Freelancing has become a mainstream career choice for many professionals across various industries. For some, freelancing offers the freedom to choose the projects they work on, while others enjoy the flexibility of working from anywhere. But one of the lesser-known ways to freelance is through partnering with an agency.

Freelancing with an agency can be a powerful way to build your career, expand your portfolio, and work on large-scale projects. Unlike independent freelancing, where you’re responsible for finding your own clients and managing all aspects of your business, freelancing with an agency allows you to focus primarily on your craft. Agencies bring in the clients, handle the logistics, and often offer support and mentorship—while you get to work on exciting projects.

In this guide, we will explore the concept of freelancing with an agency, how it works, the benefits and challenges of such a partnership, and strategies to help you succeed.

What Does Freelancing with an Agency Mean?

Freelancing with an agency refers to a partnership where a freelancer is hired by an agency to work on various projects. Agencies typically have a roster of freelancers they collaborate with on a regular basis, and they bring in clients who require freelance services for specific projects. This is especially common in industries like design, marketing, writing, web development, and other creative fields.

As a freelancer with an agency, you are technically not an employee, but you work on projects for clients brought in by the agency. Unlike independent freelancing, where you find your own clients, agencies typically handle client acquisition, billing, and project management. Freelancers are paid for their work according to the terms agreed upon with the agency.

There are two main ways to work with an agency:

1. Long-Term Contracts: Some freelancers sign longer-term agreements with agencies where they provide ongoing work for clients over months or years.
2. Project-Based Contracts: Other freelancers may be hired on a per-project basis, where the agency brings them on to work on specific tasks or complete a project from start to finish.

Regardless of the type of agreement, working with an agency allows you to focus on delivering high-quality work, without worrying about client acquisition or administrative tasks.

Benefits of Freelancing with an Agency

Freelancing with an agency comes with a host of benefits that can help you grow your career, expand your skill set, and improve your work-life balance. Below are some of the key advantages:

1. Steady Stream of Work

One of the biggest challenges of independent freelancing is the inconsistent flow of projects. As a freelancer, you are responsible for constantly seeking out new clients and opportunities, which can lead to periods of feast or famine.

Agencies, on the other hand, provide a steady stream of work. They already have a client base and a pipeline of ongoing projects. When you partner with an agency, you can focus on your craft and work on projects without constantly worrying about where your next gig is coming from.

2. Higher-Quality Clients

Agencies typically work with a broad range of clients, from startups to large corporations, and they often have established relationships with these clients. As a result, agencies are able to bring in clients who are serious about their projects and willing to pay well for quality work.

When freelancing independently, you may find yourself working with clients who are unsure of what they want or are unwilling to pay what your services are worth. But when you work with an agency, you benefit from the agency’s professional reputation, which can attract more high-quality clients.

3. No Need for Client Acquisition

Client acquisition is one of the most time-consuming tasks for any freelancer. You need to constantly network, pitch, and build relationships in order to maintain a steady stream of clients.

Freelancing with an agency takes the burden of client acquisition off your shoulders. The agency handles the sales, marketing, and client outreach, allowing you to focus on what you do best—creating great work. This setup can be ideal for freelancers who prefer not to spend their time chasing clients.

4. Support and Mentorship

Freelancers who work independently often find themselves isolated and without much support. When things go wrong on a project, it’s up to the freelancer to figure out the solution on their own. This can lead to burnout or frustration, especially for new freelancers.

Agencies offer a built-in support system. If you’re struggling with a project or need guidance, you can lean on the agency’s project managers, creative directors, or other team members for support. Agencies may also offer mentorship opportunities, allowing you to learn from more experienced professionals and improve your skills over time.

5. Project Variety

Freelancers working with agencies often have access to a broader variety of projects than independent freelancers. Agencies work with a range of clients across industries, which means you could be involved in everything from website redesigns for tech companies to social media campaigns for fashion brands.

This variety can keep your work interesting and help you build a diverse portfolio. Additionally, working on a variety of projects allows you to expand your skills and gain experience in areas that may not have been available to you as an independent freelancer.

6. Collaborative Environment

Freelancing can be a solitary endeavor, where you work alone on projects and communicate only with your clients. When you partner with an agency, you get the opportunity to collaborate with other professionals, including designers, marketers, writers, and project managers.

