We all know that graphic design is a big deal these days. In fact, for many businesses in the marketplace today, it’s basically impossible to get by without graphic design. Whether it’s package for a physical product, a web site or other digital product, a flyer for a direct mail campaign, or anything else that requires a sharp and eye-catching appearance, graphic design is a simple necessity. Anybody can use Microsoft Word or a similar program to create a basic design or a basic message, but how does it really stand up to the efforts of somehow who is trained in graphic design?
Once a business has recognized the need for graphic design, the questions are obvious. How do we find a good designer, and how much is it going to cost?
If you’ve ever been in contact with one of those flashy urban design firms, you know that graphic design can be very costly indeed. But whether or not those expensive firms are really necessary for your project is another question entirely. The question of how much graphic design costs can actually be put another way: What is the best value for my specific business goals for this project?
According to commonly cited statistics, the average cost of professional graphic design services is $45 an hour, with the spectrum running from $20 to $150 per hour on average.
This may sound expensive, but it’s obviously important to know how fast these professionals work, and how long your project is going to take. The truth is that there are a lot of variables, especially among freelancers. It’s safe to say, however, that most graphic design projects are going to take a minimum of 3-4 hours to complete. Depending on who you hire, it could cost you several hundred or even thousands of dollars in order to get the result you want.
And will that result be worth it? In many cases, yes. Big corporations pay huge amounts of money for graphic design services – most of them have a team of graphic designers in-house, rather than paying for the services of third-parties. This investment pays off on a large scale when you consider the quality and consistency of the work itself.
Small-to-medium businesses have a more delicate decision to make when it comes to commissioning graphic design services. Budgets are tighter, but the need for good results is just as high.
Commissioning a professional printer that also offers graphic design services can be a great way to keep a lid on the total cost of a project, without compromising quality. If your project involves printing or mailing, everything can be packaged together in order to further economize the project.
Of course, you should always check the quality of past work, and get a sense of any graphic designer’s skill and style, before you decide it’s the right move to hire them. This goes for dedicated graphic design companies, independent freelancers, and everything in between. Good luck with your next graphic design project!