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Subscription-based services are more than just a convenience. This pricing model extends the capabilities of creative and digital marketing teams to a new level. Here is an in-depth comparison of six popular subscription design services to help you choose the right one for your creative projects.
Table of Contents
What is a Design Subscription?
Why Choose Design Subscriptions?
Pitfalls of Design Subscriptions
6 Popular Design Subscriptions
What is a Design Subscription?
There are few options for hiring a professional graphic designer. You can hire an in-house designer, work with a graphic design agency, hire a freelancer, or opt for subscription-based graphic design services. However, business owners are increasingly interested in monthly subscriptions to stay within their marketing and advertising budget. A subscription design platform makes requesting designs on an as-needed scheme easy. That way, you get unlimited designs for a flat monthly fee. Creative platforms like Penji follow standards for brand continuity, quality, and quick turnaround times.Â
Why Choose Subscription Design Services?
Subscription design services can cover graphic design, branding, app design, UX design, motion design, and web design and development. The subscription model is a cost-effective answer for every design need because clients can avail themselves of excellent service without paying on a per-project or hourly basis.
Below are the advantages of subscription design services:
Cost-Effective. Instead of paying for individual projects or hiring a design team, businesses can pay a lower fixed monthly fee and get professional design services whenever needed.
Consistency. With a subscription plan, businesses can collaborate with the same team of designers, ensuring consistent design across all platforms. Also, this approach helps build brand recognition and improve customer loyalty.
Flexibility. Design subscriptions allow clients to access various services, including graphic design, brand identity design, web design, or web development whenever needed.Â
Streamlined Creative Process. Design subscriptions take the guesswork out of design. Get proven workflows to create professional graphics quickly and easily.
High-Quality Design Work. By subscribing to a design agency, you can work with professional designers who deliver excellent results without going through the tedious hiring process.
Need professional graphics quickly and within your budget?
Subscribe to Penji unlimited graphic design starting at $499/m
Pitfalls of Design Subscriptions
This pricing model offers a cost-effective way of getting your graphic design done. However, there are some downsides to consider, such as needing more control over the design process itself and the possibility of needing revisions. Here are a few things you must consider.
Limited Control
One of the disadvantages of design subscriptions is that clients may need more control over the design process. While they can provide inputs and feedback on their designs, they need more control over the final output.Â
Communication Issues
Most design agencies will deliver high-quality designs that match customers’ preferences. But, a few revisions may be crucial to complete the designed deliverables. Businesses must communicate their requirements to ensure the designs meet their expectations with minimal revisions.
What Are the Popular Alternatives to Graphic Design Services?
Freelance Graphic Design Services
One go-to alternative to any unlimited graphic design service is the freelance graphic designer. Many small businesses choose freelancers because of a wide variety of options. For instance, if you’re looking for a graphic designer in any freelance site, thousands of options come up. This is great because you can browse various portfolios, design styles, and specialties that suit your preferences.
Additionally, you can also find freelancers based on your budget. A benefit of working with freelancers is the variety of rates. However, you can choose from a per project or hourly basis. As you search for your freelancer, you can set your budget. From there, when you finalize your budget, you can select freelancers to talk about the project.
Although freelancers are an excellent option for a small business, it can be quite a costly alternative, too. For example, if they’re getting paid hourly, that can break the bank, especially if it’s a big project. Or one that requires multiple designs at once. Additionally, it can be challenging to find a reliable freelancer. Some clients have experienced freelancers that are unprofessional or don’t fulfill client projects. It can be difficult to vet them.
Graphic Design Agency
If you want to work with a more reliable service, a graphic design agency is another ideal option to consider. A graphic design agency works with multiple clients yet know how to deliver projects on time. Additionally, another benefit of working with a graphic design agency is that they have a tried and tested project management system. This helps them work efficiently. Plus, a graphic design agency offers designs in a set or package, helping you save money in the long run. Additionally, this saves you time from doing things your own.
One possible disadvantage of working with a graphic design agency, especially for those on a budget, is cost. Some design agencies work on an hourly or per project basis, which can be double or more than the cost of a freelance graphic designer.
