Comparison of graphic design models
The goal of a graphic designer is to create visual concepts that express ideas, inspire, inform, and excite. However, the process to achieve these goals can vary considerably depending on the chosen option. Whether the aim is to raise brand awareness, improve a company's website, or design the packaging for a new product, it is important to choose the right option.
We will examine four options: hiring a freelance designer, hiring a new in-house employee, using a traditional design agency, or choosing a modern digital solution like Dezaın Studıo. Each model aims to achieve similar creative results but presents different benefits and challenges to clients. This article explores these four options to help you make the best choice for your business.
A freelance graphic designer offers independence, flexibility and unique style. Working from home, they cater to clients seeking a personal touch for small projects. Freelance designers handle project communication directly, using simple and free communication tools such as email and phone calls. More attention is given to the selection of multifunctional design tools. While these tools provide cost-effective solutions and faster delivery, freelance designers often encounter challenges, such as volatile income.
Building and promoting a personal brand and attracting new clients require certain resources, such as time and knowledge, which may not always be available to a freelance designer. Similarly, if the client fails to conduct proper research into the freelance designer's portfolio, qualifications, skills, or professionalism, they may encounter issues such as copyright infringement, the use of illegally obtained resources, a low-quality end product, or payment problems. However, many companies still place their trust in industry professionals who have established a strong personal brand in the design market. A freelance designer is a cost-effective option for companies seeking sample- or style-specific designs, with the added benefit of simple and direct project communication.
When a company requires design services on a regular basis, they may choose to employ an in-house designer. This graphic designer can work exclusively on the company's projects, ensuring a deep understanding of the brand and a consistent design language. Designers also collaborate effectively with other departments to ensure that all design elements align with the company's overall strategy and brand. Although an internal team can provide stability, certain tasks may require specialized expertise. Hiring an employee means committing to a fixed monthly salary, state tax obligations, and various guarantees, regardless of fluctuations in design work volume. Companies with ongoing design needs often find that in-house designers are a valuable asset to the team.
Design agencies are structured entities with specialized departments for different design tasks, such as identities, web design, and animation. They can offer both graphic design and marketing or advertising services, thus broadening their range of offerings. Unlike a freelance designer, agencies have greater resources, ensuring a thorough approach to each process, from project communication to financial management.
Agencies typically operate on a vertical communication model, with a project manager overseeing the entire process and communicating with the client. As each process involves several specialists, designers have much less interaction with the client. One potential risk is when the project manager does not fully understand the client's needs and comments, passing on incomplete information to the designer. This internal communication can make the process more time-consuming and costly. This offer is suitable for a company with a strong brand development or marketing budget seeking comprehensive design services and reliability, but willing to pay several thousand euros for them.
In the digital environment, there are now many different design services available. Dezaın Studıo offers a unique combination of the speed and direct communication of a freelance designer with a client, the support, understanding, and stability of an in-house employee, and the systematic project management, professionalism, and quality of an agency. Dezaın Studio Agency manages projects digitally and operates on a subscription-based model. The company offers three plans with the option of monthly or annual payments, allowing for accurate cost forecasting. Services range from unique and forward-looking identity development to contextual and functional web design, providing a balance between quality, speed, and cost. A design development model like Design Studio is ideal for companies seeking agency-level services at more affordable and predictable prices, a well-structured working system, and simple communication while maintaining a personal approach.
Price - Traditional design agencies typically charge an hourly rate, ranging from a few hundred dollars per logo to tens of thousands per project. Freelance designers may also offer an hourly rate, but they may also provide a fixed price per project. It is important to note that some designers may use both pricing approaches in the same transaction.
For both models, the price is variable during the working process, which creates instability and risks the end result. Dezaın Studıo, on the other hand, provides a clearly defined subscription price, similar to a company's cost per staff member, allowing for predictable monthly and even annual expenditure.
In terms of services, freelance designers and employees usually specialize in a particular style, program, or area, such as corporate identities, or specialize in Figma, Adobe, or other software. In contrast, agencies employ professionals in various fields, offering a wider range of services, including UI/UX, product packaging, app design, social media design, and other types of design. This is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a design service and defining its goals.
In a dynamic market, freelance designer and Dezaın Studıo have a significant advantage due to their flexibility and speed. They can quickly adapt to changes without being limited by complex internal communication, physical resources, or geographical constraints. The simplicity and speed of communication allow more time to be spent understanding the client and listening to their immediate needs. In contrast, agencies often have a professional and corporate hierarchy that slows down the design process. Freelance designers or Dezaın Studıos offer greater convenience and flexibility for organizing calls and meetings. When considering lead times and deadlines, it is important to keep these factors in mind.
Choosing the right graphic design solution depends on understanding the unique needs and priorities of the company. There are several options available, including the personalised approach of a freelance designer, the consistent branding of an in-house employee, the extensive capabilities of a design agency, or the innovative approach of Dezaın Studıo.
When making a decision, it's important to consider your budget, project scope, and desired level of involvement. The best choice is the one that seamlessly fits with the business objectives and helps realize the company's creative vision.
