On-Demand Graphic Design Services in 2025: Full Guide

On-demand graphic design services are becoming more popular as businesses need fast, flexible, and affordable design support. Trusted by brands like Uber and Hot Wheels, companies like Penji offer subscription-based solutions, but are they right for you? Let’s break down the pros and cons.

4 Reasons Companies Outsource to Unlimited Graphic Design Companies

Have you ever had to outsource business tasks such as accounting or copywriting to a professional in that field? Unlimited design services are not that much different. 

Getting on-demand graphic design services simply means outsourcing the creative work to an expert in that area. Here are a few reasons why many ventures turn to unlimited graphic design services:

1. They don’t have an in-house designer

Getting all the designs you need is easy if you have a designer on your payroll. After all, that’s exactly what you’re paying them for – the convenience of having an in-house designer. Unfortunately, not all ventures have the capacity to hire a full-time graphic artist. 

For one, the hiring process can be too expensive for young ventures. This is especially true if they’re still in the process of trying to gain initial traction. Ironically, though, businesses in these early stages need good-quality visuals to hit the ground running. 

2. They don’t have the time to look for a freelancer.

Getting dirt-cheap services from freelance designers is great, for sure. Any new entrepreneur would be happy to get a logo for $5. But there exactly lies the problem. Yes, you can get a logo for $5, but that doesn’t mean it’s good quality.

Needless to say, finding a pro freelance designer these days is like looking for a needle in a haystack. With too many people claiming to be design experts in job marketplaces, finding one means spending loads of time going through dozens of portfolios.

3. They rely on visual assets to market their brand.

Ventures geared for growth know just how crucial it is to have the right visuals. For instance, research published by Association for Computing Machinery tells us 94 percent of clients’ first impressions come from design. That being said, it pays to invest in visual design that is not only pleasing to the eyes but also stimulates the mind and touches the hearts of the audience.

And since not all marketers can learn the ropes of visual design, outsourcing it to a pro is the best option. Not only will it give them top-quality materials, but it will also allow them to focus their time and energy on other efforts to grow the business.

4. They want reliable graphic designers on standby without paying the benefits of a regular employee

Some startups or small businesses prefer the on-demand graphic design services setup because they want reliable designers on standby. They could have ad-hoc design projects that on-demand designers can finish in 24 to 48 hours. 

However, these companies don’t want to pay the benefits of hiring an in-house graphic designer. With on-demand graphic design services, it’s more than just having an in-house designer. It’s similar to working with an agency where a team of creatives is behind every project.

Pros and Cons of On-Demand Design

On-demand graphic design services works just like other cloud-based services. You can subscribe when you need it, and cancel anytime when you no longer have design requests. So what should companies expect from on-demand graphic design services? Here’s a list of the pros and cons of on-demand graphic design services.

Pros

1. Saves time

If you need customized images for your blogs, social media channels, or websites daily, an on-demand graphic design services platform saves you a lot of time. Penji takes pride in 24 to 48-hour delivery.

If your company has a steady stream of design projects, this process cuts the time in half for requests, revisions, and overall waiting time.

2. Versatile skills

Another great advantage you can get from hiring on-demand graphic designers is that you get varied skills. Although most of these graphic designers go through a rigorous recruitment process, some are skilled in one field more than others. 

When hiring freelancers, you’ll have to sort through all of their skills and portfolios to get versatility. And the disadvantage is that sometimes, freelancers have limited experience in handling various design types.

3. Unique and customized designs

Standing out on social media or any online channel is tricky when brands use stock photos. Although they’re complementary elements to blogs, custom images maintain branding consistency. When subscribing to an on-demand design company, you can have images that are uniquely yours compared to ready-to-use templates or stock images. 

4. High-Quality Designs

Aside from unique and customized images, you can expect high-quality designs from this type of service all the time. Because on-demand graphic design’s lifeblood is their designers, they have a stringent hiring process. Penji extensively tests designers and hires only the top 2% of candidates.

Designers must be knowledgeable enough to handle any kind of design project. Every graphic design submission must be created around quality, design psychology, and market trends. And that is one of the benefits of an on-demand graphic design membership because of the designers’ varied expertise.

5. Unlimited designs and revisions

Freelance graphic designers work with multiple clients and probably prioritize the high-paying ones. Although you’re paying them either by the hour or per project, you can’t expect a fast-paced flow. In turn, this cripples your marketing operations.  

Working with on-demand graphic designers is efficient and quick. Because you can submit three designs simultaneously, you can have more designs finished than working with freelance designers.

