A Smart Guide to Choosing Affordable Graphic Design Services

How much are you willing to spend on graphic design services? 

The answer to this question may vary depending on your needs and the size of your enterprise. But whatever the case is, everyone is always on the hunt for affordable graphic design services.

However, a survey reveals that 32% of ventures spent 5000 to $10,000 on visual assets while 19% of respondents spent over $10,000 on graphic design.

In this article, we’ll break down graphic design options – from freelancers to graphic design subscriptions. We’ll also tackle what graphic designs you can request, what to look for in a service provider, as well as tips on how to get the most value for your money.  Let’s dive right in!

Why Businesses Need Design—Even on a Budget

Any business needs graphic design. But when funds are tight, it might be tempting to skip design altogether. However, the cost of bad design could be much higher, such as:

• Poor first impressions
• Low engagement
• Weak and confusing branding
• Poor customer experience

Some ask, “Why is graphic design so expensive?” 

A good price for graphic design is one that gives you custom, on-brand visuals, flexible support, and fast turnaround—without making you choose between quality and affordability.

Good design takes more than just knowing how to use software. It requires:

• Strategy
• Creativity
• Consistency

But that doesn’t mean you have to spend an arm and a leg to get great results. 

Types of Services Offered in Budget-Friendly Design Packages

Choosing affordable graphic design services doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice variety. In fact, many providers offer a wide graphic designing services list that covers everything from branding to digital marketing assets. 

Here are a few common examples of visuals you can request from graphic design packages for small businesses, along with designs created by Penji designers:

1. Logo Design

Let’s start with a logo, which every business needs. After all, it’s the first thing people notice—and the one thing they should remember. Budget-friendly packages usually include custom logo design with a few variations, such as black-and-white versions, favicon sizes, and simplified marks for social media.

2. Branding Kit

Beyond the logo, many services offer a full branding kit. This often includes:

• Brand colors
• Fonts
• Basic design rules 

First and foremost, the branding kit makes it possible for a brand to be consistent across all platforms. In addition, it also helps a business look polished and professional.

3. Web Design

Of course, your website is your digital storefront. That’s why many web design services are included in modern design subscriptions or packages. These services may cover:

• Homepage layouts
• Landing pages
• Blog visuals
• UI elements

4. Social Media Images

If you’re posting online (and who isn’t?), you’ll also need social media graphic design. Most providers offer branded templates for platforms like:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

It goes without saying that these graphics help you stay consistent, catch attention, and grow your online presence.

Comparing Options: Freelancers vs. Agencies vs. Subscriptions

Here are three affordable graphic design services options you may want to consider for your visual assets. Take a look at the pros and cons to help you decide which one id the best for you.

1. Freelancers

First on the list, freelancers are independent designers who offer flexible, project-based services. Their graphic design services description often includes logo design, branding kits, web graphics, and more.

Rates: 

• Hourly rates range from $20 to $50 for beginners, and $50 to $150 for experienced designers
• Project-based rates range depending on the project, with logo design costing around $100 to $850, website design around $5,000 to $7,500, and social media graphics around $5 to $65, as per data from Wave.

Pros:

• Cost-effective for one-off tasks
• Flexible schedules
• Direct communication

Cons:

• Limited availability (especially if they’re juggling multiple clients)
• Inconsistent quality or branding
• May charge extra for revisions or rush jobs

Freelancers are great for occasional needs, but they can be unreliable if your brand requires frequent or fast-paced output.

2. Design Agencies

Second are good-old agencies. They offer full-service solutions with teams of designers, strategists, and account managers. They usually work on contracts and offer a wide scope of services.

Rates:

• Hourly rates range between $50 and $150, with senior designers commanding higher rates.
• Projects can range from $5,000 to $50,000+, depending on scope and complexity.

Pros:

• Professional polish and strategy
• Project management support
• Ideal for big branding overhauls

Cons:

• Higher cost, often not ideal for small businesses
• Slower turnaround times
• Less flexible for smaller, repetitive tasks

Agencies work best for large-scale campaigns or long-term brand development. But for startups or lean teams, the cost can be a barrier.

3. Unlimited Graphic Design Subscriptions

A newer and increasingly popular option, the unlimited graphic design subscription model like Penji gives you access to a team of vetted designers for a flat monthly fee. You can request as many designs as you need—logos, social posts, slide decks, web graphics—without worrying about hourly rates.

Rates:

• Monthly subscriptions start at around $400 per month.

Pros:

• Fixed, predictable pricing
• Quick turnarounds
• Unlimited design requests and revisions
• Ideal for scaling teams or content-heavy brands
• Consistent visual branding

Cons:

• Monthly fee may feel high if underused
• Not ideal for hands-on art direction every step of the way

That said, this model is perfect for businesses that need graphic design services for small business on a regular basis. In addition, it offers the most flexibility, value, and speed—without compromising quality. In most cases, the unlimited graphic design subscription option delivers the best balance of cost, output, and consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much do graphic design services cost?

Graphic design services can cost anywhere from $5 on freelance platforms to $5,000+ for agency work. It depends on the project scope and provider. Subscription-based models now offer flat monthly rates, usually starting around $400 to $2,500 per month.

How to find cheap graphic designers?

Look for designers on freelance marketplaces, design student platforms, or websites offering affordable graphic design services online. There’s a caveat though—“cheap” designers might charge low rates because they may lack experience, offer limited revisions, or work with generic templates.

What is a fair price for graphic design?

A fair price balances quality, speed, and service. For one-off projects, around $100–$500 is typical for solid work, while unlimited design subscriptions offer better value if you have ongoing needs.

The Lowdown

Choosing the best affordable graphic design services isn’t just about the price tag; it’s about finding a partner that grows with your business. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

• Assess your needs. Do you need daily designs or just the occasional logo or banner?
• Review the portfolio. A service should have a strong, consistent visual style. Check out Penji’s portfolio to see real examples.
• Ask why. Why are some services cheaper? Do they cut corners or limit revisions? With Penji, you get agency-level quality without the agency price tag.

Looking for truly affordable graphic design services with zero compromise on quality? Check out Penji.

Watch a quick demo and see why Penji is the best option for clients looking for unlimited designs, quick turnarounds, and top-tier results.