Design is pivotal in Singapore’s business landscape. Because of the country’s competitive nature, businesses embrace design to differentiate themselves and enhance their user experience, eventually boosting their bottom lines, economic growth and the overall digital economy. With this increasing demand for creative talent, freelancing is rising in Singapore.
If you, as a business owner, also want to experience the beneficial impacts of design in your business, here are some guidelines for finding the best design talent in the pool of Singapore’s creatives. In this article, you will learn about:
- The Growth of the Design Industry and Freelancing
- Benefits of Hiring Freelance Designers
- Challenges in Hiring Freelancers
- Strategies for Successfully Hiring Freelance Designers
- Platforms Where You Can Find Freelance Designers
Understanding the Design Landscape in Singapore
The Growth of the Design Industry
The design industry in Singapore is dynamic because of various government initiatives, educational advancements, and the integration of design thinking in different business sectors.
- Government Support: The Singaporean government is known to support and nurture many industries, and the creative and design industry benefits from its forward-thinking policies. A case in point is the DesignSingapore Council and the Design 2025 Masterplan, which aims to integrate design into the citizen’s well-being and position the country as a global hub for design excellence.
- Educational Advancements: Many Singaporean educational institutions made significant investments in design institutions. LASALLE College of the Arts offers a Bachelor of Arts in Design Communication, which prepares students for careers in graphic design, advertising, and digital media.
- Industry Collaboration and Ecosystem Development: Creativity is encouraged in Singapore to self-express and benefit businesses, government agencies, and other sectors. Collaborative events like Singapore Design Week showcase local talent and allow designers to network with other industries.
Key Sectors in the Design Industry
These key sectors in the design industry contribute to Singapore’s reputation as a global design hub. As an employer, you can also find the perfect freelance designers in these sectors.
1. Graphic Design
Graphic design is still one of the creative industry’s foundations. It involves branding, advertising, print, and digital media. Singaporean graphic designers are known for their innovative approach to visual communication, which helps businesses create strong brand identities.
Case Study: &Larry for EDB Singapore
&Larry is a premier brand and design consultancy in Singapore. They collaborated with EDB, a government agency that strategises Singapore as a global hub for business and talent. & Larry’s task is to design EDB’s head offices to engage foreign visitors and encourage them to invest in Singapore.
The esteemed design firm solved it by “tell[ing] the brand story through a series of touch-points that engage the audience, evoke curiosity and start conversations,” as stated in the firm’s portfolio. The firm came up with the “Future Ready Singapore” concept and arrived at these outputs:
Image source: &Larry Portfolio
2. Web Design
Web design focuses on creating aesthetically pleasing and functional websites. Websites are now the window to the services and other offerings of the businesses, leaving first impressions to the customers. Because of this, a compelling website is crucial for companies in the digital age. Singaporean web designers excel in delivering responsive and user-centric designs that enhance user engagement and business performance.
Case Study: Mapletree Media for Pelican Paradise Resort
Mapletree Media faced the challenge of establishing Pelican Paradise, a 5-star hotel, as a premiere luxury destination and differentiating it from the hospitality industry. To solve this, Mapletree highlighted not only the luxury aspect but also the sustainability values of the client. That is reflected in the resort’s website, as seen below:
Image source: Pelican Paradise Resort
3. UX/UI Design
UX/UI design is essential for developing intuitive and enjoyable user experiences in digital products. Singapore has become a leader in this sector, with designers creating engaging interfaces for apps, websites, and other digital platforms to improve user experience.
Case Study: StashAway
StashAway is a Singapore-based fintech company known for its user-friendly app focusing on seamless user experience and accessibility. Its designers carefully studied how users would interact with the app and how to simplify their processes; hence, they arrived at a seamless app that is now popular with Singaporeans.
4. Industrial and Product Design
Industrial and product design focuses on creating innovative and functional products. Singaporean designers in this sector work on various products, from consumer electronics to furniture, combining form and function to enhance user experience and market appeal.
