In-house creative teams come with a unique set of advantages - and challenges.

In-house creative teams are the powerhouses that produce much of the content we see coming from great brands. In an article for HOWdesign.com, Neil Brown illustrates 5 of the unique advantages, and challenges, that in-house creative teams face.

Advantage: Deeper Brand Knowledge

“An in-house designer lives and breathes a company’s brand (and probably dreams about it, too). Grasp any opportunity you can to learn about every aspect of your brand from the vision that comes down from the C Suite to understanding how the sales process works. Built over time, this depth of knowledge is hard for agencies to attain since they’re typically hired for a short term projects. This knowledge can make you an brand expert and in business experts are valued and valuable.”

Challenge: Client Perception

Advantage: The Bottom Line

Advantage: Relationships Versus One Night Stands

“In-house you have to build relationships with your clients and learn how to work with each one because at the end of the day you are stuck with each other. Take heart, if you nurture those relationships over time they will trust you more and allow you be bolder, go further and do some of your greatest work”

Challenge: No Charge Doesn’t Mean Free

“Some in-house clients have a hard time grasping this, particularly when there isn’t a chargeback system in place. Without money changing hands the perception can be that there is no investment.  In-house you have to ways to get your client invested: clear briefs and kick off meetings, limit the rounds of revisions, only work with the decision maker, etc.”