The misconception that graphic design is expensive is the most compelling reason many entrepreneurs shy away from it. They put it on the back burner until such time they can afford it. So, let’s determine if graphic design is indeed out of reach for those on a tight budget. Let’s see what the average price is for graphic design services and delve deeper into the factors that influence its cost. Let’s also explore some options for the budget-conscious.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Graphic Design
Before we begin with the costs of graphic design services, let’s understand the key factors that affect them. Below are the primary determinants of the average price of graphic design:
The complexity of the design: Simple designs such as a logo or a business card can cost less as these take a shorter time to create and require less effort. When you compare these with designing a website or developing a comprehensive branding strategy, expect to pay less for these. On the other hand, complex projects will require more time, effort, and specialized skills from the designer, which will warrant higher pricing.
The designer’s experience and expertise: Generally, graphic designers with more years of experience, a proven track record, and specialized skills (illustration, packaging design, etc.) demand a higher price. Compared to newbies or entry-level designers, you can expect these designers to command higher fees as they are more reliable and produce better quality work.
The time required to complete the project: Projects that are time-consuming, require extensive research and need multiple rounds of revisions tend to be more expensive. Designers typically charge based on the time they will take to complete your project. Complex projects that demand more time and effort will naturally cost more.
The market rates: The price of graphic design can also be affected by market rates. These vary based on location, industry, and demand. In areas where the cost of living is higher, expect to pay a graphic designer more than, let’s say, someone from another country, such as India, the Philippines, or Venezuela.
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Average Cost of Different Types of Graphic Designs
The following are the average costs of the most common types of graphic design:
Logo Design
On average, logo design costs anywhere from free, (using DIY or online logo templates) to over $1,000,000 (renowned branding agency). The most common rate ranges between $150 (beginner freelancer) and $7,500 (experienced freelancer).
Website Design
You can expect to pay an upfront cost of about $300 to $500 to have someone build you a website. You have to pay an additional fee of around $50 to $100 per month for its maintenance. If you hire a designer or a developer, this can go up to around $6,000 to $10,000 with an ongoing cost of $1,000 to $2,000 per year. The price can go up to $150,000 or more for a custom website and branding package.
Social Media Graphics
These can range from $10 to $50 per post. These typically come in a package, and their price will vary depending on the inclusions but can go anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more.
Brochure Design
This depends on the size, number of pages, and complexity of the design. On average, the design can cost between $400 to $2,000. To give you a ballpark figure, an 8-page booklet can command a price range of $900 and $1,800.
Other Design Types
Again, the complexity of the design will dictate the price of most types of graphic design.
Note that these are just average costs and can vary depending on the factors mentioned above.
Average Cost of Different Graphic Design Partners
The price of graphic design is also dependent on who is doing the designs. Here is a list of design partners and their respective average pricing:
Freelancer
As mentioned earlier, freelance graphic designers charge based on expertise, experience, and the project’s complexity. On average, freelance graphic designers charge between $20 to $50 per hour. For those based in the US, freelancers can charge an average of $35 to $60 per hour, with highly experienced designers commanding an average of $80 to $120 per hour or more.
Worldwide, finding the average hourly rate for freelance graphic designers can be more challenging. A reasonable estimate would be around $30 to $50 per hour. Note that rates will be higher in developed countries than in developing nations.
In-House Designer
Hiring an in-house designer means paying a monthly salary, again, depending on the designer’s experience and expertise. In the US, the average junior designer is paid around $46,000 to $60,000 per year, while mid-level designers earn around $65,000 to $80,000 per year. As for the top-level designers, their salaries can range anywhere from $100,000 to $160,000 per year.
Design Agency
The average cost of hiring a design agency ranges between $25 to $49 per hour. Again, the price will depend on several factors, such as the agency’s location, reputation, and your project’s specific requirements. For specialized services or agencies with a strong reputation, expect their rates to go higher, often reaching $75 to $150 per hour for senior-level expertise.
Subscription-Based Design Services
These are the companies that offer unlimited graphic design services with flat monthly rates that range between $500 to $5,000 per month. Along with the designs, these typically offer unlimited revisions, making it a cost-effective option. However, it’s no surprise to find some that will charge north of $6,000 per month. These are the specialized or those that accept high-volume services.
Remember that these are just averages, and the actual cost can vary depending on the factors listed above. When hiring a design partner, it’s always a good recommendation to request quotes and thoroughly discuss your project’s scope, timeline, and expectations.
Why Work with Penji
Penji was created with the idea of making graphic design services accessible and affordable to businesses, big or small. Its unlimited graphic design service affords you as many design assets as possible for a fixed rate in a month. You won’t pay more for additional projects; our unlimited revisions will ensure you get the designs you’re happy with.
Our team of pro designers has various specialized skills, so you won’t have to go elsewhere if you need an illustrator or a UI/UX designer. They are highly creative, as we only hire the top 2% to guarantee the quality of the work we produce. Watch our quick demo video here, or get our designers started by clicking this link.
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About the author
Celeste Zosimo
Celeste is a former traditional animator and now an SEO content writer specializing in graphic design and marketing topics. When she's not writing or ranking her articles, she's being bossed around by her cat and two dogs.
