This is my personal reflection on building a design career in Indonesia. When I first stepped into the world of graphic design, I thought I had to pick one path and stick to it. But in reality, a design career is more like a winding road than a straight line. Here, the creative industry is growing fast but comes with its own challenges; knowing your options matters just as much as mastering your tools.
In‑House: Stability and Depth
This is the most stable route. You join a company’s internal creative team, focusing on branded materials, internal comms, or campaigns. During my in‑house years, I learned to design with depth. You get to really understand one brand: its tone, values, and personality. It teaches consistency and long‑term thinking, perfect if you like stability and routine.
Pros: Steady monthly salary, Annual bonuses (sometimes), Health insurance, BPJS, and other perks, Company covers electricity, internet, and devices.
Cons: Limited exposure to different design challenges, skill growth can 'feel' slow.
Agency Life: Fast, Dynamic, Demanding
Agencies are where you meet tight deadlines, quick feedback, and lots of brainstorming. My time in agencies taught me to think on my feet, sell ideas, and collaborate under pressure. It’s intense, but it builds resilience, speed, and a sharper creative instinct.
Pros: Your network grows fast with clients from top brands, Good stepping stone for your career, Slightly higher salary than many in‑house jobs, Insurance and perks similar to in‑house.
Cons: High‑pressure environment, Long working hours and mental fatigue are common.
Freelance: Freedom with Responsibility
The most flexible and demanding option. You decide your projects, clients, and schedule. But you also handle everything: pitching, client management, invoicing, and creative work. As an independent designer working with international clients, I’ve found it rewarding: more creative freedom, income control, and the chance to work on projects that truly excite me.
Pros: Potentially higher income, You own the client relationship, Flexible working hours
Cons: Inconsistent income, You cover all business expenses (internet, equipment, taxes), Requires strong discipline and financial planning.
Design Lecturer or Teacher
With more design schools, bootcamps, and online courses popping up in Indonesia, there’s a growing demand for experienced designers to teach. It’s a great fit if you enjoy mentoring and public speaking, and the best part is you can do it part‑time while still freelancing or working at an agency. It’s fulfilling too, knowing you’re helping shape the next generation of creatives.
Design Influencer on Social Media
Then there’s the content creator route: short videos, behind‑the‑scenes posts, and real client stories are all trending now. Sharing your process helps build your personal brand and can quietly attract new clients. It also opens doors to things like workshops, collaborations, or selling your own templates and courses. Perfect if you love storytelling, and showing your work to audiences.
There’s No “Best”, Only What Fits You Now
Every path has its own beauty and its own stress. It’s not about which is better, but which fits your goals, lifestyle, and energy right now. I’ve explored all three: In‑house taught me depth, Agency taught me speed, Freelancing taught me independence.
The best part? You don’t have to pick one forever. You can shift, evolve, and grow. Remember, it’s completely normal to switch paths in the middle of your career. Just like I did, after years as an independent designer, I decided to join DFLOW Technical Agency from Australia to explore a new chapter and fresh challenges. I learned a lot of experiences that I didn't have before.
The best part? You don’t have to pick one forever. You can shift, evolve, and grow. Remember, it’s completely normal to switch paths in the middle of your career. Just like I did, after years as an independent designer, I decided to join DFLOW Technical Agency from Australia to explore a new chapter and fresh challenges. I learned a lot of experiences that I didn't have before.
At the end of the day, choose the path that matches your values, lifestyle, and growth goals. Keep experimenting and stay open to change.
— Jefry Abrianto, 2025