Whether you’re a creative who is unsure of how to price your work, or a business who is unsure of what to pay for creative services—the goal of this article is to give both sides some “food for thought.”

This is a topic that comes up often. In fact, I was just sitting with an individual (non-creative) who shared what prices they were getting from designers and it just blew my mind. That ultimately led to a great conversation about industry standards and the like. This same conversation comes up with fellow designers often who are charging low prices for their creative services—equally evolving into great conversations and hopefully a boost in confidence for designers to not sell yourselves short, while charging a fair price for your client.

In general, design services vary by skill-set and experience. This will affect the cost at the end of the day. That being said… there is a baseline to work off of to be in the general ballpark.

Industry standards

Data is amazing. And thanks to companies and organizations like The Creative Group and the Graphic Artist Guild, we have a really great idea as to what designers should be paid. Whether designers are looking to be hired in-house, as well as what to charge when working independently, or businesses looking to hire. These are all amazing assets that help maintain a standard within the industry and to price projects fairly for both the designer and the client. Updated guides are published regularly and available.

Designers, this is for your toolkit:

The Graphic Artist Guild
The Creative Group Salary Guide

For your business looking to hire, Salary.com and Creative Group Salary Guide are great guides to understanding what to pay in your area.

Pro-tip: The lowest price should never be a goal. It hurts the industry as a whole and devalues the services we provide. That being said, while we will always run into designers underpricing—it really benefits all of us to understand our areas and utilize industry recommendations (graphic artist guild again) to find your sweet spot.

VALUE

Designers: You are worth it. When I hear that you are independent designing logos for $50-100 a pop, I am first and foremost concerned at how you are making ends meet?! Secondly, you are undercutting the design industry. Now, we all can’t be priced the same because we are in varying levels of experience, that being said, there is a baseline in the industry that you can work your way around, and at least be consistent with the industry as a whole. This also helps you educate potential clients on what you’re providing as they consider you for creative services.

Things to consider: What are you providing? What is the client getting at the end of the day?

Businesses: When you’re looking for creative services, you are getting a whole heck of a lot of expertise who support and guide you through your business needs in the marketing and creative arena. Consider this when you’re hiring or contracting for creative services—the same way you go to your trusted mechanic to take care of your vehicle, or go to your doctor as a trusted consultant on your health.

Things to consider: What are you looking to accomplish? Web design, marketing, branding, etc… Hire or contract accordingly to the appropriate skillset. Also, meet these creatives—virtually or in person— to find the right fit for your company goals.

A Healthy Relationship

Relationship building and trust are important to a healthy client+designer relationship. This is a two way street.

Designers: Your projects go so much better when you are invested in the client as they are in you. This raises your value to the client or business. Get to know them and their market, so you can be thorough in your approach to whatever problem you are trying to solve.

Business: When I work with businesses and organizations, I am working WITH you, because our results are stronger when you are involved in the process. I believe in this for every designer’s approach. You know your business better than I do, or anyone outside of your day-to-day. Outside of research on our end to learn more about your company, designers are providing a service and expertise in enhancing your visibility, strategic approach, and so on.

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At the end of the day, we all want to succeed. And we can!

#bettertogether

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For business: We understand that your needs are specific and different than the business next door. Reach out to discuss what we can do for you.

For creatives: We are supportive in raising you up! If you’re feeling a little flat on your business approach, let’s chat! Schedule a meeting through the Business Coaching for Creatives platform.