Adobe finds that more than 70% of businesses have invested in graphic design. It has become integral to branding, which can give them a leg up from the competition. But as the graphic design industry continues to expand, which type of graphic design service should you avail of? Sure, DIY graphic design services are enticing options due to their low service rates, but it’s best to outsource your graphic design work to professionals.
In this article, learn where to find your new graphic designer.
Design Agencies
A common outsourcing option for most businesses is design agencies. For one, agencies have professionals who know the market. Plus, they have experience in handling different client projects all at once. Big brands such as Google, Microsoft, and Spotify would use agencies. It’s to focus more on running the business, leaving the design work to professionals.
Those with a limited budget but are still keen on using an agency can opt for a boutique design agency. They may have a smaller operation than the standard one, but they have the same capabilities and may offer an affordable rate.
When to use a design agency?
If you have a big budget, then an agency can become your design partner in the long run. After all, they have experts on the team to handle all branding and marketing related graphic design work.
You can also rely on design agencies because of the resources they have. Plus, they have a team fulfilling all your projects efficiently.
What are examples of design agencies you could hire?
Depending on what type of design you need, you can find creative, digital, or advertising agencies online.
How much do design agencies cost?
Due to subscription-based models and freelancers, agencies also have different payment options for clients. Some would bill by the hour, while some have fixed rates. Some might have starting rates of $2,000, and for larger projects, it might go upwards of $100,000.
Freelancers
Those with a set budget and who don’t want long-term commitments may consider hiring freelancers. They’ve become the leading choice for businesses. For one, they offer more affordable fees, especially for a one-time project. Other than charging lower rates, freelancers are an attractive choice for companies because of flexibility. Most freelancers would work on their own time, and they could work on projects anytime.
When to hire a freelancer?
It’s best to find a freelancer if you’re short on cash and don’t have a high volume of designs for a specific time.
Where to find freelancers?
Legitimate freelance marketplaces like Toptal, Fiverr, and Upwork provide freelancers a platform to advertise their services.
How much do freelancers charge?
You can find freelancers who charge a small fee of $5/hr. But be warned, when hiring freelancers, you’ll get what you pay for.
In-House Graphic Designers
Having an in-house graphic designer can become valuable when you need designs for every part of your business. An in-house designer is beneficial for companies because they can easily integrate your branding to products, services, or merchandise. Plus, you won’t have communication issues because they’re working for you only.
Specific industries such as manufacturing and advertising would hire in-house graphic designers on their team. This reduces the cost and time in finding a freelancer or using a graphic design agency.
When to hire in-house?
It’s best to have an in-house graphic designer if your company demands regular design work like social media graphics and advertisements. Since they’re part of your company, they can dedicate their time to producing graphics only for your business.
Where to hire an in-house designer?
You can find the designer your company needs by posting job advertisements on Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn.
What is the average salary of an in-house graphic designer?
PayScale estimates that a graphic designer will make around $50,000 to $80,000 annually.
Design Contest
Design contests can become a hit or miss for businesses. A design contest is meant to provide quick deliverables to the client. All the client needs to do is submit a design brief, pay a certain amount, and receive designs from different designers. Usually, when a design is chosen, the designer will give the assets to the client.
Where to start a design contest?
You can create a design contest in DesignCrowd and Designhill. Another option is 99designs too. But, they have a freelance marketplace available for businesses as well.
How much do design contests cost?
Most design contests start at $149. But the lower the price you pay, the less you receive and lower quality design deliverables.
Unlimited Graphic Design Services
Agencies can become expensive for some businesses. Meanwhile, some companies may opt not to hire a freelancer due to negative feedback or experience. That’s when an unlimited graphic design service comes in handy. Many businesses have realized the value of subscribing to these because of flat monthly fees and no contracts involved.
The concept is simple. Basically, a company will subscribe to an unlimited graphic design service, request designs they need, and receive designs within 24 to 48 hours. These services also guarantee unlimited revisions and complete ownership of files once requests have been fulfilled.
When to subscribe to an unlimited graphic design service?
You should subscribe to an unlimited graphic design service IF you have more than ten design projects in a month. Since agencies can become expensive, an unlimited graphic design service can become a much more affordable option. Plus, if you don’t have time to hire a freelancer or an in-house designer, unlimited graphic design services have a team ready to tackle your projects.
How much do subscriptions cost?
Subscription services like Penji, Design Pickle, and Flocksy have different subscription tiers. Some start at $199/mo but have limited features. At the same time, some others may require an additional plan for other design types. However, you can also find and subscribe to an all-inclusive plan at an affordable flat monthly rate.
Which unlimited graphic design services should you consider?
You have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to unlimited graphic design services since you can choose a subscription plan from unlimited graphic design services like Flocksy, Design Pickle, and Penji.
To learn more about these and other services, you can read through our unlimited graphic design service reviews so that you can make an informed choice when it comes to choosing the one that’s right for you.
