Monthly Graphic Design Services or Freelancers: What’s Right for You?

Monthly graphic design services and freelance graphic design services are everywhere these days. And with 81% of businesses using visual assets to communicate with their customers, these services are here to stay.

A survey found that businesses turn to graphic design for three main reasons:

• 55% use it to improve communication with customers
• 24% rely on it to boost social media engagement
• 19% use it to enhance internal communication

But here’s the big question for ventures who don’t want the commitment of hiring an in-house designer: Are monthly graphic design services or hiring freelancers the more practical choice?

In this article, we’ll unpack the answer and offer tips on assessing your design needs. Let’s dive right in!

Option 1: Hiring Freelance Graphic Designers

​​Freelancers are often the first stop for businesses dipping their toes into graphic design services. You can find freelancers specializing in everything from logos to website banners to pitch deck slides—whatever you need, there’s someone out there who does it.

Freelancers are often:

• Flexible
• Widely available
• Ideal for one-off projects or short-term needs

But while this route can work well for small tasks, it can be tricky to scale. Freelancers juggle multiple clients, which means timelines may shift. You might wait days for a revision or struggle with inconsistent design styles, especially when you’re working with more than one freelancer.

So, what are graphic design services in the freelance world? Think project-based deliverables, such as:

• A one-time infographic
• A set of social media templates
• Quick brochure update

You pay per project, per hour, or sometimes even per day, depending on the designer’s rate and scope of work.

This approach offers creative freedom and personalized service. However, if you’re juggling multiple campaigns or constantly need new visuals, it might not be sustainable. That’s where you might find the next option more appealing.

Pros:

• Great for one-off or specialized projects
• Flexible working styles and creative approaches
• You can handpick someone whose portfolio fits your aesthetic
• Often more affordable for small tasks

Cons:

• Availability may be inconsistent (especially with busy freelancers)
• Limited scalability for growing businesses
• Revisions may cost extra
• Turnaround times can vary
• Managing multiple freelancers can become time-consuming

Option 2: Monthly Graphic Design Services

If your design needs go beyond a one-time visual asset, monthly graphic design services might be the smarter route. These are subscription-based setups that give you access to a professional design team without the hassle of hiring in-house or managing multiple freelancers.

Unlike project-by-project arrangements, these services operate on a flat monthly fee. You send in your requestsnand the team delivers, often within 24 to 48 hours. Most plans come with unlimited revisions and fast turnaround times, which is a major plus for busy teams.

The biggest advantage? Consistency. With online graphic design services, you’re working with the same team that already understands your brand. That means your visuals stay cohesive across platforms—no more clashing fonts or mismatched color schemes.

In terms of value, the services provided by a graphic designer in a monthly setup can include:

• Social media graphics
• Web and email banners
• Marketing materials
• Infographics
• Branded presentations
• Packaging design
• Motion graphics

At Penji, for instance, many of our clients ask us to design everything they need for their business – from branding kits to pitch decks and everything else in between.

Pros:

• Predictable flat-rate pricing
• Unlimited design requests and revisions
• Fast turnaround times (usually 24–48 hours)
• Access to a full design team with broad skill sets
• High brand consistency across all assets
• Ideal for growing businesses or busy marketing teams

Cons:

• May not be cost-effective for occasional design needs
• You may need time to adjust to the system or platform

Feature Comparison Table: Freelancers vs. Subscription Services

Here’s a side-by-side look at how freelance designers stack up against monthly graphic design services so you can choose what fits best with your workflow and goals:

Feature	Freelancers	Monthly Design Services
Cost predictability	Varies by project, hourly or daily rate	Fixed monthly fee
Revisions	Limited or billed separately	Unlimited revisions included
Turnaround time	Depends on availability	Fast delivery (often 24–48 hours)
Consistency	Varies between designers	High brand consistency across all visuals
Scalability	Can be hard to scale quickly	Built for growing design needs
Project management	You manage timelines and briefs manually	Often includes dashboards and streamlined request systems
Design support	One person handling everything	A dedicated team or multiple designers per request
Reliability	Depends on individual’s schedule	Continuous support, even during vacations or absences

If you find yourself constantly chasing deadlines, juggling multiple design needs, or managing different freelancers at once, switching to a graphic design subscription may save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.

Here’s an easy flowchart to help you decide between an unlimited graphic design subscription with a monthly fee and hiring a freelancer:

Flowcart

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

What are the services of a graphic designer?

Graphic designers create visual content like logos, social media graphics, brochures, packaging, and website elements. They help businesses communicate messages through color, layout, typography, and branding.

What is a good freelance hourly rate?

A reasonable hourly rate for a freelance graphic designer is typically between $25 and $100. Beginners may charge less, while experienced designers with specialized skills can charge much more.

Final Takeaway: Which One’s Right for You?

Both options—freelancers and monthly design services—can get the job done. But the right choice comes down to your needs.

Hire a Freelancer if:

• Design work is needed only from time to time
• The budget allows for a one-off project
• Browsing portfolios and screening applicants isn’t an issue
• Managing timelines and revisions personally works for you
• Collaborating with a single designer feels more comfortable

Get a Graphic Design Subscription if:

• There’s a steady flow of design tasks throughout the month
• Consistent branding across all marketing materials is a priority
• Fast turnaround times (typically 24–48 hours) are important to you
• Predictable pricing and unlimited revisions sound like a better fit
• Access to a full creative team with specialized skills is preferred

Need help getting started with monthly graphic design services? We’re here to the rescue!

Penji offers unlimited on-demand graphic design, lightning-fast turnaround, and a dedicated creative team, all under one flat monthly fee. Watch a short demo today and learn how Penji can help you grow your brand.