economy continues to grow, it's essential for employers to understand the benefits and challenges of hiring freelance designers and make informed decisions based on their specific needs.