Graphic Design Packages vs Unlimited Graphic Design – What's Better?
Design plays a huge role in building a unique visual identity for your brand. Excellent graphic design creates a lasting first impression and attracts more customers. Whether it’s designing a logo or building a sleek, responsive website, you need professional design to get your marketing right.
But the challenge is to find one that meets your needs without draining your budget.
So, what are your options?
Well, you have a choice of two graphic design package options when outsourcing your graphic design needs in 2024. A package with a dedicated designer or an unlimited graphic design subscription.
With a package deal, you get a certain number of graphics for a fixed amount. You usually work directly with a freelancer or an agency. While it’s a great option, things can get complicated if your design needs change midway through the project.
A subscription-based graphic design service solves this problem. It gives you access to several services under one roof, and you can request any number of designs for a flat monthly rate.
But which one’s better for you?
Let’s break it down.
Understanding Graphic Design Packages
You can think of graphic design packages like a meal deal— items (or designs in this case) are bundled and presented as one.
Typically, you pay for a specific number of designs or hours of a designer’s time.
Need a new logo? That’s one package. Want a batch of social media graphics? That’s another. These packages are often straightforward and predictable; you know exactly what you’ll get and how much it costs.
Pros and Cons of Pre-Set Design Packages
The biggest advantage of a design package is that you know exactly what you’re getting. There’s a clear scope. Such packages are excellent for one-off projects, like a website redesign or a marketing campaign.
Plus, there are no ongoing fees. You pay only when you need something specific.
But here’s the downside: you don’t have much flexibility. Once you’ve used up your allotted designs, you’ll need to pay for a new package. And if your needs change midway through, changing the requirements will cost extra.
As you can imagine, it’s also not ideal if you regularly need fresh designs, as you’ll likely burn through those pre-set options quickly.
Who Typically Uses Graphic Design Packages?
Graphic design packages are great if you have limited and infrequent design needs. So, if you are a small company, a startup working on a specific project, or just need the occasional design work, these are a great option.
They’re also perfect if you have one-time needs, like launching a product or revamping a website. If you know exactly what you want and don’t need constant updates, design packages might be just what you need.
However, if you have ongoing design needs, you might find packages a bit restrictive.
What Is Unlimited Graphic Design?
Unlimited graphic design involves paying a flat fee each month and you can ask for as many designs as you like.
It’s like outsourcing design services without the burden of managing contractors or employees. These subscriptions are great if you have a continuous need for graphic design in your business.
How Do Unlimited Graphic Design Subscriptions Work?
The idea is pretty simple: you sign up for a monthly or yearly subscription, and in return, you can submit design requests whenever you need them. Yep, it’s that easy!
A designated designer (or team) is usually assigned to you, and you can send in multiple requests at once.
You typically receive your graphics one at a time in a queue. So, while it’s “unlimited” in the sense that you can ask for as much as you want, there’s still a natural limit based on how quickly each design is completed.
Key Features of an Unlimited Subscription Model
The biggest draw here is the predictable flat rate—no more worrying about individual project costs adding up. It’s such a huge feature for a bootstrapped startup that doesn’t have a lot of cash to burn through.
You’ll get your graphics delivered within 24-48 hours with most services. You also get the flexibility to request revisions until you’re happy with the final product.
And, since it’s a subscription, you can cancel anytime (though many companies have minimum time commitments).
The Benefits of Unlimited Design for Startups and Marketers
The subscription model is a game-changer if you’re a marketer or someone running a startup. If you constantly need fresh social media graphics, website updates, or new branding materials, unlimited subscriptions can save you time and money.
Instead of paying per design, which can add up quickly, you’ve got ongoing access to professional designs whenever inspiration strikes or a project pops up.
Just imagine how liberating is that! You don’t have to put off updating your designs just because you don’t have the budget. Just queue up your designs, and they’ll typically be delivered in a day or two.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Unlimited Design vs. Packages
The best way to decide between the two is to break down the differences that matter to you the most.
