
Introduction: Why This Comparison Is Important
Did you know 94% of first impressions are design related? It’s true people make snap judgments about your website, social media post, product packaging, etc. based on how it looks in seconds. If you’re looking to grow a business, expand a brand, or just legitimize your content to make it look like a professional did it, then design matters. The only catch? Not everyone has the time (or ability) to recreate well-designed pieces from scratch. That’s why services like Marq and Penji can help you (and your budget).
In this article, you’ll learn how Marq vs Penji compare regarding pricing, features, design, and value so that you can find the fit for you whether you want to DIY or have someone else do the work for you.
Let’s go!
Marq vs Penji: What Are They?
Before diving into the nitty-gritty comparisons, it’s important to know exactly what these services do.
What Is Marq?
Marq (formerly Lucidpress) is a web-based DIY design application. You use it to create all your designs, whether it be a flyer or social media post, using templates and easy drag-and-drop features. It’s perfect for someone who wants to have control over the designing process but doesn’t necessarily have the time to start from scratch.
You do not need to be a designer in any way, shape, or form to use Marq. It’s meant for the average Joe marketer, small business owner, team member trying to make things look better without hiring someone professionally.
What Is Penji?
Penji is a subscription-based graphic design service. You submit a request for what you need to be designed, and a dedicated professional designer works on creating the piece for you. This is perfect for someone who wants things professionally done quickly and does not want to deal with learning DIY design apps.
You do not need to know anything about the design process aside from what you’re looking for. Just submit it through Penji’s easy channel and see what they come up with!
Marq vs Penji: Pricing Comparison
Let’s talk about how much these services cost because you want great design but you also want to keep it in budget, so see how pricing stacks up.
Marq Pricing (2025)

Marq has multiple pricing plans based on how many users you’ll have and what features you need so if you’re starting out, consider the free plan (it might be enough).
Penji Pricing (2025)

Penji has a flat monthly pricing plan that includes unlimited design requests per month and guaranteed dedicated designs. It’s a more considerable investment initially but can save you time and money down the line with high-quality options.
Marq vs Penji: Design Features Offered
Now let’s take a look at what each service actually designs so you know whether they can take care of your specific needs.
Marq Design Features Offered
Marq allows you to create (using its web-based tools):
• Flyers, brochures, posters
• Social media graphics
• Email headers and newsletters
• Business cards and resumes
• Presentations and pitch decks
• Menus, catalogs and booklets
• QR codes, coupons, calendars
You will use pre-made templates and customize them with your unique content based on what Marq allows. It’s fast and easy but customizable only to what the platform offers.
Penji Design Features Offered
Penji can create 120+ custom pieces including but not limited to:
- Logos and brand guidelines
- Social media posts and ads
- Website layouts and app screens
- Packaging and merchandise
- Infographics and sales sheets
- Animated graphics and video editing (Agency plan)
- Custom illustrations and book covers
- PowerPoint presentations and marketing materials design
You have to request these items and Penji’s designers will create them for you. They also offer revisions until you’re satisfied.
Marq vs Penji: Quality of Work
You want high quality because you don’t want things that look amateur or half-done. So how do Marq vs Penji compare?
Marq Quality
Quality is up to you with Marq, the application/website gives you access to predetermined templates that are clean but some might think they look generic; if you’re good at design applications then you’ll be able to create something of value but if you’re looking for something totally unique without knowing the inner workings of the program, it might be hard to get there.
Penji Quality
With professional custom designs at hand, everything is custom unless you ask otherwise; this gives lots of room for creativity based on your business needs. Everything is consistently quality controlled as well so should something not look ‘right,’ feel free to ask for feedback; this gives great quality without having to do any DIY work yourself!
Marq vs Penji: Collaboration & Workflow
What if you’re working with a team? You’ll want something that integrates well into your workflow.
Marq Collaboration
Multiple users can work on one project simultaneously; however, Marq allows you to lock brand elements (logos/fonts) so that nothing gets changed accidentally ensuring proper brand consistency across the board; great for teams who want control as well as structure!
Penji Collaboration
Penji allows team member invites as they can comment/like/dislike projects in progress; everyone gets assigned a designer who learns your style as you go which means it’s more hands-off but super effective down the line!
Marq vs Penji: Turnaround Time
We all need designs ASAP; no one has time to wait forever! So what’s the turnaround time?
Marq Speed
You get results with Marq instantly because you’re doing the work yourself; should you know how you want it/what direction you’re going in, it can take mere minutes!
Penji Speed
Penji returns most designs within 24–48 hours; they start working on what’s suggested right away and should you need revisions, that adds time but it’s an easy process!
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re someone who enjoys DIY design or wants control over the project, then Marq is going to be a good option for you as it’s affordable, simple, and great for teams who want branding assistance available from within the team itself.
However, if you’re someone who wants custom designs without having to worry about logistical pieces down the line, then Penji is hard to beat since you get effectively professional results, speedy turnaround times, unlimited requests all within one flat monthly fee!
If you’re ready to upgrade your brand with custom design work, visit penji.co today and explore their plans it may be the graphic design partner you’ve been waiting for!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use Marq if I have no design experience?
Yes! Marq is built for novices; its templates and drag-and-drop tools are easily accessible.
2. Does Penji offer logo design?
Yes; Penji includes unlimited request logo design in its plan simply submit a request!
3. Is there a free trial for Penji?
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try it risk free!
4. Can I cancel Penji at any time?
Yes; it’s month-to-month so feel free to cancel whenever!
5. Does Marq work well for teams?
Yes; Marq offers team features like brand control/sharing templates etc.
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
- Introduction: Why This Comparison Is Important
- Marq vs Penji: What Are They?
- Marq vs Penji: Pricing Comparison
- Marq vs Penji: Design Features Offered
- Marq vs Penji: Quality of Work
- Marq vs Penji: Collaboration & Workflow
- Marq vs Penji: Turnaround Time
- Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)