Freelancers: Should You Present Yourself as an Individual or a Company?
One of the most significant decisions freelance designers face is how to present their business: should you use your personal name or create a distinct business identity?
As a designer, you're running a business, whether you have an LLC or not. But you're also a person whose reputation is tied to your name—unless you're famous enough to be known by just one name.
So, should you create a business name, secure a domain, and set up social media accounts to appear as a company to prospective clients? Or is it better to operate under your own name and present yourself as a freelance designer, illustrator, or whatever your role may be?
Like many great questions, the answer depends on your situation.
For instance, my copywriting portfolio is under my name, Andrew Dickson. I have an LLC for billing purposes only. In contrast, Aaron James, with whom I frequently collaborate, operates under the company name Math Dept for his art and creative direction services.
1. Branding as a Business
Branding yourself as a business can be advantageous if you plan to hire collaborators, be the primary contact for clients, and manage payments. Clients who hire businesses often expect a team’s capabilities, which allows you to scale your offerings. It’s easier to justify bringing on additional help when you present yourself as a company rather than an individual freelancer.
A company can imply a larger organization, even if it’s just you or a small team. Clients often expect multiple deliverables and services, which means they anticipate paying for a team and covering overhead costs. Companies might also be more appealing to brands with hiring restrictions or bureaucratic hurdles, making an LLC or S Corp necessary.
2. Operating as an Individual
On the other hand, some agencies and studios prefer hiring individual freelancers for their projects. When you work as a freelancer, agencies might appreciate your direct involvement rather than outsourcing to another firm. Agencies are hired for their in-house capabilities and may not want to outsource work to another company, which could be seen as a competitor or conflict of interest.
Clients might also prefer working directly with a renowned individual rather than a company, especially if they’re familiar with the person's work. When clients hire you personally, they’re confident they’re getting your work rather than the work of a larger team, which can justify higher fees for your expertise.
3. Balancing Both Approaches
If you’re unsure, consider maintaining two separate identities. You could have a personal website for individual projects and a separate branded site for larger studio work. This approach allows you to cater to both types of clients and projects effectively.
Remember, building your brand takes time, and you’re not locked into one approach forever. Clients who value your work will continue to hire you, regardless of whether you’re operating under a personal name or a business brand.
Feel free to share your thoughts or questions about this decision in the comments!
At Poitio, we celebrate the incredible talent and creativity of freelancers and digital creators. Join our community today to showcase your work, connect with like-minded creatives, and explore endless possibilities in the world of digital art and design. Whether you're presenting yourself as an individual or a company, Poitio provides a platform to amplify your work and reach a global audience. Visit Poitio.com to get started!