This collaborative environment can be highly beneficial, as it provides opportunities to share ideas, learn from others, and build valuable professional relationships. Moreover, working with a team can lead to higher-quality work as you bring together diverse skills and perspectives.

Challenges of Freelancing with an Agency

While there are many benefits to freelancing with an agency, it’s not without its challenges. It’s important to be aware of these challenges before deciding to partner with an agency.

1. Less Control Over Projects

One of the trade-offs of freelancing with an agency is that you may have less control over the projects you work on. Agencies typically assign projects based on client needs, meaning you may not always get to choose which projects you work on or how you approach them.

This can be a disadvantage if you prefer to have full creative control over your work or if you want to specialize in a particular niche. However, agencies often have a broad range of clients, so you may still have opportunities to work on projects that align with your interests.

2. Agency Commission or Fees

In exchange for bringing in clients and handling administrative tasks, agencies usually take a commission or a percentage of your earnings. Depending on the agency, this commission can range from 10% to 40% or more.

While the agency’s support can be valuable, this fee means you’ll earn less than if you were freelancing independently. However, many freelancers feel that the trade-off is worth it because the agency provides a steady stream of work and removes the hassle of finding clients.

3. Limited Flexibility

Freelancers who work independently enjoy the freedom to set their own schedules and decide when and how much they want to work. When freelancing with an agency, however, you may face stricter deadlines, expectations, and requirements.

Agencies often work on tight timelines to meet client expectations, which can result in a more rigid work schedule. Freelancers in these situations may have to balance multiple projects at once and adapt to the agency’s workflow.

4. Potential for Burnout

While freelancing with an agency can provide a steady stream of work, it’s important to avoid overcommitting. Agencies often expect high-quality work delivered quickly, which can put pressure on freelancers to meet tight deadlines.

If you take on too many projects or don’t manage your time effectively, it’s easy to experience burnout. It’s essential to set realistic expectations for yourself and communicate with the agency if you need to adjust your workload.

How to Succeed as a Freelancer with an Agency

To thrive as a freelancer with an agency, you need to take a proactive approach and ensure that you’re building strong relationships with the agency and consistently delivering high-quality work. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

1. Be Professional and Reliable

As a freelancer with an agency, your reputation is everything. Always meet deadlines, communicate clearly, and be reliable. Agencies want to work with freelancers who they can trust to deliver high-quality work consistently. If you consistently prove yourself as a reliable partner, you’ll be more likely to secure more projects and develop a long-term relationship with the agency.

2. Stay Organized

Freelancers often juggle multiple projects, and it’s easy to lose track of deadlines, client requests, and project details. Stay organized by using project management tools, setting reminders, and keeping detailed notes on each project you work on.

The more organized you are, the more efficiently you can work, and the better your relationship with the agency will be. Agencies appreciate freelancers who can manage their time and projects effectively.

3. Build Strong Relationships with Agency Contacts

One of the best ways to secure more work through an agency is by building strong relationships with your agency contacts, including project managers, creative directors, and other team members. Keep in touch with them regularly, ask for feedback on your work, and show that you’re invested in the agency’s success.

Strong relationships lead to repeat business, referrals, and a better understanding of the agency’s needs. The more you can align with the agency’s goals and culture, the more likely you are to get more work and increase your earning potential.

4. Continue Learning and Improving Your Skills

The freelance world is constantly evolving, and agencies often seek freelancers who can offer fresh perspectives and the latest skills. To stay competitive, invest in continuous learning and skill development. Take online courses, attend workshops, and stay up-to-date with industry trends.

The more you can offer the agency, the more valuable you become as a freelancer.

5. Know When to Say No

While freelancing with an agency can provide a steady stream of work, it’s important to know your limits. Don’t be afraid to say no if you’re feeling overwhelmed or if the project isn’t a good fit for your skills. It’s better to decline a project than to deliver subpar work or overcommit yourself.

Conclusion: Freelancing with an Agency

Freelancing with an agency can be an excellent way to grow your career, gain access to high-quality clients, and focus on the creative aspects of your work. While it comes with its own set of challenges, the benefits of partnering with an agency are undeniable. By being professional, organized, and proactive, you can build a successful freelancing career through agency partnerships and take your business to the next level.