Affordable Graphic Design Services: How to Pick the Best Option

TL;DR: For brands and agencies looking for affordable graphic design services, Penji offers the perfect balance of quality and practicality, coupled with solid support.

How much do you spend on graphic design? Data reveals that most companies spend between $1,000 and $10,000 on graphic design per year. 

With so many visual assets needed to keep a business thriving, from social media posts to promo ads and email templates, graphic design service expenses could pile up fast if you’re not careful.

But how do you choose among options like freelancers, design-as-a-service subscriptions, using A.I. or D.I.Y. platforms, and hiring in-house creatives? Let’s peel back the layers of affordable graphic design services. And as you’ll soon find out, the answer lies not only in getting the cheapest service but in getting the most value for your every buck.

Why Do Businesses Need Affordable but Consistent Graphic Design?

For your business to thrive in today’s market, you need powerful visuals that speak to your audience. After all, visual assets are one of the main channels brands communicate their value to their audience. 

Here are the reasons why finding cost-effective graphic design services is crucial for brands of all sizes:

• Strong Brand Recognition. Consistent visual branding encourages recall and recognition. This factor is crucial, with almost 7 out of 10 consumers still being loyal to certain brands in 2025, a survey said. 

• Preventing Costly Mistakes. Creating your own graphics (when you’re not a designer) may seem practical, until a poorly executed visual weakens your credibility. There’s no denying that bad graphic design hurts business.
• Scaling Fast. Affordable graphic design services help small businesses and startups scale fast. For instance, subscribing to unlimited graphic design services like Penji can help smaller companies and solopreneurs produce professional output comparable to that of enterprises and large companies.

What Are the Different Types of Graphic Design Services You Can Choose From?

Here are a few options you may have for cost-effective graphic design:

1. In-House Designers

One of the most common options is to hire a graphic designer as an in-house creative. After all, this was the traditional route among large companies.  

Pros:

• Immediate communication during work hours
• Consistent branding

Cons:

• Design expertise is limited to the person’s skills and experience
• It can be costly for small businesses and startups

However, hiring an employee can be costly, from onboarding and training to benefits and paid time off. That said, it’s not surprising that brands trying to reduce expenses don’t choose this option and outsource instead. In fact, 57% of companies that outsource do so to cut costs.

If you’re looking to outsource, numbers 2, 3, and 4 may be right up your alley.

2. Freelance Designers

Many brands looking to outsource typically turn to freelancers, thinking that they’ll save on design expenses. Though it can be possible, it’s crucial to set expectations as it may not always be the case.

Pros:

• No long-term commitment
• Wide range of skills and rates

Cons:

• Hiring can take a lot of time, effort, and energy
• Costs can add up, especially for those who charge per hour

3. Traditional Agencies

Outsourcing design to traditional agencies is the typical option for large companies. Aside from offering a long list of graphic design services, traditional agencies go beyond visual assets and also offer full-branding services, including brand messaging.

Pros:

• Full creative direction by a dedicated team
• Can include other services like full branding and campaign management

Cons:

• Longer timelines
• High retainer costs and fees 

4. Graphic Design Subscription Platforms

Over the past years, graphic design subscription platforms have become a practical and efficient solution for brands. Like having an in-house designer, it lets users get graphic designs on demand without the high costs and long-term commitment of having an employee.

In addition, an unlimited graphic design agency offers a wide range of design specializations because it provides access to a pool of vetted designers. This feature significantly lowers the cost of graphic design-as-a-service because users won’t have to hire a separate freelance creative for every project.

Pros:

• Predictable pricing
• Wide range of design expertise
• No long-term commitment

Cons:

• It may not be practical if you only need one-off designs

How Much Do Different Graphic Design Services Cost? (Price Comparison Section)

The average price for graphic design can vary greatly, depending on project complexity as well as the skills and expertise of the provider. In general, here are the typical rates of visual design projects: 

So, which of the four common service options above should you choose if you’re looking for the best affordable graphic design services? 

Here’s a quick comparison table to help you decide:

Type of Service	Average Monthly Cost	Turnaround Time	Revisions	Ideal User
In-House Designer	$3,000-$6,000+ for salary, tools, and benefits	Same-day up to a few days	Unlimited	Companies with daily design needs without requiring a wide range of expertise
Freelance Designers	$400-$2,000, depending on individual rates and project volume	Depends on the freelancer’s workload and project agreement	Limited to the number of revisions agreed upon before extra fees apply	Brands that need one-off designs or projects
Traditional Agencies	$1,000-$10,000+ depending on inclusions	1-2 weeks due to multiple approvals	Typically limited	Enterprises that need full creative direction
Unlimited Graphic Design Platforms	$399-$1500	24-48 hours	Unlimited	Companies, startups, and agencies that need consistent design at a predictable price per month

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Affordable Design Option

Lowering expenses is not all there is to it when searching for affordable graphic design services. To truly gauge the value for money, you need to factor in speed, range of design expertise, and consistency.

If you’re looking for a platform that offers all of these, subscribe to Penji. View a short demo or browse their portfolio to learn how Penji reduces design costs while boosting your brand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are affordable graphic design services?

Affordable graphic design services are solutions that allow clients to have visual assets at a practical rate. They could come in the form of design subscription service platforms, freelancers, or design marketplaces. 

2. How much do affordable graphic design services cost in 2026?

Affordable graphic design services can range, depending on the provider and pricing model. For freelancers, typical affordable rates range between $20 to $75 per hour or $50 to $500 per project. For design agencies, practical rates run from $1,000 to $10,000+ per month. Unlimited graphic design services, meanwhile, range from $399 to $1,500 per month for flat-rate, unlimited requests.

3. Are unlimited graphic design services really affordable?

Yes. Unlike graphic design services that charge per hour or per project, unlimited graphic design platforms come at a flat monthly rate. That said, clients can enjoy unlimited requests and revisions without dealing with surprise charges or hidden fees.