Freelance or Studio? Where Is It Better to Start in Web Design

Choosing a professional path is never easy, especially when it comes to such a rapidly growing and in-demand field as web design. Beginner designers in Hungary often face a dilemma: start their career as a freelancer or work for a studio. Both options have their own specifics, advantages, and challenges, and it’s important to understand what suits you best even before your first project.
What Working in a Studio Looks Like
Working in a studio is a classic starting point that offers a team environment, clear structure, and support from experienced colleagues. Web studios in Hungary, especially in Budapest, continue to actively grow and are looking for young specialists ready to learn and develop. The main advantage of this path is the opportunity to immediately immerse yourself in a real workflow. Working in a studio teaches you how to collaborate with clients, developers, copywriters, and project managers — and that’s invaluable experience.
One of the key benefits of studio work is mentorship. Beginners receive feedback, regularly participate in discussions and project reviews, which helps them grow faster and avoid common mistakes. Additionally, working in a studio provides stability: a fixed salary, paid vacations, a clear schedule, and social benefits. This is especially important at the beginning of a career, when a financial safety net hasn’t yet been built.
However, there are downsides. A strict schedule, office attendance (even if remote work is partially allowed), and limited freedom in choosing projects can be frustrating for creative individuals. Also, not all studios immediately trust newcomers with exciting tasks — sometimes the first months are filled with technical “routine” work.
What Awaits a Beginner on Freelance
Freelance is a path for those who value freedom, are ready to take responsibility, and know how to organize themselves. In Hungary, freelancing is becoming increasingly popular, especially after the pandemic, when remote work became the norm. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and local job boards allow designers to access international markets, find clients, and earn money from home.
The advantage of freelancing is complete independence. You decide who to work with, how much to charge for your services, and when to take a break. This allows you to shape your career flexibly and adapt it to your ambitions and lifestyle. Additionally, even at the start, you can try projects from various industries — from e-commerce to personal blogs and mobile apps — which quickly broadens your perspective.
However, there are pitfalls here as well. A beginner freelancer may struggle to gain clients’ trust without a portfolio and reviews. A lot of time has to be spent searching for orders, communicating with clients, and handling documentation — especially if you work officially as a sole proprietor (in Hungary, this is known as egyéni vállalkozó). Financial instability is another critical factor. A freelancer’s income depends on the number of projects, seasonality, and even global economic trends.
Furthermore, freelancing isn’t just about design. It also includes marketing, sales, and accounting. You will need to be a generalist or at least learn the basics of self-promotion. This is challenging, but in the long run, it can bring a high level of freedom and income.
Where Is It Better to Start for You Personally
There’s no universal answer to what’s better — freelance or studio. It all depends on your personality, skills, goals, and current circumstances. If you’ve just finished your studies, are unsure of your abilities, need a mentor, and want a stable income — a studio is an excellent place to start. It’s a chance to gain experience, build a portfolio, and understand how projects function from the inside.
If you’re confident, have at least a basic portfolio, are ready for risk, and want freedom — freelancing might be the right choice. Especially if you have a good command of English, are willing to learn how to communicate with clients, and aren’t afraid of the occasional unstable income.
A good strategy is to combine both paths. For example, start by working in a studio while taking on small freelance projects on the side, gradually transitioning to independent work. In Hungary, this is entirely feasible: the legal system allows combining employment with private entrepreneurial activity, provided taxes are properly handled.
What to Consider in Both Cases
Whether you’re in a studio or freelancing, success in web design requires constant development. The industry changes quickly — new trends, tools, and user expectations emerge all the time. Courses, conferences, professional blogs, and case studies should all be part of your regular routine.
It’s also important to learn how to communicate with clients: understand their needs, ask the right questions, and justify your design decisions. This skill often determines whether your project will be successful and whether the client will want to work with you again.
Finally, don’t forget about your “personal brand.” In a studio, it’s your reputation within the team. In freelancing, it’s your portfolio, client reviews, and activity in professional communities. People work with those they trust, and trust is built through experience, honesty, and quality.
Conclusion
Choosing between freelancing and studio work isn’t about what’s “better,” but about what suits you at your current stage. Both paths can lead to success if approached thoughtfully. It’s important to recognize your strengths, set clear goals, and be prepared for challenges. The most important thing is not to be afraid to start. Web design in Hungary is a promising field, and you can successfully launch your career whether you’re in a cozy studio office or at your home laptop.