One of the biggest reasons many business owners hesitate to get a graphic designer is the budget. There’s this misconception that it is expensive, so they tend to forego getting one until they have the appropriate budget. So, to determine if graphic design is indeed expensive, let’s delve deeper into what factors influence the cost. Let’s explore some budget-friendly options for businesses to reap the benefits of professional design.
Table of Contents
- Factors That Influence the Cost of Graphic Design
- Average Cost of Different Types of Graphic Designs
- Average Cost of Different Graphic Design Partners
- Why Work with Penji
Factors That Influence the Cost of Graphic Design
Before we begin with the costs of graphic design, 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, $0 (DIY or online logo templates) to over $1,000,000 (renowned branding agency). The most common rate ranges between $100 (beginner freelancer) and $5,000 (experienced freelancer).
Website Design
You can expect to pay an upfront cost of about $200 to have someone build you a website. You have to pay an additional fee of around $50 per month for its maintenance. If you hire a designer or a developer, this can go up to around $6,000 with an ongoing cost of $1,000 per year. The price can go up to $150,000 for a custom website and branding package.
Social Media Graphics
These can range from $5 to $20 per post. These typically come in a package, and their price will vary depending on the inclusions but can go anywhere from $300 to $1,500.
Brochure Design
This depends on the size, number of pages, and complexity of the design. On average, the design can cost between $300 to $1,500. To give you a ballpark figure, an 8-page booklet can command a price range of $850 and $1,600.
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 $15 to $45 per hour. For those based in the US, freelancers can charge an average of $30 to $50 per hour, with highly experienced designers commanding an average of $75 to $100 per hour or more.
Worldwide, finding the average hourly rate for freelance graphic designers can be more challenging. A reasonable estimate would be around $25 to $40 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 $53,000, while mid-level designers earn around $62,000.
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.
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.
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 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.