Case Study: Stuck Design for Pebby
Stuck design faced the challenge of letting pet owners engage with their pets even though they are away. Therefore, Stuck Design developed Pebby, a robotic spherical pet sitter with a 360-degree camera and motion sensor. The pet owner can use the app to control Pebby’s ability to play with their pets. It also serves as a tracking device that tracks the pet so the owner knows the location of their beloved pet.
Design has many use cases in different societal sectors, particularly the business industry. However, hiring a design firm can cost thousands of Singaporean dollars for a single project. You can hire a freelance designer if you need a specific talent but have a limited budget.
Understanding the Freelancing Market in Singapore
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.
The Growth of the Freelance Market in Singapore
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.”
Image source: Ministry of Manpower
The chart above shows an increase in users of online matching platforms from 33% in 2021 to 38% in 2022.
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.
Image source: SkillsFuture
Freelance Designers vs Design Agencies: Which is Better to Hire?
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 | Hiring a Freelance Designer | Hiring a Design Agency |
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| Flexibility |
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| Expertise and Resources |
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| Communication |
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| Turnaround Time |
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| Quality Control |
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| Reliability |
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The comparative table above 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 |
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Ultimately, you must evaluate your project’s unique needs, financial limitations, and objectives to guide your hiring decisions.
The Process: How To Hire Freelance Designers
Before you get into the freelance designer job market, here are some of the things you need to consider to prepare you as an employer:
Identify Your Needs
1. Define the Project Scope
- Identify the project’s objectives. What are you trying to achieve? Do you want a brand refresh or to broaden the reach of your marketing campaign?By identifying the project scope, you can clearly understand who to hire, from which industry, and for how long the freelancer will work with you.
- List the deliverables. What are you expecting to be the result? Is it a new website? Do you want more content? Are you expecting a comprehensive report?
- Set a timeline. Like any other business, you have limited resources. Therefore, you need to establish a timeframe for the project, including milestones and deadlines. A clear timeline allows you to appropriately manage time, budget, and expectations.
2. Determine the Required Skills
- Identify specific skills. Pinpoint the particular skills you need. For example, is being proficient in Adobe Premier crucial if you need a video editor? Or is being knowledgeable in Capcut enough to accomplish the project?
- Assess experience level. Consider whether you need a seasoned professional or a beginner. The complexity and importance of the project can help you determine this.
- Consider industry knowledge. The project scope will determine whether you need a freelancer with a certain level of industry knowledge. For example, if you need a tech content writer, you must consider whether they know the latest trends and industry jargon.
3. Understand Your Working Style
- Communication preference. How do you want to communicate with your hired freelancer? How often do you want to be updated? Do you like the work to be performance-based or output-based? You must determine all these to avoid misunderstandings and foster a healthy work environment.
- Collaboration tools. What tools and platforms do you need to accomplish the project? Consider whether the freelancer knows the tools you want to use, such as Notion, Slack, Outlook, etc.
4. Establish Clear Expectations
- Define success metrics. Determine how you will measure the project’s success. Clear metrics will help evaluate the freelancer’s performance.
- Outline responsibilities. What do you expect from the freelancer? As you list the worker’s responsibilities, you must also give relevant feedback, resources, and support throughout the project.
How to Find Freelance Designers in Singapore: The Top 7 Job Platforms
To help you find the right freelance designers for your project, here is a comparative table of Singapore’s top seven job platforms. Afterwards, there is a detailed discussion and reviews about each platform.
| Platform | Pros | Cons | Price Range |
| Upwork |
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| Freelancer |
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| Fiverr |
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| 99designs |
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| Toptal |
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| Glints |
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| Behance |
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In-Depth: The Top 7 Platforms for Freelance Designers in Singapore
Below is a detailed discussion about the top seven platforms for freelance designers. Additionally, you can see good and bad reviews to help you decide which platform is perfect for your needs.
