How many promotional emails did you get in your inbox today?
And out of all those emails, how many did you actually read, understand, and click on?
Chances are, you hardly opened any of those emails, and out of those you’ve opened, you might have clicked the call-to-action button in one, if that. Such demonstrates the power of email design and why it’s crucial to have a compelling subject line, body copy, and design.
This is where email design services come in, providing businesses with the expertise and resources to create engaging emails that convert.
What is Email Design?
Email design is creating visually appealing and effective email messages sent to a target audience for various purposes, such as marketing, communication, or information sharing.
Email design involves various elements that work together to create an impactful message:
- Graphics
- Colors
- Fonts
- Email Layout
- Content
You may not have realized it before, but senders carefully design most promo emails you receive to make you want to take a desired action, such as purchasing, signing up for a service, or clicking a link.

Aside from businesses, many reputable institutions have email design templates to set a uniform standard. For instance, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an email design standard for clarity and consistency.
Why is Email Design Important?
If email campaigns are a part of your marketing strategy, then you should never EVER leave its design to chance.
In fact, many of our clients here at Penji sign up for email design services because they know just how crucial it is to make a lasting impression. For instance, take a look at this email design we’ve designed for a B&B:

Non-designers might not notice it right away, but our professional artists carefully used the right images, vector designs, fonts, and layouts to make it easily digestible for the reader.
Taking off from our examples above, here are some of the benefits of well-thought-of email designs:
- Professional image. Well-designed emails with a consistent brand identity can help businesses create a professional image and make a positive first impression on their customers.
- Readability. A well-designed email ensures that the content is easy to read and understand, with appropriate use of fonts, colors, and layout.
- Increased engagement. A visually appealing email design can help capture the recipient’s attention and increase their engagement with the email content.
- Stronger message. A well-designed email can help businesses effectively convey their message to their audience by highlighting important information and using appropriate formatting and layout.
- Enhanced brand recognition. Consistent email design elements, such as the use of the same logo and color scheme, can help businesses enhance their brand recognition and strengthen their brand identity.
Examples of Awesome Email Design Templates
Here are some examples of awesome email template designs to inspire your next campaign.
1. Monochrome Palette

This example from &Open features a monochrome palette of cream and black. As seen in the image, It creates a clean and minimalist look appealing to the eye. By using just two colors, the design is not overwhelming and allows for easy scanning and understanding of the content.
In addition, black and cream are high-contrast colors that can help create visual interest and draw attention to important elements within the email design. This can be particularly useful for call-to-action buttons or key messaging you want the recipient to notice.
2. Community Picture Banner

This email design from Meetup uses a prominent banner photo that shows its community members. Why does it work? Seeing a group photo of people can help create a feeling of inclusiveness and belonging. Similarly, it can make the recipients feel like they are part of a larger group.
It’s vital to remember that people are more likely to engage with an email if it feels personal and relevant to them. Design-wise, a banner with a group photo can break up the text in an email and make it more visually appealing.
3. Full-Bleed Photo

This email from On features a full-bleed photo of their product. A full-bleed image extends to the edge of the design or page without any margins or borders.
As the example shows, a full-bleed photo can break up the text in an email. In addition, it can also showcase a product’s features in greater detail, creating a strong impression on the recipient.
Does email design really matter?
The design of an email can impact whether or not the recipient decides to read the email and can also influence their decision to take action, such as making a purchase or clicking a link.
A well-designed email should be visually appealing, easy to read, and should effectively convey the message or information being communicated. It should also be optimized for mobile devices since many people check their email on their smartphones.

How much does an email designer cost?
The cost of hiring a freelance email designer can vary depending on various factors, such as their level of experience, the email design’s complexity, and the designer’s geographic location. In general, freelancers who offer email design services may charge anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour or more, depending on their skills and experience. If you want to get the most value for your buck, you can opt for unlimited graphic design services, which allow you to get all the designs you need (even non-email ones) at a flat monthly rate.
How do I customize my email design?
Many email marketing platforms offer in-app email design software to customize the design of your emails, including pre-designed templates, drag-and-drop editors, and HTML code editors. You can choose from templates, modify colors, and add branding elements. However, if you want complete control of your email design, it’s best to leave the job to an email design agency or professional designer.
Get Unlimited Email Designs with Us!

Email marketing drives sales, but if your process isn’t optimized, you might be leaving money on the table. If you want to produce more irresistible emails without doing the design dirty work yourself, put it on autopilot.
Penji’s subscription design service offers unlimited graphic designs for any and all medium – social posts, product packaging, emails, and more. Just put in your requests as you need them, review your designer’s work and request revisions if needed, and be on your way.
Wanna learn more? Check out a demo to see how to get unlimited designs for your business.