Creative Subscription Service Guide: Features, Costs, and Tips

TL;DR: A creative subscription service makes it possible for users to get access to design expertise without having to hire a creative. It offers a fast turnaround, design expertise, and a clear communication system, all on top of predictable monthly pricing.  

Many organizations rely on a creative subscription service to get access to the creative skills they need without having to commit to hiring an in-house employee.

In fact, data reveals that the global subscription economy market is growing at an annual rate of 13.1% and is expected to reach $1,512.14 billion by 2033.

In this article, we’ll go over the basics of creative subscription services, specifically graphic design services. We’ll look at how it works in practice, the features you should look for in creative subscriptions, and how much it’s most likely to cost.

But before all that, let’s tackle a common question:

What Is a Creative Subscription Service?

A creative subscription service is a design delivery business model where users get ongoing creative support for a flat monthly fee instead of paying per-project. Design-as-a-service platforms like Penji allow users to request and receive designs on a rolling basis.

By getting a digital design subscription, users can request all the visual assets they need, including:

• Logos
• Branding kits
• Presentation templates
• Email visuals
• Social media posts
• Stationery design
• Web and app design
• Motion graphics
• Custom illustrations 

One of the biggest benefits of a graphic design subscription is price predictability. Unlike hiring freelance design services or traditional design agencies that charge per project or per hour, unlimited graphic design platforms charge the same rate per month, without hidden charges or additional fees. This benefit allows users to scale fast without spending an arm and a leg. 

What Features Should You Expect From a Creative Subscription Service?

Aside from predictable monthly pricing, which should be integrated in the creative design solution package, here are other main features you should look for in subscription-based graphic design services:

• Design Expertise. As any graphic design subscription services guide would tell you, design expertise is the main feature you should look for in a creative subscription service. Before subscribing, check the service platform’s portfolio to ensure that their skills and aesthetics align with your expectations.

• Fast Turnaround. Reputable service providers offer a turnaround time of 24-48 hours. Look for a service that offers more or less the same turnaround.
• Clear Communication System. Data tells us that 21% of businesses have difficulties in communicating with outsourced teams. 

This number seems applicable when outsourcing graphic design, with messy email or chat back-and-forth that comes with requesting and delivering designs. That said, it’s crucial to ensure that the graphic design service you choose already has a clear communication system in place, which can reduce friction and expedite projects.

What Does a Creative Subscription Service Cost?

Now, let’s discuss a crucial factor when deciding to get a creative subscription service: the cost.

The price of a creative solutions subscription can vary widely, depending on providers and plan levels. Here are the typical ranges:

• Basic Plans: $349 – $599 per month. This plan is good for small teams or solopreneurs who need consistent but lighter design needs.
• Standard Plans: $799 – $1,399 per month. This typical standard plan is good for agencies or teams that need multiple asset types, such as visual assets for marketing and advertising.
• Premium or Agency Plans: $1,299 – $2,499+ per month. Higher tiers usually include a faster turnaround, concurrent requests, or specialized support.

PRO TIP: Choose a subscription with a free trial so you can see if it’s the best fit for your design needs. Penji, for instance, offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try its services risk-free.

So, what’s the better option between a design subscription service vs. project-based when it comes to cost? 

The answer depends on the number of designs you need. In general, however, the creative subscription service price ranges above are a good deal, especially when compared to the average prices of graphic design services per project:

To gauge if a creative design subscription is the right solution, list down what visual assets you typically need in a month, and how many of those you need. Then, compute how much you’ll likely spend if you are to spend on them per project. If the total is higher than the plan ranges above, then you’re likely better off with a creative subscription service.

How Can I Make the Most Out of a Creative Subscription Service?

A graphic design service subscription offers good value for teams with ongoing design needs. However, you can 

• Plan requests in advance. To get your money’s worth every month, make sure to plan your requests ahead. You can batch the same designs to request together or schedule requests within the same campaign one after the other.
• Make requests clear and simple. Compose your requests in a way that’s straightforward and can’t be misinterpreted by the design team. Doing so will help ensure that your request will advance in the right direction.
• Share your branding kit. Data reveals that out of 95% of businesses with brand guidelines, only 25% use them on a regular basis. Share your branding kit with your designer to ensure that the designs will be aligned with your overall branding. Don’t have a branding kit yet? No worries; it could be the first project you request through your subscription. 

The Lowdown

A creative subscription service can be a great option for brands and individuals who have consistent design needs.

With a ton of service providers out there, the key is to choose one with a wide range of design expertise, so that every piece you request – be it a social media post, a pitch deck design, or a custom illustration – will stand out among others.

If you’re looking for the best creative subscription service, Penji’s platoon of professional designers is trained, battle-ready, and equipped to handle your design needs!

Check out Penji’s portfolio and see why Penji is a practical option for brands of all sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How fast will I get my designs?

It depends on the unlimited design subscription you get. Reputable service providers like Penji offer a fast turnaround time of 24-48 hours.

Who owns the final files?

In most subscription-based design services, you own the final files once they have been delivered and approved.

Can agencies white-label the service?

Yes. Many agencies use unlimited graphic design services to offer the designs as part of their services or integrate them within their brand and control.