Did you know? Over 70% of small businesses say that high-quality design helped them stand out in a crowded market. That’s why understanding the real cost of graphic design as a service is so important. If you’ve ever needed a logo, website banner, or social media graphic, you know it’s not just about picking someone who can draw. It’s about ensuring you’re paying a fair price—and achieving quality results.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about graphic design costs in 2025. Whether you’re starting a business or scaling your content needs, we’ll help you find the most cost-effective and reliable solution.
Freelancer
Freelancers often work remotely and can be hired quickly. They are an excellent option for one-time or short-term projects. They offer a variety of styles and rates. You can find someone to meet almost every design requirement.
Pros:
- Flexible and easy to hire
- Often cost-effective for simple work
- Wide variety of styles and skill levels
Cons:
- Quality varies from person to person
- No backup if unavailable or delayed
- Limited scalability for ongoing work
Average hourly rates:
- Fiverr: $15–$60/hr
- Upwork: $25–$75/hr
- Toptal: $60–$150/hr
Key factors:
- Their portfolio and past work
- Your deadline and urgency
- Number of revisions needed
If your budget is tight and your design needs are simple, a freelancer might be the most cost-effective way to access design services. But for long-term needs, the cost of graphic design as a service can rise due to added revisions and management.
Design Agency
Design agencies provide comprehensive creative teams. They’re a good choice if you need complete help with challenging projects. They handle the entire process, from planning to final design. Agencies typically provide polished, professional results.
Pros:
- High-quality results
- Project management included
- Access to multiple designers and experts
Cons:
- High cost, not ideal for small budgets
- Longer timelines in some cases
- Less flexibility with minor edits
Average hourly rates:
- Small agencies: $75–$150/hr
- Larger firms: $150–$300/hr
Key factors:
- Project size and scope
- Reputation and experience
- Timeline and delivery terms
Agencies are a strong choice when brand consistency and scale are top priorities. However, the cost of graphic design as a service from an agency may be higher than most startups can afford.
In-House Designer
An in-house designer works as a full-time team member. This setup is ideal for long-term brand growth. They learn to know your brand quite well. This helps keep your design consistent between projects.
Pros:
- Knows your brand inside and out
- Always available during business hours
- Faster communication and edits
Cons:
- High cost for salary and benefits
- Limited skills if only one person
- Not flexible for short-term projects
Average annual salary:
- Junior: $45,000–$60,000
- Mid-level: $60,000–$75,000
- Senior: $75,000–$100,000+
Key factors:
- Size of your company
- Number of design tasks per week
- Budget for hiring and training
If you have daily design needs, this may justify the cost of graphic design as a service through hiring internally. For others, it may not be cost-effective.
Subscription-Based Design Services
Flat-rate businesses, such as Penji.co, offer an unlimited number of designs for a monthly fee. It’s a good choice if you need a consistent design without managing multiple personnel. You send requests, and they manage the rest. These services are reliable and quick.
Pros:
- Fixed monthly price
- Unlimited requests and revisions
- Fast turnaround (24–48 hours)
Cons:
- It may not be ideal for hyper-custom or one-time design work
- One task at a time (in most plans)
Average monthly rates:
- Basic plans: $499–$700/month
- Advanced plans: $750–$1,200/month
Key factors:
- Number of design requests per month
- Consistency in branding
- Speed and ease of communication
For growing businesses, this is one of the most efficient ways to manage the cost of graphic design as a service without the stress of contracts or hourly quotes.
Cost of Graphic Design as a Service by Project Type
Logo Design: $200–$800
You’ll pay around $200 for a beginner, but agency logos can cost over $1,500. With Penji’s flat rate, you get as many logo ideas and revisions as needed.
Visual Identity Design: $100–$3,000
This includes brand elements like colors, fonts, and style guides. If you’re building a brand from scratch, this is a worthwhile investment. Check out Penji’s full list of services.
Social Media Design: $50–$650
Need Instagram posts, ads, or banners? These usually cost $10–$50 per design. Monthly packages can go up to $650. Subscriptions offer better value if you need content on a weekly basis.
Web Design: $5,000–$30,000
Custom websites are among the most expensive projects. If you already have a developer, a service like Penji can create your page designs affordably and on time.
Landing Pages: $600–$3,000
Most freelancers and agencies charge per page. With a subscription model, you can test different layouts without incurring additional costs for each one.
Illustrations: $500–$1,600
Custom illustrations add personality to your brand. They’re usually expensive, but Penji includes them as part of your plan.
Print Design: $50–$3,000
Flyers, brochures, and posters vary by complexity. Having unlimited access to a designer means you can try different styles until you find the perfect one for you.
Book Covers: $20–$300
A simple book cover might cost $20, but premium designs run higher. With a monthly plan, you’re not charged per concept or revision.
How to Budget for the Cost of Graphic Design as a Service
A design budget does not need to be sophisticated. Follow these simple steps to get started:
- Examine your income: Determine your earnings after deducting main expenses such as rent, wages, and tools.
- List your recurring design needs, such as weekly newsletters and social media postings.
Include infrequent projects, such as seasonal promotions, special campaigns, or one-time offers. - Plan for major expenses: Big-ticket items, such as websites or rebranding, should be scheduled separately.
- Split your budget into fixed (monthly needs), variable (as-needed projects), and One-time (rare and high-impact work)
This detailed breakdown will help you choose the ideal design solution—whether it’s a freelancer, an agency, or an all-in-one service like Penji.
Why Paying the Cost of Graphic Design as a Service Is Worth It
Design is about more than just being visually appealing. A great design fosters trust, promotes engagement, and allows you to stand out.
Free or low-cost tools may be appealing, but they lack the polish of professional work. Your brand is your first impression, so make it count.
The Most Affordable Way to Access Graphic Design Services
Flat-rate businesses like Penji.co make graphic creation affordable to everyone. For a flat monthly charge, you can:
- Submit limitless design requests.
- Get your work back within 1–2 business days.
- Work with top-tier designers (no freelancers to track down).
- Skip contracts, quotes, and unexpected expenses.
It’s similar to having a whole design team but without the full-time cost. You can generate more content, scale faster, and never have to worry about overspending again.
About the author
Je Ann Bacalso
Je Ann is a creative content writer who crafts engaging, SEO-friendly articles and web copy. With a passion for storytelling and a sharp eye for detail, she delivers clear, compelling content that connects with readers.
Table of Contents
- Freelancer
- Design Agency
- In-House Designer
- Subscription-Based Design Services
- Cost of Graphic Design as a Service by Project Type
- How to Budget for the Cost of Graphic Design as a Service
- Why Paying the Cost of Graphic Design as a Service Is Worth It
- The Most Affordable Way to Access Graphic Design Services