In-House Graphic Designer
The final alternative to a graphic design service is an in-house graphic designer.
This is different from a freelancer since you’re hiring this person as a full-time employee. You will need to go through the hiring process by posting a job ad and narrowing your list of your candidates. From there, you need to interview these graphic designers and conduct some tests before choosing the ideal candidate.
One advantage of hiring an in-house designer is that they’re part of your team, and you don’t need to find a freelancer for every project. Next, since they’re in your team, you can just ask them anytime when you need designs, and they will do their tasks. Finally, you can communicate with them directly for projects and revisions! You wouldn’t need a chat app to talk to them, unless they’re a remote employee.
However, hiring an in-house graphic designer has its drawbacks. First, there’s an overhead when hiring in-house designer. Second, it can costly since you have to pay them monthly, regardless of the design projects they create. Finally, some graphic designers specialize in some design styles or types. You might need to hire another person when you need a specific design type.
6 Popular Design Subscriptions
Need design help but overwhelmed by choices? We’ve got you covered! This guide explores 6 top design subscriptions so you can find the perfect fit for your business.
1. Penji
Penji is a subscription design service that can hand out various design options for companies of any size. Its user-friendly platform and affordable pricing make it a popular choice as the creator of exceptional designs to improve your visual identity. With Penji, you can get unlimited logos, social media graphics, infographics, and more with your monthly subscription. No hidden fees!
Penji has created designs for brands like CVS, Uber, UPS, Best Buy, Hot Wheels, and more.
Services offered:
- Logos and branding
- Print and digital graphics
- Ad creatives
- Social media designs
- Web/app designsÂ
Pricing: From $499 to $1497 per month.
2. Design Pickle
Design Pickle’s professional design team covers everything you need, creating stunning visuals for any project. That is why Design Pickle has become a reliable solution for companies requiring high-quality designs for online and offline marketing campaigns.
Services Offered:
- Graphic design
- Custom illustrations
- Presentation design
- Motion graphics
Pricing: From $1124 to $1754 per month.
3. ManyPixels
Services offered:
- Website design
- Social media design
- Illustrations
- Presentations
Pricing: From $549 to $1,299 monthly, with discounts if you pay quarterly or annually.
4. Passionate Agency
Stand out from the crowd with the assistance of Passionate Agency’s complete design subscription. Unlike others, they are a full-service design agency with a team of experts. They’ll get to know your business and craft custom solutions, from website development to eye-catching graphics, all under one roof.
Services Offered:
- Graphic design
- Motion graphics
- UI/UX
- Video production
- Web design
- Web hosting
- Web development services (WordPress, Webflow, and Shopify)
Pricing: From $2,999 to $9,999
5. Kimp
Kimp is another popular subscription design service providing unlimited graphic design for businesses. One of Kimp’s selling point is its focus on customer satisfaction. They provide same-day turnarounds and unlimited revisions on all designs until the customer is pleased. So, businesses can expect a design that meets their needs and specifications.
Services offered:
- Print and digital designs
- GIFs
- Custom animations
- Website and app design
- Landing page design
- Motion graphics and video
- UI/UX animations
Pricing: From $299.50 to $349.50 per month.
6. Superside
Superside is a leading design subscription platform that offers design services primarily targeting enterprise companies. Their comprehensive line-up of services makes Superside a design one-stop, eliminating the need to work with multiple vendors or agencies.
Services Offered:
- Logo design
- Brand identity development
- Website design
- Video production
- Motion design
- AR/3D design
- Packaging and merchÂ
- Presentation designÂ
Pricing: Subscription packages, including AI-enhanced design, start at $5,000/month.
Conclusion
Now that you understand the features of these popular subscription design services, it’s time to select the right one for your creative needs. When budget is one of your top considerations, choose an affordable yet high-quality design agency. Try Penji unlimited graphic design risk-free for 30 days. Watch the short demo video and see what Penji has to offer.
About the author
Rowena Zaballa
With a background as a former government employee specializing in urban planning, Rowena transitioned into the world of blogging and SEO content writing. As a passionate storyteller, she uses her expertise to craft engaging and informative content for various audiences.