On top of that, an unlimited graphic design service wouldn’t be right without unlimited revisions. You can request revisions until you’re 100 percent happy with the design — without additional charges! 

6. Fast turnaround

Most on-demand graphic design services have a turnaround of 24 to 48 hours. Some even have a 12-hour turnaround, which is the beauty of cloud-based design services. You could be waiting on designs for days with an interior designer, especially if you only hired one expert. 

However, on-demand graphic design services assigns you a designer, an account manager, and sometimes a quality assurance expert. This ensures that every design is up to par with the client’s creative brief and expectations.

7. Easy sign-up and cancellation

Because on-demand graphic designs work like cloud computing, it’s easy to sign up and cancel. This system is suitable for startups or even agencies that experience an overflow of tasks. 

Moreover, signing up is easy. By visiting the company website, you can subscribe to a month of quality work in a snap of a finger. No more scouring for designers’ portfolios from an online job marketplace. Additionally, you don’t have to interview each freelancer to find the most suitable one!

Lastly, there are no contracts, so cancellation works like a breeze. Just wait until your month is up and cancel anytime, with no questions asked. 

8. 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Subscribing to on-demand graphic design services allows you to try them out before committing. After 30 days, if you’re not happy with the service, you can cancel anytime and get your money back. We all know freelance graphic designers don’t offer trials. Once you request a design, expect a ticking bill until the design is completed. 

Cons

1. Getting different designers assigned to projects

Hiring freelancers means working with the same designers for a myriad of similar projects. This can be advantageous, so you don’t have to mention the brand guidelines over and over again. The only con when using on-demand graphic design services is getting different designers assigned for projects. However, you always have the option to request your favorite designer on a specific project.

2. Not good for one-off projects

Since on-demand graphic design services have a monthly subscription-based scheme, it’s not suitable for one-off or occasional projects. You’ll end up paying more compared to hiring a project-based freelancer. 

How Much Does On-Demand Graphic Design Services Cost? 

Now let’s talk about the part that matters most — the cost.

If your company runs on a tight budget, it’s tempting to go with cheap options. You might try DIY tools, stock photos, or hire low-cost freelancers. But while these choices may seem affordable, they often lead to poor-quality designs.

That’s where on-demand graphic design services can help. They offer a smart balance of cost, quality, and speed. Here’s what you need to know about how much it costs — and why it may be worth it.

Flat Monthly Rate

One of the biggest benefits is the simple pricing. You pay a flat monthly fee. That’s it.

It doesn’t matter how many design requests you send. Whether you ask for 10 or 50 designs, you still pay the same monthly rate. This makes it easy to budget your design costs.

No Hidden Fees

There are no surprises in your billing. No hourly rates. No extra charges for revisions, overtime, or different project types.

You know exactly how much will be charged each month. It’s a predictable and stress-free way to manage your design needs.

More Affordable Than Freelancers

Hiring a freelancer can get expensive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average graphic designer earns around $25 per hour. That’s about $200 per day — and that’s just for one person.

Add in fees from online platforms, and costs can rise fast. Some websites even charge extra for faster delivery or file revisions.

In comparison, many on-demand design services charge between $400 and $1,000 per month. For that price, you can get unlimited design requests and revisions. So if you need lots of graphics, this model can save you money in the long run.

Simple and Fast Billing

Paying is quick and easy. Most services offer monthly billing with automatic payments. Once you sign up, payments are handled automatically. No need to keep track of invoices or contracts.

Flexible Pricing Plans

Most on-demand design services offer different pricing tiers. This helps you choose the one that fits your business needs and budget.

If you’re a small business or a startup, you can start with a basic plan around $400 to $700 per month. Bigger teams that need more designs or faster turnarounds might pay up to $2,000 per month.

Either way, these pricing options give you flexibility to grow

How Does the On-Demand Graphic Design Services Process Work?

How Does the On-Demand Graphic Design Process Work?

If you’ve never tried on-demand graphic design services, don’t worry. The process is simple, and anyone can do it. You don’t need to know design or be tech-savvy. Everything is designed to save you time.

Step 1: Sign Up and Log In

First, you sign up for a plan. Then you log in to a custom dashboard. This is where all your design tasks happen.

Step 2: Submit a Design Request

Next, you create a new design request. Just fill out a short form. Write what you need, add some notes, and upload files if needed. You don’t have to explain every detail — a clear idea or example helps.

Step 3: A Designer Starts Working

Once you submit the request, a designer from the team starts working on it. You don’t need to search or interview anyone. The service handles that part for you.

