Hiring an Agency Designer?
Your Product Team Will Thank You
There’s a common belief in product-driven companies and startups that agency designers don’t "get" product work—that they’re too used to short-term projects, flashy visuals, and one-off campaigns.
But that perception couldn’t be further from the truth.
In reality, agency designers—especially those in leadership roles—are some of the most adaptable, strategic, and well-rounded hires a product team can make.
They’ve spent their careers navigating complex, ambiguous problems, working across industries, and balancing multiple objectives at once. They aren’t just creatives; they’re problem-solvers who have mastered the art of aligning user needs with business goals in high-stakes environments.
And if there’s one thing product teams need, it’s people who can think on their feet, communicate across disciplines, and move fast without breaking things.
Agency Designers Are Built for Complexity
One of the biggest advantages agency designers bring to product teams is their ability to zoom out and see the big picture while still executing at a high level.
They’ve spent years being generalists, switching between industries, adapting to different business needs, and solving problems across multiple verticals. They can:
Context-switch seamlessly between different challenges.
Balance business objectives and user needs without losing sight of either.
See solutions beyond the obvious—because they’ve worked across so many different industries, they know how to apply insights from one sector to another.
For startups and product-driven companies looking for designers who can wear multiple hats, navigate ambiguity, and influence leadership, agency designers aren’t just a good fit—they’re an undervalued asset.
Why Agency Designers Excel in Product Teams
The table below breaks down common scenarios in product teams and startups and why an agency designer is uniquely suited to thrive in each situation.
| Startup or Product Team Challenge | Why an Agency Designer Thrives |
|---|---|
| Stakeholders all want different things, and product priorities keep shifting. | Agency designers are used to managing multiple clients and shifting priorities. They know how to **balance competing needs** while keeping work focused. |
| The team needs someone who can think strategically but also execute hands-on work. | Most agency designers, especially managers, **operate as generalists**—they can do everything from high-level UX strategy to hands-on UI and interaction design. |
| Deadlines are aggressive, and there isn’t much time for deep research. | Agency designers have spent years **working fast and making smart decisions under pressure.** They know how to apply **lean research and iterative testing** to keep moving. |
| The team struggles to present design decisions to leadership. | Agency designers are **expert communicators** who know how to **sell ideas, handle tough questions, and bring stakeholders along for the ride.** |
| The company is expanding into a new market or user base. | Agency designers **bring broad experience across industries** and know how to adapt design thinking to different audiences. |
| The team needs someone comfortable with ambiguity and quick pivots. | Agencies operate in **constant ambiguity**—designers learn to **make smart choices with limited information.** |
| The product team needs better cross-functional collaboration. | Agency designers have spent their careers **working across disciplines—marketing, engineering, leadership, and strategy.** They understand how to navigate cross-team dynamics. |
The Misconception That Agency Designers Can’t Handle Product Work
The hesitation around hiring agency designers often comes from the assumption that they’re only used to working on short-term campaigns, not long-term product development.
But here’s the thing:
Many agency designers work on multi-year engagements with clients, evolving products over time.
They are used to balancing iterative improvements with high-impact launches.
They’ve had to learn how to design for scale—because most clients expect work that lasts.
Startups and product teams need people who can think beyond their immediate tasks, communicate effectively, and navigate shifting priorities. These are exactly the skills agency designers bring.
Hiring for Adaptability, Not Just Experience
Too many product teams hire for familiarity rather than adaptability—choosing candidates who have only ever worked in product, rather than considering those who have proven they can navigate complexity, ambiguity, and cross-functional collaboration.
Agency designers:
Thrive in fast-paced, ever-changing environments.
Know how to work across teams, communicate with leadership, and present their work.
Bring strategic thinking, adaptability, and a strong business mindset.
The next time a startup or product company is looking for someone who can handle ambiguity, collaborate across teams, and push design forward, they should seriously consider hiring an agency designer.
Because what makes someone a great product designer isn’t just the experience they have—it’s the ability to solve problems, influence teams, and drive impact.