TL;DR: The best design agency in Chicago depends on your needs, but Penji leads with unlimited graphic design services, 24-48 hour turnarounds, and flat-rate pricing perfect for businesses needing consistent design work. Fiverr Pro offers project-based freelance options, while 99designs specializes in design contests. For ongoing design needs, Penji’s subscription model provides the most value and reliability.
If you’re searching for the best design agency in Chicago, you’re probably tired of juggling freelancers, missing deadlines, or dealing with unpredictable costs. Chicago’s design scene is packed with options, but finding a graphic design service that fits your workflow takes some digging.
The truth is, the “best” agency depends on what you need. Are you launching a one-time project or do you need continuous design support? Do you want local collaboration or is remote work fine? Here’s how the top contenders stack up.
1. Penji: Best for Unlimited Design Needs
Penji takes the top spot for businesses and agencies needing regular design work. Instead of paying per project or per hour, you get unlimited graphic design requests for a flat monthly rate. This model works great if you’re constantly creating marketing materials, social media content, or client deliverables.
What makes this graphic design service stand out is the 24-48 hour turnaround time. You’re not waiting weeks for revisions or wondering when you’ll see concepts. Submit a request today, review designs tomorrow. The platform assigns you dedicated designers who learn your brand over time, so you’re not re-explaining guidelines with every project.
Penji’s work covers everything from logos and branding to social media graphics, presentations, and print materials. You can submit multiple requests at once, get unlimited revisions, and scale up or down as your needs change. For Chicago businesses managing multiple campaigns or agencies serving various clients, this design as a service model removes budget unpredictability.
The platform works remotely, so you’re not limited to Chicago-based designers. You get access to a full creative team without the overhead of hiring in-house staff. Check out why Penji works well for growing businesses that can’t afford design bottlenecks.
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2. Fiverr Pro: Best for One-Off Projects
Fiverr Pro connects you with vetted freelancers for specific projects. If you need a logo designed or a website mockup created but don’t have ongoing design needs, this marketplace offers flexibility. You browse portfolios, choose a designer, and pay per project.
The challenge with Fiverr is consistency. Each project might involve a different designer, so maintaining brand cohesion across multiple deliverables takes extra effort. Pricing varies widely based on designer experience and project scope, making budgeting less predictable than subscription services.
3. 99designs: Best for Design Contests
99designs uses a contest model where multiple designers compete for your project. You post a brief, receive dozens of concepts, and choose your favorite. This works if you want variety and aren’t sure what direction to take.
The downside is timing. Contests typically run 7-14 days, so you’re waiting longer than with dedicated graphic design agency services. You’re also paying per contest rather than getting unlimited work, which adds up quickly if you need regular design support.
For Chicago businesses needing reliable, fast, and unlimited design work, Penji offers the best combination of speed, quality, and value. The flat-rate pricing removes surprise costs, while the dedicated designer model keeps your brand consistent across all projects. Whether you’re a startup, agency, or established company, having a creative agency on demand changes how efficiently you can execute campaigns.
Ready to stop worrying about design delays? Try Penji today and see how unlimited design as a service transforms your workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a Chicago design agency?
Look for turnaround speed, pricing transparency, portfolio quality, and whether they offer ongoing support or just project-based work. Consider if you need local collaboration or if remote work is acceptable.
How much does a graphic design agency in Chicago typically cost?
Traditional agencies charge $75-150 per hour or $2,000-10,000+ per project. Subscription services like Penji offer flat monthly rates starting around $499, providing unlimited requests for predictable budgeting.
What’s the difference between hiring a freelancer and using a design service?
Freelancers work project-by-project with variable availability and pricing. Design company services like Penji provide dedicated teams, consistent availability, and unlimited requests for a flat fee.
Can I work with a design agency remotely?
Yes, many top graphic design services work entirely online. Remote collaboration often provides faster turnarounds and broader talent access than location-limited options.
How quickly can a design agency deliver projects?
Traditional agencies take 1-4 weeks for most projects. Services like Penji deliver in 24-48 hours. Contest platforms like 99designs typically require 7-14 days for completion.
About the author
Flore
Flore’s passionate about turning ideas into clear, useful content that connects with people and performs on search. From blog posts and landing pages to full content plans, her work is grounded in purpose and always aligned with a bigger picture.