Step 4: Track the Progress

You can see what’s being worked on, what’s done, and what’s coming next — all in one place. This makes it easier to stay on top of your designs.

Step 5: Review and Revise

When the design is ready, you get a notification. You can review it, ask for changes, or approve it. You can ask for as many edits as needed — no extra cost.

Step 6: Download the Files

Once you’re happy, you download the final design. Everything is saved in your account. So, if you need the same design again later, it’s easy to find.

What is Communication Like with On-Demand Graphic Designers?

The communication between on-call graphic designers and clients is flawless using one platform only. With Penji, you don’t even have to leave the platform, you can do everything on your dashboard.

Most platforms have a team leader to manage updates and keep things moving. You also get real-time notifications, so you’re always in the loop.

Freelancers might take longer to respond since they handle many clients. Agencies may pass your messages through a manager, which can slow things down.

You might not always work with the same designer. So, you may need to repeat your brand info unless your favorite designer is available.

Overall, the setup is clear, organized, and easy to use.

On-Demand Graphic Design Services: The Final Outcome

Requesting designs from Penji’s app is also convenient. As long as you give clear instructions and mention some dos and don’ts, designers get it right quickly. Ultimately, communication is key to excellent design outcomes.

Turnaround Time

As for the turnaround time, you can expect a first draft in 24 hours (website and app designs take longer on average). If you request revisions, you’ll receive those back quickly too. If quick turnaround is critical for you, Penji offers pricing plans that streamline the process even further.

Versatile Design Formats

There is no limit on the type of designs you want and the format you prefer as well. Formats can be in PNG, JPG, PDF, EPS, SVG, AI, and PSD. Design types can also vary, and Penji offers 120+ design types. Here are a few:

• Infographics
• Facebook ads
• Blog graphics
• Billboard ads
• Car wraps
• Print ads
• Online ads
• Business cards
• Logos
• Pitch decks
• Letterheads
• Magazine covers
• Apparel

 

Some of Penji’s Work Samples

Book Cover Design

Packaging Design

Digital Ad Design

Logo Design

Banner Design

How to Use Penji’s Custom Design Platform 

Penji has a user-friendly bespoke design platform. Use it to submit design requests, ask for revisions, communicate with designers, or organize your brand’s projects. Here’s how to use Penji’s on-demand design platform:

1. Submit a design brief

Write the complete details of what design you want. It’s easy for designers to create the design with fewer revisions if you write a thorough description. This will expedite the project completion, allowing you to submit the next design immediately.

2. Wait for 24 hours

Sit back, relax and wait for the first draft. More complicated designs will take up to 48 hours. 

3. Ask for revisions

If you’re unsatisfied with the design, use Penji’s point-and-click feature for revisions. Submit and wait for 12 to 24 hours. 

4. Download the source file

If you’re happy with the design, download the source file. Choose which format you want from the platform, click Download and the file will be automatically saved to your computer.

Alternatives to On-Demand Graphic Design

While on-demand graphic design services is a reliable service, you can get many other graphic design alternatives. Choosing the best one depends on your design needs, budget, and design and marketing team. 

In-house designers 

You can opt for in-house designers if you prefer working with a designer face-to-face. This alternative will work for you if you’re also willing to give employee benefits. The only drawback about hiring in-house graphic designers is having limited perspectives—unless you hire more than one. If you can hire people with varied experience and skills, do so to prevent having to look for experts for specific projects. 

Agencies

Agencies are a good idea for medium and large-sized businesses. You will be working with a team of designers, directors, copywriters, etc., who are all experts in their fields. Hiring an agency will leave most of the creative process and design work off your hands. This option isn’t recommended for startups and small businesses, especially with limited branding and marketing budgets. 

Design contests

Another alternative to an on-demand graphic design subscription is design contests. This is a faster way to get as many design varieties as possible without scouring through different graphic designers.

Take Design Work Off Your Plate

Given all the pros and cons mentioned above, it’s all up to your unique needs and goals. Here are a few things you should ask yourself when making a decision:

• How many visual assets do you need on a regular?
• Do your growth campaigns rely on great-quality visuals?
• Do you want a flexible setup in which you can subscribe and cancel anytime?
• How much can the business spend on graphic design services?

In the end, it’s not just all about minimizing expenses. In fact, going for the cheapest solution available might leave you in a sticky situation later on. On the other side of the spectrum, it doesn’t make sense for new businesses to break the bank on graphic design. Graphic design should be accessible to anyone or any business, for that matter. On-demand graphic design services offer convenience, speed, quality, and affordability.

Ready to sign up? Use promo code INSPIRESB15 to get 25 percent off your first month!