In many cases I would agree that ad agencies can cover a lot of ground as part of their service package.

I do, however, have a hard time imagining that there’s a firm out there that can handle team management, event planning, video production and branding all effectively. I could be wrong, but even if I am – how is that firm going to market itself?

Even if the wide skill set is there, people will have a hard time remembering your company if you tell them you “do everything.” And they’ll have a hard time believing that you do it all well.

I ahve found that a Web Designer rarely understands to the full capacity of an Advertising Agency or it’s function. So in that respect, I agree. But many Graphic Designers, having worked with printers, newspapers, and Advertising Agencies, have a good understanding of the full scope of marketing. The internet being the latest addtion to an old list including, radio, television, and print.

I appreciate you pointing out that people should not becomoe overzealous, attempting to accomplish all the forms of media themselves. And the Internet is one area of marketing that should be in a category of its own. I own an agency, and we hire professional companies for our SEO and Web coding – as well as Radio and TV Production and Printing. [ unfortunately, my new site is not up, so my devotion to design quality will appear lacking - my aplogies].

I apoligze if my previous comment appeared rude – that was not my intent. But as a Grahic Designer with over 29 years of experience, I can assure you that Advertising Agencies CAN do a lot – though NOT all.

In fact, what they do is called graphic design and marketing. Been around for years and has worked pretty well.