Upwork
Upwork is one of the largest and most popular global hubs for freelancers. It is one of the pioneer platforms connecting businesses with freelancers across various industries. Upwork offers a diverse talent pool for project needs, from web development, graphic design, and writing to marketing.
Pros:
- Large Pool of Freelancers: Upwork offers many freelancers worldwide, providing diverse skills and expertise.
- Secure Payment System: The platform’s escrow system ensures that payments are safe and funds are only released when the freelancer finishes the project milestones.
- Detailed Freelancer Profiles: Freelancers have comprehensive profiles that include work history, client feedback, and skill assessments, making it easier to assess their suitability for projects.
Cons:
- High Service Fees: Upwork charges service fees for clients (3% on all payments) and freelancers (5-20% based on earnings), which can add up.
- Competitive for Clients: Due to the high number of freelancers, it can sometimes be challenging for clients to attract top talent without offering competitive rates.
Price Range:
- The freelancer’s hourly rate is typically $10- $150+, but it varies based on their skill level and experience.
Reviews from TrustRadius :
Freelancer
Freelancer.com is a global marketplace for freelancers and clients collaborating on various projects. It supports multiple job categories, including technical, creative, and business services.
The platform allows clients to post projects and receive bids from freelancers.
Pros:
- Wide Range of Skills Available: Suitable for various project needs
- Project and Contest Options: Clients can post projects or run contests to receive multiple submissions.
- Milestone Payment System: Facilitates structured payments based on project progress.
Cons:
- High Fees: Freelancer charges fees for posting projects and takes a commission on payments (usually 10-20%).
- Quality Varies: There is a wide range of freelancer quality, requiring careful vetting.
- Price Range: Typically, $5 – $100+ per hour, varying by the freelancer’s skill level and experience.
Reviews from TrustRadius:
Fiverr
Fiverr is a platform known for offering freelance services starting at USD 5. It caters to various services, including graphic design, writing, video editing, and digital marketing. The platform is easy to use, making it accessible for clients and freelancers.
Pros:
- Affordable Options: Suitable for smaller tasks and budgets.
- Easy to Use: Simple interface for both clients and freelancers.
- Wide Range of Services: Includes many creative and digital services.
Cons:
- Limited Scope for Complex Projects: Best for more minor, clearly defined tasks.
- Additional Costs for Extras: Basic services may require additional purchases for complete packages.
- Price Range: Typically, $5 – $100+ per project, varying by service and extras.
Reviews from TrustPilot:
99designs
99designs is a design-specific freelance platform where clients can design contests or hire designers directly. The platform focuses on high-quality design services, including logo design, web design, and product packaging.
Pros
- Focus on Design: We specialise in design services, ensuring high-quality work.
- Contest-Based Hiring: Allows clients to choose from multiple design submissions.
- Pre-Vetted Talent: Freelancers are often vetted, guaranteeing professional quality.
Cons
- Higher Cost: Generally more expensive compared to other platforms
- Time-Consuming Contests: The contest model can take more time than direct hiring.
- Limited to Design: Exclusively for design services, not suitable for other types of freelance work.
Prices
- Hourly Rates: $100 – $200+ per hour
- Project-Based: $299 – $2,499+ per project
Reviews from Trustpilot:
Toptal
Toptal is a freelance platform that connects clients with the top 3% of freelance talent in design, development, and finance. The platform rigorously vets freelancers to ensure they meet high standards of quality and professionalism.
Pros
- Top Talent: Only the top 3% of freelancers are accepted, ensuring high-quality work.
- Rigorous Vetting: Extensive screening process for skills, communication, and professionalism.
- Project Managers Available: Access to project managers for better project coordination.
Cons
- Very High Cost: Significantly more expensive than other platforms.
- Smaller Talent Pool: Due to the rigorous vetting process, there is a limited number of freelancers.
- Longer Onboarding Process: The vetting and matching process can take more time.
Prices
- Hourly Rates: $60 – $250+ per hour
- Project-Based: $1,000 – $20,000+ per project
Reviews from Trustpilot:
Glints
Glints is a Southeast Asian talent platform that connects companies with young professionals, particularly freelance designers.
