Subscription vs Project-Based Graphic Design: Which Model Saves You More?

You’ve probably seen a multitude of companies offering a graphic design subscription service. You may even have used freelance graphic designers or agencies on a project-by-project basis. They all sound viable options, but which one saves you more money in the long term?

In this article, you’ll get the breakdown of which service is best by the numbers. You’ll learn what each service offers and the pros and cons. Then you’ll see a side by side comparison so you can make the choice with all the information. By the end, you’ll know exactly what’s best for your needs and your budget!

A Quick Comparison

Let’s start with a side-by-side comparison at a glance.

Comparison Factor	Subscription-Based Design Service	Project-Based Design
Payment style	Flat rate monthly fee	Pay per project
Access	Unlimited and ongoing support	Unlimited and ongoing support One-time or occasional
Flexibility	High (covers many tasks)	Best for a single defined task
Cost predictability	Fixed cost monthly fee	Per project estimate varies
Best for	Companies with continuous graphics	Companies with infrequent or one-off needs

This chart provides a quick idea of what’s going on. Next let’s delve into each side specifically so you understand what goes on behind the scenes.

The TRUTH About Unlimited Subscription Models

You’ve probably seen the Unlimited graphic design services headline. Who wouldn’t want unlimited access to graphics for a fixed price? But here’s the truth: “unlimited” often comes with a caveat.

Many subscription companies allow you to submit unlimited requests; however, they process each project one at a time. Therefore, if you submit five requests today, the team will complete number one, then go to number two. Therefore, while there are unlimited requests available, there is not an unlimited turnaround time as that too is based on time and capacity.

At Penji.co, we like to be transparent. The company not only makes it clear what “unlimited” means, but also what’s included and how quick turnaround expectations should be. Transparency builds trust, and you deserve that when investing in critical graphics.

What Are Subscription-Based Design Services?

Main Features of a Design Subscription Service

When you sign up for a Design Subscription Service, you get:

• Flat rate monthly fee which covers any and all occurring design needs.
• The chance to submit tasks at any time via often a dashboard.
• A queuing system that sees tasks completed one at a time.
• Access to professional designers who will learn your brand.
• Ongoing support which expands as your business expands.

This is a relatively straightforward process and works well if you know you’ll need graphics frequently.

Benefits of Subscription-Based Design Services

There are many reasons why this might work best for you:

• Predictable budgeting. You know exactly how much you’ll be spending every month and can account for it easily in finances.
• Quicker turnaround time. If people are working consistently on your projects, they won’t sit on your work for weeks if time is an issue.
• Consistent quality. You’re working often with the same designers who come to understand your brand voice so branding elements all look similarly styled.
• Scalability. As your business grows, your design needs can grow with it.
• Simplicity. There’s no need to negotiate every task or sign new contracts; these are all taken care of already.

For example, if your social media feed requires posts every day, consistent online advertising every week and website updates once a month, paying someone project by project could otherwise mean constant renegotiation.

Drawbacks of Subscription-Based Design Services

Of course every model has its shortcomings. A design subscription service could come with:

• Paying for more than what capacity might indicate if needs are intermittent.
• Some intricate projects might not be included (like an entire website) or might cost extra (total branding).
• Projects could take longer during busy times as many people could be submitting work at once when multiple requests are submitted.

Yet for people with consistent needs, these are minor drawbacks and often don’t matter.

What Are Project-Based Design Contracts?

Main Features of Project-Based Design

Project-based design functions differently.

• You decide upon the project (ex: logo, website banner, flyer).
• You agree upon a price beforehand.
• You pay once and receive the deliverable when it’s done after one transaction.
• You end the contract once delivery is done.

Each project is separate and different; odds are you might work with different designers for each job.

Advantages of Project-Based Design

Sometimes this works better:

• One-time needs. If someone only needs a logo or brochure once, this is often cheaper than a monthly flat rate.
• Focused time. A designer can dedicate their entire focus to one job as opposed to multitasking between several clients.
• Clear expectations. You know the price upfront along with deadlines and expected revisions.
• High customization. Larger projects often get more polish than smaller tasks.

This works when you want something incredibly detailed and unique.

Drawbacks of Project-Based Design

Here are challenges using project-based design:

• Costs can add up quickly if needing many projects over time.
• You’ll have to renegotiate scope for each job which takes time away from getting other jobs done.
• Working with different designers creates inconsistent branding across multiple visuals.
• Each time you need to find and hire a designer wastes precious time and creates delayed starts to projects.

In other words, this is better for infrequent needs than ongoing support.

The Comparison between Subscription Based Design versus Project Based Design

Now that we know each option let’s compare them directly.

Cost and Budget Considerations

If steady design is needed, subscription is more cost effective. For instance, if someone needs 20 graphics in one month, paying per project can reach thousands whereas with subscription, it’s one price no matter how many are needed to complete.

If someone only needs one or two drawings in one year though, it’s cheaper to do project by project—but once needs expand into frequency, subscription pricing wins out.

Flexibility and Scalability

Subscriptions offer more flexibility; businesses can scale back requests on-demand without having to renegotiate so this is important for businesses that expand quickly or have busy seasons in marketing.

Project-based contracts offer less flexibility; businesses must start from ground zero each time agreements change.

Customization and Quality of Services Offered

Customization for one-off projects may be better due to specialization should businesses hire specialists for specific needs.

A subscription service often focuses on volume and speed; however, many companies provide an exceptional quality option. For example, at Penji.co, we see Graphic Design as a service, not just a transaction which means you receive both speed and branding consistency.

How To Choose Which is Right For Your Business?

What Factors Should You Consider?

To determine how to proceed ask yourself:

• How frequently do I need design?
• Do I prefer knowing monthly costs upfront or flexible budgeting on transactions?
• Do I prefer consistency moving forward or one-time beautiful execution?
• How quick turnaround timelines do I need?
• Do I need a long-term partner or short-term solutions?

When To Pick A Design Subscription Service:

Do this if:

• You have regular needs that require consistent graphics (ads/social media/blogs/websites).
• You like predictable costs over time.
• You enjoy simplicity and want less administrative work.
• You want consistency of branding visuals over time.

When To Pick Project-Based Design:

Pick this option if:

• You only need designs occasionally.
• You want high customization at unique projects.
• Your budget is constrained or unpredictable.
• You don’t mind managing multiple designers over time as your resources available change frequently.

Conclusion

Both subscription-based design services along with project-based services allow clear advantages. When constant design occurs, choosing a design subscription service tends to save money and time better than project-based interventions, however if someone requires simple one-off projects from time to time, that’s easier too!

The best choice is the one that reflects your real needs, how much you ask for design work now versus how your budget looks versus how much consistency matters to the brand itself!

At penj.co, we create design simple, expedient and reliable whether you’re a startup or established brand needing high-quality design that works today! Ready to see what you could save? Head on over to penj.co today!

FAQs:

What is a Design subscription service?

It’s a flat-fee monthly plan where you pay one set price for continuous design help, instead of paying per project.

Are Unlimited graphic design services really unlimited?

You can submit unlimited requests however work is often done one at a time.

Can I mix both models for my business?

Sure! Many businesses use subscription for daily efforts and project based for special occasions.

Is project-based design slower than subscription?

Sure! Many businesses use subscription for daily efforts and project based for special occasions.

Does Penji.co offer Graphic Design as a service?

Absolutely, Penji.co offers continuous reliable support as service tailored just for your business needs!