Don’t get us wrong, both options have their perks, but choosing the one that best fits your needs can make a huge difference for your business.
Let’s compare them head-to-head in four key areas: flexibility, cost, speed, and scalability.
Flexibility and Customization
You often have limited flexibility with traditional graphic design packages. You’re usually locked into a set number of designs or hours, which can be great if your needs are predictable.
But what if you suddenly need more work done? Well, it’ll cost you more to add on designs, and if your scope changes mid-project, then you’re looking for a substantial hike in the budget.
Essentially, packages work well when you have a clear idea of what you need upfront and aren’t expecting too many curveballs along the way.
Unlimited design subscriptions are all about flexibility. Whether you need a quick social media post, a logo tweak, or a complete brand overhaul, you can keep submitting requests as your needs evolve.
There’s no limit to the number of projects. So if your workload spikes unexpectedly, you’re covered. The only caveat? You’ll usually get one request at a time, so it’s not instant, but it gives you more breathing room than fixed packages.
If your design needs are unpredictable or you expect that you’ll need consistent updates, unlimited design subscriptions are a more flexible option.
Cost and Value for Money
Graphic design packages usually come with a clear price tag—either per project or for a certain number of designs. This can be great if you’re on a strict budget or have one-off needs like a new logo or website.
You know exactly what you’re paying for upfront, but this can become a downside if you frequently need new designs. Costs can start to add up quickly if you need more than what the package includes. What seemed like a sweet deal at first can quickly become pricey.
With an unlimited subscription, you pay a flat fee every month, which might look steep at first. However, if you have a steady stream of design work, this model often provides more value over time.
You’re not paying per project, and you have the flexibility to submit as many requests as needed without worrying about going over budget. If you need ongoing designs, the subscription model offers better long-term value.
Speed and Turnaround Times
With traditional graphic design packages, you often have the freedom to negotiate timelines directly with your designer or agency. This means you might be able to expedite projects for a higher fee. But, since design packages are typically project-based, you might have to wait between different stages (briefing, approval, revisions), which can slow things down.
Unlimited design services usually promise fast turnaround times—often between 24 to 48 hours for each request. However, your requests will typically be processed one at a time. So, if you have multiple design needs at once, you’ll need to wait for each to be completed before the next one starts.
This model still works great if you consistently need smaller tasks done quickly, like social media graphics or email banners, without going through the lengthy process of briefing a new designer for each project.
Task Variety and Scalability
Packages are ideal for specific, well-defined tasks like creating a logo, designing a brochure, or building a website. They’re tailored to one-off projects and are not typically designed to scale.
If you suddenly have more design needs or have to change direction, you’ll need to purchase additional packages, which can be costly.
Unlimited subscriptions are built for variety and scalability. You can request a wide range of tasks, from minor tweaks to major projects, without worrying about how many hours or designs you’ve already used.
It’s perfect for growing businesses with evolving needs or if you suddenly require more work than you originally anticipated. You can keep scaling your requests as your business expands and the subscription fee stays the same. How convenient, right?
Why Does Unlimited Graphic Design Win for Startups and Growing Brands?
If you run a startup, you know how important having the right design support is. It can make or break your visual identity. If you’re constantly juggling new projects or trying to keep up with marketing trends, an unlimited graphic design subscription can be a game-changer.
Here’s why:
Adapting to Fast-Changing Needs
The last thing you want to do is sit idle and not respond to market trends if you’re a startup or a growing brand. One day, you might need a new logo and the next, you’re scrambling to redesign your entire website or launch a marketing campaign.
With a traditional design package, you might find yourself stuck with a limited number of hours or designs. It’ll force you to pick and choose what’s most important. But with an unlimited subscription, you’ve got the freedom to request as many designs as you need. Whether your workload spikes unexpectedly or your marketing direction changes, your subscription has your back.
Eliminating the Headaches of Scope Creep and Extra Charges
One of the biggest frustrations with traditional design packages is scope creep—those moments when your project goes beyond the initial plan. What do you think happens then? You guessed it, you’ll need to pay extra fees.
