This week in class we discussed the similarities and differences design firms and advertising firms share. As someone who is more familiar with the advertising side of the industry, I found this class insightful to learn how they contrast.  

     To start off, design firms are often a lot smaller than advertising firms. Because they are smaller, they tend to work with smaller business and startup companies that need the help without the huge check that can come from a larger business. Companies tend to go to design firms when they are in the exploration stage of their branding. This goes with logo, and company identity overall.  

   Once the branding look is established, a company has a bigger revenue, they make then go to an advertising agency to get their brand out there. Advertising agencies are where the big bucks are. The accounts, or clients have more longevity at, and advertising agency compared to a design agency.  

  As a designer they are two very different paths to go on career wise. Designing at a design firm leads to a wider range of work due to more variety in clientele. Versus Advertising where the accounts designers get placed on don’t have as much range, the work will be more under the same umbrella. Another, difference is that at an Advertising firm, everyone is expected to stay over time if necessary, to get work done.  

  For me personally, if I was a designer, I would prefer to work at an advertising firm because of the consistency in client and work. I think it would be nice to see the progress in the kind or style of work that could be done on that account. But I do understand if you’re someone who gets bored easily the benefits of a Design firm job.