Graphic design work: How much should I really be paying?

Madeleine Gasparinatos

August 2, 2023

Metigy Learning

Platforms like Canva offer a user-friendly way to create graphics and designs to use as part of a marketing strategy. There are several tools out there that can make the creative process much easier. But in order to produce a great design, the user still needs to do most of the work. For small business owners and marketers looking to boost their brand identity and build a strong reputation, having great designs is important. If potential customers view a brand’s online content and see professional graphics and images, they are more likely to take an interest in the products or services that the business offers.

What is a graphic designer?

This is where hiring a graphic designer can be beneficial. A professional graphic designer uses computer software to create visual images and concepts that are used to communicate particular messages. These images can include specific colors, fonts, images, prints, or animations. Often, brands also choose to have their logos in any graphic design work they get done. The aim of graphic design is to enhance a brand’s appearance and make them more recognizable.

How much to pay for an excellent graphic designer

There are a number of factors that affect how much a brand or individual will be charged for graphic design services. These factors include the graphic designer’s experience, the extent of the project they are working on, and the type of designs that are required. Graphic designers can be employed by a company or agency, or work as a freelancer. This will also affect the cost of their services. If the project is for a simple logo or a quick social media post, it won’t take long for the designer to complete, so it will be on the cheaper side. If a company wants a complete website design, the company should expect to pay much more. There’s also the consideration of the graphic design medium. If the designs are digital, it may be quicker and cheaper to produce. Whereas, businesses that need physical promotional materials like banners and leaflets may be charged more for the additional printing and formatting that is required. General prices are around $30-$60/hour or $300-$500/day for graphic designers, but this varies depending on the factors above. Although hiring an external graphic designer can seem like a significant investment, it can save a business owner both time and money doing it themselves.

How to know if the work is worth the price

It’s always a good idea to speak to a number of graphic designers before you commit to one of them. This enables you to get an idea of the average prices they charge for the type of work you need. Before settling on a designer, be sure to check out their previous work. Most designers have a portfolio where projects that they have completed for other clients can be viewed. This is great to get a feel for the style and quality of their work. An example of a graphic designers portfolio. Graphic designers will generally ask you for a brief. This will detail what you want and whether there are any specifics that need to be included in the work they produce for you. From here, they will provide a quote. It’s a good idea to double-check this quote relative to the average prices for graphic designers, or against this particular designer’s previous prices. This ensures the quote is fair and justified. For business owners looking to enhance their digital marketing and content design, contact the team at Metigy today to discuss their professional and high-quality services.

Content Tools & Apps, Graphic Design Tips