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I've done both sides. And, I agree that right now is a tough time on the agency side. The quality of whatever place you pick (client or agency) and the growth rate they are experiencing is key.
However, with that said, understand that in the final analysis, agencies generally live in a world of "ideas" and clients generally live in a world of "operations".
This reality sets up the difference in the work experience.
On the agency side, assuming you are at a really good one (this is key), an art director will learn more & faster early on. You also learn across so many categories, and usually move up faster in your early years. On the client side, marketing communications is not the center of gravity.
Usually the business units are product/ operations/finance led, so your longer term promotions will be capped.
Net - on the agency side you are at the center of what they do. On the client side, you are working in support of what they do.
On the client side you usually won't have fight to get "in the loop" on briefs & getting to the decision maker. WLB is generally better on the client side, and you may make more $$ on the client side, unless you get to the top of an agency.
The client side is not as "fun", because they live in more of a "what did we get sold/produced/ shipped today" mentality, and planning for how all this is going to happen over the next 3-6 months. Being into culture & trends is usually not their focus. At an in-house agency, it is, but it's different than an outside agency. Of course, all of the above can vary by client and individual.
Either side has advantages & disadvantages, based on how an individual is wired.
OK - making the move and selecting the right fit.
1. Is the tech client known for prioritizing great design across the board? It is places like these where your added value as an Art Director will be most easily sensed.
2. Be aware that clients can change their mind.
While in-house creative operations are generally continuing to grow, Keurig Dr. Pepper just announced the closure of their entire unit - and it was highly regarded.
Hope this is helpful.
☝🏼smart advice from a generous person 🙏🏼
Yeah it can be boring but if you want a career with a future, plus $$$ and a life outside the office go brand-side.
Go to the agency. Keep in touch w your contacts at the tech company. Go to the tech company if the agency things fails. That said, choose the opportunity with the ECD you think you would make better work with.
As SM1 has said, it depends on your stage of life and motivations. Also agree that our industry is very volatile right now.
I have a number of friends and ex-colleagues who moved to brand side, they are very happy, are thriving, get promoted etc. And as you have said, their work life balance has improved. Good luck with whichever path you choose.
“Choosing” as in offers from both? Lay the
Out side by side, create categories (pay, benefits, vibe, commute, projected work life balance, intangibles) and grade them, calculate the score as a starting point. Then go with your gut . The hard part of the projected WLB, vibe and intangibles).
Client-side can still get you the real, on the ground skills/practice you need to be an effective creative. Being at an ad agency isn't going to make you "more creative" (thats there, in you) you'll just have more shots to do "creative" things that typical ad people call creative.
Working in house though you'll still be doing a ton of work plus get some experience with client relations if you know how to work corporate right.
Follow your heart. What does it tell you to do. More money or home, family, time to relax a bit? Only you can choose what is good for you and what is the most important.
Brand all the way! Our agencies are hurting, haven’t been stable since 2020, and probably won’t be for the next two years. You can always go back to agency side later, but getting brand experience is invaluable!