Freelance Designer In Singapore: Trends And Tips For Hiring In 2024

When considering design services in Singapore, businesses must make a significant choice: should they engage a freelance designer or collaborate with a well-established agency? Each option presents unique benefits and challenges, necessitating a careful evaluation of factors such as cost, flexibility, project scope, and current industry trends. 

This article will examine the primary distinctions between freelancers and agencies to assist you in identifying the most suitable choice for your business. You’ll learn the current trends, technology, and benefits of working with a freelance designer in Singapore.

The Freelance Designer vs. Agency Landscape in Singapore

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The design sector in Singapore has experienced rapid development in recent years. Freelance designers have gained popularity for their flexibility and personalised service. 

Freelancers typically operate independently or in small teams, while agencies possess greater resources, enabling them to provide multidisciplinary services, including branding, web development, and digital marketing. Understanding these fundamental differences is essential for businesses contemplating their options.

Should You Work With a Freelancer or an Agency?

Freelancing, a type of self-employment in which individuals offer their services to clients on a project or contract basis rather than working full-time for a single employer, solidified its presence during the pandemic. Because of the lockdowns, people witnessed that working from home and working with multiple clients is possible.

The freelancing economy in Singapore is growing. Reeracoen Group stated, “The rise of the gig economy and freelancers in Singapore is a testament to the changing nature of work and the increasing demand for flexible and independent career paths.” 

Businesses also saw the upside of hiring freelancers, especially regarding costs and access to specialised talent. Hiring either freelance designers or design firms has both advantages and disadvantages. You must carefully assess your project’s requirements, budget constraints, and long-term goals. 

To help you make decisions, here is a comparative matrix of the pros and cons of hiring a freelancer or a firm.

Aspect	Freelance Designer	Design Agency
Cost	Pros: Generally more affordable due to lower overhead costs Cons: Rates can vary widely and may incur additional costs for revisions	Pros: Fixed pricing models and packages can provide straightforward budgeting Cons: Typically more expensive due to higher operational costs
Flexibility	Pros: More flexible with working hours and project scope Cons: Availability may be inconsistent, and the workflow may be less structured	Pros: Consistent availability and structured project management Cons: May have rigid processes and less flexibility
Expertise and Resources	Pros: Access to specialised skills for specific tasks Cons: Limited resources and may lack a full range of services	Pros: Comprehensive services with access to multiple specialists Cons: A broader range of expertise and resources within a team
Communication	Pros: Direct communication with the designer; personalised attention Cons: Potential for miscommunication or delays in response	Pros: Dedicated project managers streamline communication Cons: Communication may go through multiple layers; less direct
Turnaround Time	Pros: Faster turnaround for smaller projects Cons: Slower for more extensive projects due to limited workforce	Pros: Can handle large projects with faster turnaround due to team capacity Cons: It may take longer due to a more extensive client base and project pipeline
Quality Control	Pros: High-quality work from highly skilled freelancers Cons: Inconsistent quality, dependent on individual freelancer’s skills	Pros: Standardised quality control measures ensure consistency Cons: Typically maintain high quality due to established processes
Reliability	Pros: Can build a strong working relationship with a reliable freelancer Cons: Risk of freelancer becoming unavailable or discontinuing work	Pros: Less risk of discontinuation; firms have backup resources Cons: Higher reliability due to established reputation and contracts

This comparison table shows vital factors such as cost, flexibility, expertise and resources, communication, turnaround time, quality control, and reliability that can help you make your hiring decision.

Regarding cost, freelance designers are generally cheaper, though their prices are less predictable; design firms, on the other hand, offer transparent pricing but are more expensive. In terms of flexibility, freelancers are more adaptable, whereas firms follow structured processes.

Concerning expertise and resources, freelancers offer specialised skills, while firms provide comprehensive services. Regarding communication, freelancers allow direct interaction, whereas design agencies have dedicated project managers.

For turnaround time, freelancers are quicker for smaller tasks, while firms are more efficient for large projects. Freelancers’ work quality can vary in quality control, while firms have standardised measures. 

