It used to be that creative agencies are the route business owners and marketers take when they want to get a regular dose of graphic designs. But nowadays, alternative options abound, and many have proven them to be the better choice. Here’s a comparison article between hiring a creative agency vs. using an on-demand design service. Let’s get to know why going with the latter is the smarter business investment.
Table of Contents
- The Drawbacks of Hiring a Creative Agency
- Why On-Demand Design Services are the Better Alternative
- Value Comparison: Hiring a Creative Agency vs. On-Demand Design Services
- When Should You Choose On-Demand Design?
The Drawbacks of Hiring a Creative Agency
Hiring a traditional creative agency used to be the norm for businesses and marketers looking for a regular graphic design source. Nowadays, several graphic design services have emerged, the most prominent of which are the unlimited design companies. These have been proven to offer a variety of benefits that challenge hiring creative agencies.
Below are the limitations of hiring a creative agency and why finding an alternative is a must:
Cost Concerns
Hiring a creative agency typically comes with substantial financial commitments. They require clients to pay high retainer fees and upfront costs before any work begins. These agencies often operate on fixed pricing models that may not always align with a business’s evolving needs. In addition, any revisions outside the initial scope can result in unexpected additional charges. This makes it difficult, especially for small to medium-sized businesses, to manage their budgets efficiently.
Time Constraints
Before any actual work starts on your project with a traditional creative agency, it will go through plenty of processes. There will be onboarding (which, in itself, is already lengthy), multiple meetings, paperwork, and project alignment discussions. This setup is prolonged and can delay marketing and branding initiatives. These can be particularly challenging if you have tight deadlines. Furthermore, most agencies often handle multiple clients simultaneously. Project timelines can stretch, resulting in slower turnaround times and missed opportunities.
Limited Flexibility
Traditional creative agencies typically operate under fixed contracts and predefined project scopes. This can limit your business’s ability to adapt to changing market demands. Once a contract is set, say goodbye to last-minute revisions or urgent design needs. This can prevent your business from being agile and responsive to industry trends and consumer expectations.
Lack of Transparency
Another common issue when working with creative agencies is the lack of transparency. Business owners often get surprised with hidden fees and unclear pricing models. These can lead to budget overruns. Additionally, there might be a lack of visibility into the design process. This can leave you uncertain about the creative direction until you see the final product. This can result in misaligned expectations and unsatisfactory outcomes.
Solve Your Design Dilemma for Good
Try Penji risk-free for 30 days & get unlimited designs
Why On-Demand Design Services are the Better Alternative
We may be biased, but the reality is that on-demand design services are undeniably the better alternative than hiring a creative agency. Our experience at Penji is a testament to this, as unlimited graphic design services offer the following benefits:
Cost-Effective Solutions
On-demand design services offer affordable, subscription-based pricing models. This makes it easier for you to budget for your design needs. This makes it a perfect design solution for startups and small businesses. Also, there are no hidden fees, and you won’t be tied to long-term contracts.
Quick Turnaround Times
Most on-demand design companies offer 24 to 48-hour turnaround times. This translates to faster project completion, giving you more time for design iterations. Plus, designers handle multiple requests simultaneously. With this service, you don’t have to wait for one project to be finished before starting another.
Scalability and Flexibility
Your design needs increase when your business grows. On-demand design services can scale quickly to accommodate more complex design projects. Its professional designers specialize in various design styles and expertise. This allows you to explore various creative directions without leaving the platform.
Transparent Pricing and Design Process
On-demand services charge fixed monthly rates. This means pricing is straightforward and predictable, allowing you to plan your design finances effectively. Moreover, direct communication with the designers ensures that what you have in mind is accurately translated into designs. These often offer real-time project tracking that keeps you updated with your project’s progress.
Unlimited Design Requests and Revisions
What makes on-demand design services cost-effective is their unlimited design requests and revisions. You can send as many project requests as possible in a month, all for a flat rate. These plans also come with unlimited revisions, allowing you to revise as much as you need and get the designs you’ll be happy with at no extra cost.
Value Comparison: Hiring a Creative Agency vs. On-Demand Design Services
Here’s a comparison chart to better illustrate why an on-demand graphic design service is the better choice over a creative agency:
When Should You Choose On-Demand Design?
Now that we’ve established why on-demand design services are better than hiring a creative agency, here’s when you should choose them for your business:
- Startups and Small Businesses: These often have limited budgets. On-demand services allow them to get a steady supply of designs without breaking the bank. This service will be most needed in the earlier stages of your business. This is the time when you’re building your brand identity and introducing your brand to the consumer world.
- Businesses with Continuous Design Needs: Social media content, website design, advertising campaigns, and similar projects are a never-ending endeavor for businesses looking to succeed. If you’re a business needing constant design, an on-demand design service is your best bet. This service will especially be helpful for frequent marketing campaign launches, promotions, and branding initiatives.
- Marketing Teams: If you’re a marketer or a team looking for a reliable design partner, on-demand services can ensure you get marketing materials that are always on-brand and updated. This service can keep your marketing efforts fresh.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a creative agency has been the norm for decades and has been adequate all those times. However, when a more innovative option comes along, it’s always a great idea to embrace it. If you want to experience firsthand the benefits of an on-demand design service, work with Penji.
Watch our demo video here to learn more about what we do, or click here to get working with our designers now.
Get a design package with unlimited graphic design
Outsource all your design needs to the pros
