Innies v Outies

I just read an insightful article on AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts). The author was describing the differences between an "innie" and an "outie" in the design world. I've always been an innie, while secretly wishing to be an outie. An innie is an in-house designer, a graphic designer who works within a larger group, providing for that group any design needs they may have. They are usually the only designer on staff. An outie is a designer who works at a design firm or agency, (with many other designers) and relies on outside sources for their "survival".

While I've always envied those outies for their creative environments and high profile design jobs, I've come to discover that being an innie isn't all that bad.

One commenter on AIGA summed up the pros and cons pretty well. Here is what he said.

by Saurabh Gupta Sun May 25, 2008
Hi, I have spent the better part of my 8-year career as an in-house designer in India, and here are some of my observations with respect to design environment in India:

1. I get paid more than what I'd have been in an agency - for any stage of my career.

2. Corporations give much more benefits and job security.

3. I get to work with the latest and best hardware and software, whereas agencies are not able to upgrade so promptly. Design equipment costs are very small and affordable for corporations than for agencies.

4. A lot of recognition and entire credit for every work.

5. Colleagues see you as the 'creative guy', different from them, a guy who has the luxury to come in jeans while they are tied up in grey corporate attire.

6. An in-house designer is better able to tune his creativity to the spirit and vision of the employing company than due to his constant involvement and physical presence within it. This kind of involvement is far more difficult to achieve with outside designers - unless the company is a big enough client of a big enough design agency.

7. Being inhouse helps me keep my creativity grounded and practical and result focussed.

Of course there are some things I miss:
1. The creative environment

2. You have to report to a person who doesnt know much about design - you have to let your work be judges by someone who knows less about your subject than you do.

3. You will always be a support function (unless its a design driven product your company is into), long to be counted as a core professional. You are afraid you will not be missed much if gone.