Finally, regarding reliability, freelancers may have availability issues due to handling multiple clients and projects, while design agencies ensure continuity and reliability.

Choosing which one to hire depends on your project’s demands and resource restrictions. Here are some of the considerations to help you decide whether a freelancer is perfect for your needs or you need help from a design agency:

When to Hire a Freelance Designer or a Design Firm

When to Hire Freelance Designers	When to Hire a Design Firm
You have a limited budget. Your project is small or medium in scope. You need specialised  skills for a specific task. You require a quick turnaround for a smaller project. You prefer direct communication with the designer.	Your project is large or complex. You need a comprehensive range of services. Consistency and high-quality standards are critical. You require reliable project management and coordination. You have ongoing or long-term design needs.

Ultimately, you must evaluate your project’s unique needs, financial limitations, and objectives to guide your hiring decisions. 

Trends in Working with a Freelance Designer in Singapore in 2024

Trend #1: A Tight Job Market

Despite a slowdown in economic growth, 85% of hiring managers report that their companies still plan to recruit talent this year. Over 40% of these managers admit their teams are currently understaffed, with employee turnover cited as the main reason for new job openings. 

The latest US jobs report supports this, revealing more available positions than qualified candidates. Though recent layoffs have introduced new candidates into the market, skilled professionals are swiftly securing new roles, and job-switching remains at a record high.  

Trend #2: Hybrid Work is Here to Stay

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The 2024 Hiring Trends survey indicates that employees are increasingly valuing flexibility and autonomy. A substantial 90% of job seekers would consider leaving on-site roles for remote opportunities. It is something that employees experienced after COVID-19, with the relaxed work-from-home policies. 

Despite many enjoying the perks of working from home, hiring managers plan to implement a hybrid setup by encouraging employees to return to the office. 

Trend #3: The Shift Towards Pay Transparency

When it comes to compensation, job seekers want hiring managers to be transparent. In the US, eight states and several cities have already enacted pay disclosure laws, which propose to mandate pay transparency across all states.

With this information readily available, applicants will be more inclined to apply to companies that are transparent about their pay.  

Trend #4: AI’s Impact on Hiring Practices

The increasing use of AI is reshaping how businesses recruit and how candidates apply for jobs. Over 80% of survey respondents reported that their teams are either using AI or exploring its adoption. Companies are utilising algorithms for tasks ranging from CV filtering to predicting employee turnover. 

Generative AI tools are drafting job descriptions, while advanced chatbots provide real-time answers to candidate queries. Job seekers are also leveraging AI to enhance their CVs and cover letters. When used effectively, AI offers vast potential for both talent acquisition and management.

Impact of Technology on Freelance Design Work

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Technology is rapidly reshaping the design landscape, particularly for freelance designers. Tools powered by AI and automation are enabling freelancers to perform tasks that previously required entire teams. Platforms like Canva and AI-driven logo generators allow freelancers to produce high-quality designs more efficiently and affordably.

Some of the most in-demand design AI tools that freelancers are expected to know by now are:

Tool Name	Key Features	Ideal For	Pricing Model
Adobe Sensei	AI-powered features in Adobe Creative Cloud apps	Graphic and web design	Subscription-based
Canva	User-friendly design templates and AI tools	Quick graphics creation	Free with premium options
Figma	Collaborative design platform with AI plugins	UI/UX design	Free with premium options
DeepArt	AI-generated artwork based on user photos	Artistic design	Pay-per-use
Looka	AI logo and brand design	Branding	Pay-per-design
Artbreeder	Collaborative image creation using AI	Creative exploration	Free with premium options

Freelancers who embrace these technologies can maintain a competitive edge against larger agencies. Additionally, remote collaboration tools such as Figma and Slack facilitate seamless communication with clients across various industries.

Agencies are also leveraging advanced technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and machine learning to deliver innovative design solutions. However, the integration of such technologies often incurs higher costs, which may not align with the budgets of smaller businesses.