Pros:
- Focus on Southeast Asian talent
- Strong emphasis on young professionals
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Smaller talent pool
- Limited to the Southeast Asian market
- Variable quality of freelancers
Price Range: $15-$100/hr
Reviews from Trustpilot
Behance
Behance is a platform wherein designers showcase their portfolios, making it easy for clients to find and hire creative talent.
Pros:
- High-quality portfolios
- Direct access to designers
- Strong design community
Cons:
- No built-in payment system
- Limited to design professionals
- It can be challenging to navigate.
Price Range: $20-$200/hr
Reviews from Trustpilot
How to Evaluate Freelance Designers in Singapore Before Hiring
Evaluating freelance designers in Singapore involves a comprehensive review of their portfolios, assessing technical skills, checking references and reviews, conducting interviews, evaluating cultural fit and work ethic, requesting a trial project, and verifying credentials and experience.
By following these steps, you can ensure you hire a designer who meets your project requirements and delivers high-quality work.
Review the Portfolio
Just like with the traditional employment screening process, you need to examine the freelancer’s previous work. You must ask for their portfolio to assess their quality and style. It will help you gauge whether they can accomplish your project’s goals. Also, they look for diversity in their projects. Check if they have experience with projects similar to yours, showing versatility and adaptability.
Check References and Reviews
Client feedback and contact references help evaluate the freelancer’s work quality and ethics. You can read about reviews and testimonials from their previous clients. Online platforms like Upwork and Freelancer always provide reviews or insights about the employer’s experience working with the freelancer.
Assess Technical Skills
You can require skill tests to gauge the freelancer’s proficiency in specific areas. You can also ask for sample works or a sample project to evaluate their skills. To ensure fairness to the freelancer, you can make this a paid trial.
Evaluate Communication Skills
First impressions matter. You must pay attention to how promptly the freelancer communicates during the initial or discovery call. Effective communication is often the key to project success because it avoids delays and errors due to misunderstandings.
Discuss Availability, Commitment, and Pricing
Confirm the freelancer’s availability and preferred work set-up to ensure they can commit to the project and timelines. Afterwards, you can discuss pricing and payment terms. Be transparent in your budget and be open to negotiations. Moreover, clarify payment terms, payment schedules, or if there are merit bonuses. Before moving forward, you must understand these things to help avoid disputes later.
Making The Hire
You are now in a phase where you have finally decided to move forward with a particular freelancer candidate. So what do you do now? Here are some of the things you should accomplish with your new hire:
Agree Upon a Work Contract
To protect all parties, you, as an employer, need to provide a job contract containing the following essential elements:
- Scope of Work: A clear outline of the tasks and deliverables you expect from the freelancer
- Timeline: Includes the project start date, end date, and critical milestones
- Payment Terms: Detail the agreed-upon rate, payment schedule, and method of payment
- Confidentiality: Include clauses to protect sensitive information and intellectual property
- Revisions: Specify the number of revisions included and how to handle additional revisions
- Termination Clause: Define conditions under which either party may terminate the contract.
Onboard the Freelancer
Provide the following necessary resources and information:
- Project brief: State the project’s background, objectives, and requirements.
- Access to tools: Ensure that the new hire has all the necessary tools, software, or other resources needed to perform.
- Point of contact: Connect the new hire to the person they can report to or to whom they can direct their inquiries.
Establish the communication channels:
- Communication tools: Provide email, team chats like Slack or Zoom, or project management tools like Notion or Trello.
- Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular meetings to discuss progress and give feedback.
- Feedback Loop: Establish a transparent process for providing and receiving feedback, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment.
Legalities About Hiring a Freelance Designer in Singapore
Congratulations on finally hiring your new freelance designer. 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.
Key Points:
- 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.
Key Points:
- 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.
Key Points:
- 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.
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.
Where can I find freelance designers in Singapore?
Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, 99designs, and Toptal to find and hire freelance designers.