Suddenly, a project that started with a clear budget is costing way more than you expected.
With unlimited graphic design, you can wave goodbye to those surprises. Since you’re not being charged per project, revisions, extra requests, and tweaks are all part of the deal.
That means you can adjust designs as your vision evolves without worrying about breaking the bank. Sweet!
Predictable Monthly Costs with No Surprises
Budgeting is everything for a growing business. Unlimited design subscriptions offer predictable monthly costs, so there’s no guessing game. You know exactly what you’ll pay each month, no matter how many design requests you submit.
Imagine how easy it’ll be to plan your budget. You’ll be free from unexpected charges when your needs grow.
Common Misconceptions About Unlimited Graphic Design
We understand if you have questions about whether an unlimited design service is a good option for you. There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about these services.
Let’s try to clear them one at a time:
Will Unlimited Really Mean Unlimited?
If you think “unlimited” sounds too good to be true, we don’t blame you. Many people think that the word is a gimmick more than anything else. So, can you really order unlimited designs?
Well, the short answer is yes. You can submit unlimited tasks. But the thing is that of course not all 100 tasks will get done in 48 hours, of course. Here’s what I mean:
While you can submit as many design requests as you want, most services work on a one-at-a-time basis. So, you’re not getting a team cranking out ten designs at once, but instead, your projects are completed in a queue.
This might feel like a limitation if you need tons of designs fast, but for ongoing needs, it is still incredibly flexible. And if you need 2 tasks to get done in under 48 hours at the same time, you can also always opt in for a double design subscription, which still will be much cheaper than hiring a full design team in-house.
Quality Control and Consistency Over Time
Will the quality be consistent over time? As it’s an unlimited service, the designers might rush through projects, leading to sloppy work, right?
Not really. You see, reputable services, like Magic Design, maintain high standards for their designers. We pair you with your personal designer and art director for consistency.
And because you can ask for revisions as part of the subscription, you can fine-tune designs until they meet your expectations.
How to Effectively Manage Requests and Collaborate with Designers
Managing your design requests might seem tricky, especially if you’re not used to working with an on-demand service.
The key here is clear communication and setting expectations from the get-go. Magic Design offers a user-friendly dashboard that makes it easy to track progress, provide feedback, and collaborate with your designer.
And since you’ll often work with the same designer, you’ll build a rapport that streamlines the whole process.
Which Design Solution is Best for You?
If your business has ongoing design needs or you find yourself constantly adjusting, revising, and brainstorming new projects, an unlimited graphic design subscription is probably the way to go.
It gives you the flexibility you need, keeps costs predictable, and saves you from the headache of surprise fees.
On the other hand, if you only need a handful of designs every now and then, traditional graphic design packages might suit you just fine.
But if you’re a startup or growing business, your design needs will probably change faster than you expect. That’s why Magic Design’s Unlimited Subscription could be the perfect fit.
With unlimited revisions, fast turnaround, and no surprise fees, you’ll get all the creative support you need without blowing your budget.
Why settle for limits when you can have flexibility? Contact Magic Design today to get started!
FAQs
Here are a few FAQs to help answer some queries you might have:
1. What are the benefits of unlimited graphic design services?
Unlimited graphic design services offer flexibility and affordability. You can submit as many requests as you need, ensuring all your design needs are met without extra fees. It’s great if you have constant design demands, giving you predictable costs and unlimited revisions.
2. Are affordable design packages worth it for small businesses?
Affordable design packages can be a good choice if your design needs are limited. They provide set deliverables at a lower cost. So, if you want graphics for specific, one-off projects, then these can be an option worth considering. But, if your needs grow, these plans will become restrictive over time.
3. How do custom graphic design solutions work?
Custom graphic design solutions are tailored specifically to your business. You’ll typically work closely with a designer to meet your unique needs, ensuring brand consistency and a personalized approach. These are perfect if you’re looking for a custom design that stands out from the crowd.