Legalities About Hiring a Freelance Designer in Singapore

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The Ministry of Manpower Labor Force in Singapore 2022 classified freelancing or any business that does not employ other staff as “own account work.” According to the report, the number of people engaged in this work increased from 177,700 in 2021 to 188,600 in 2022. 72% said they chose this job because of freedom, while 42% associated it with controlling their careers. 

It is also interesting to note that “three in five (60%) regular own account workers utilised online channels to advertise and obtain business, including more than a third (38%) who took up work via online matching platforms.”

Furthermore, the Singaporean government also provides programs to support freelancers. These programs help upskill and reskill, such as the SkillsFuture initiative, equipping freelancers with tools and knowledge to stay competitive in the rapidly changing job market.

As an employer, you have a few legal obligations before starting the project.

Contractual Agreements

A well-drafted contract is crucial as it sets clear terms for the working relationship, including the scope of work, payment terms, deadlines, and intellectual property rights. Having a contract helps prevent misunderstandings and disputes. 

Make sure to include these in the contract:

• Scope of Work: Clearly define tasks, deliverables, and expectations.
• Payment Terms: Outline rates, payment schedule, and methods
• Intellectual Property: Specify ownership and rights to the work produced.

Tax Obligations

Freelancers are responsible for their own tax filings and payments. Businesses must not withhold taxes but comply with local tax regulations.

• Freelancer’s Responsibility: Freelancers must declare their income and pay taxes to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)
• Record-Keeping: Maintain records of payments and invoices for accurate accounting and compliance.

Intellectual Property (IP) Rights

Clarifying IP rights in the contract is essential to ensure that the business retains ownership of the freelancer’s work. Securing IP rights protects proprietary information and assets.

• Ownership Transfer: Ensure the contract specifies that the freelancer transfers all the IP rights to the business upon completion and payment.
• Use of Designs: Ensure that the contract specifies how to use the designs, whether for exclusive or limited use or whether the freelancer retains any rights to use the work in their portfolio. 
• Confidentiality: Include confidentiality clauses to protect sensitive information shared with the freelancer.

Final Verdict: Is Freelance Designer Better for Your Business?

For small businesses, startups, or those in need of personalised and cost-effective design solutions, freelance designers are often the preferred choice. They offer flexibility, creativity, and affordable services, making them ideal for short-term or specific design projects.

However, if your business requires large-scale, multidisciplinary services with ongoing support, a design agency may be the better option. Agencies provide the experience, resources, and structured processes necessary for managing complex projects that demand collaboration across various disciplines.

Ultimately, the choice between hiring a freelancer or working with an agency depends on your business’s specific needs, project scope, and budget. Singaporean businesses, regardless of size, should carefully weigh the flexibility and creative control offered by freelancers against the structured, full-service capabilities of design agencies.

By thoroughly assessing these factors, you can make an informed decision if you want to work with a freelance designer in Singapore.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I include in a contract when hiring a freelance designer?

Include scope of work, deliverables, timeline, payment terms, intellectual property rights, confidentiality clause, and termination conditions.

How do I ensure the quality of work from a freelance designer?

Review their portfolio, check references and reviews, start with a trial project, and maintain clear communication and feedback.

What are the tax obligations when hiring a freelance designer in Singapore?

Freelancers must declare their income and pay taxes to IRAS. If their annual turnover exceeds SGD 1 million, they must register for GST. Clients are not responsible for the freelancer’s tax obligations but should ensure compliance.

How do I handle intellectual property rights when working with a freelance designer?

Specify in the contract who owns the work, its applications, and whether the freelancer can use it in their portfolio.

Is freelancing legal in Singapore?

Yes, freelancing is legal in Singapore, but there are certain guidelines freelancers need to follow to ensure compliance with the law. Freelancers are generally considered self-employed, so they must register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) if they intend to operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership.

Alternatively, freelancers may register with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) to report their income and file taxes accordingly.