How much is a design subscription vs. Hiring in-house?

Looking to figure out how much a design subscription costs compared to hiring in-house? Trust me, I’ve been on both sides of this fence, and it’s a game-changer for growing businesses.

Here’s the thing: I write content for Deer Designer, and I watched our in-house designer transform from “I’ve got this” to “Help, I’m drowning!” in months. When ChatGPT dropped and content creation went into overdrive, our rock star designer couldn’t keep up with the avalanche of design requests.

Want to know what I learned? In today’s digital sprint, you need on-demand design service that can match your pace. Whether you’re cranking out social posts or refreshing your B2B graphic design assets, falling behind isn’t an option when your competitors are flooding every channel with fresh content.

Here’s the million-dollar question for small and medium-sized businesses like yours: Should you build an in-house design team or partner with a design subscription service? Let’s break down both options, so you can make the smart call for your business’s growth and bottom line.

The perks of in-house designers (and why they might be worth it)

Let’s talk about why some companies swear by their in-house design team. First up? The sweet spot of team synergy. When your business graphic design crew sits just a desk away from your marketing, sales, and product squads, magic happens. They’re not just creating designs – they’re breathing your brand day in and day out.

Think about it: these designers become brand guardians after months of intensive training. They know your unlimited website design needs inside out, from your social media graphics to your sales decks. Sure, the training period feels like forever (we’re talking months of investment here), but there’s a solid payoff – every pixel they produce screams your brand’s personality.

But here’s where it gets interesting: with an unlimited design subscription, you might wonder if you’re trading that deep brand knowledge for flexibility. Let’s dig into that next.

The reality check: When in-house design hits a wall

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the challenges that come with in-house designers. You know that classic client request to “make it pop,” meaning your designer needs to work miracles? Well, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

First up: the expertise ceiling. Even the most talented graphic designer illustration pro can’t master everything. While they’re busy churning out daily designs, keeping up with the latest trends becomes a “someday” task that never happens. And let’s be real – that’s not their fault.

Now, let’s talk money (yeah, that part). Beyond the obvious salary and benefits, you’re looking at equipment costs, software subscriptions, and ongoing training. For small and medium-sized businesses, that’s a hefty chunk of change that could be spent elsewhere.

Here’s where it gets tricky: workload waves. One week your designer is creating a stunning brand identity illustration, the next they’re drowning in five urgent client projects. When deadlines pile up, something’s gotta give – usually quality or timeline (or both).

But there’s more. Working solo or in a tiny team can lead to:

• Creative tunnel vision (goodbye, fresh perspectives)
• Burnout from repetitive tasks
• Limited exposure to different industries and styles
• The dreaded “comfort zone” trap

And here’s the kicker – when your business hits a growth spurt or lands those dream clients, your design team might not be ready to scale with you. Suddenly, your in-house setup feels less like a solution and more like a bottleneck.

The game-changer: Why design subscription services rock

Want to know how much a design subscription can transform your business? Let me break down why smart companies are ditching the traditional route and jumping on the subscription bandwagon.

First up: you’re not just getting one designer – you’re getting an entire creative powerhouse. When you outsource design work to a subscription service, you tap into a diverse pool of talent. Need a minimalist logo on Monday and a funky Instagram campaign on Friday? Different designers, different styles, zero drama.

Here’s where it gets really good. On-demand design service means you can scale faster than a cat video goes viral. Got five new clients this month? Sweet! Your design team grows with you. Business a bit quiet? Scale back without the guilt of letting anyone go.

But let’s talk about the real MVP move here – the unlimited graphic design subscription model. Think Netflix for design (but way more productive).

You’re getting:

• All the designs you can handle
• Fresh perspectives from multiple designers
• Zero overhead costs
• No equipment or software expenses
• Consistently trendy, up-to-date designs

And the best part? You’re not locked into paying full-time salaries when your design needs fluctuate. Need a quick brand refresh? Done. Planning a massive marketing campaign? They’ve got you. It’s like having a design department that adjusts to your rhythm, not the other way around.

Plus, these services stay on top of design trends like it’s their job (because it is). While in-house designers might struggle to keep up with the latest tools and techniques, subscription services live and breathe innovation.

The truth about design subscriptions (and why we do things differently)

When you’re figuring out how much a design subscription costs, you’ll want to know about potential pitfalls. Let’s be real: not all services are created equal.

Most design subscription agencies play hot potato with your projects, bouncing them between random designers. The result? Inconsistent designs, endless revisions, and a lot of headaches. When you outsource graphic design, that’s usually the gamble you take.

But here’s where Deer Designer zigs while others zag: we’ve ditched the random designer roulette. Instead, you get your own dedicated design team who learns your style, gets your brand, and consistently delivers what you need. Think of them as your creative partners, not just task-takers.

Sure, some unlimited graphics design services come with catches:

• Limited revision rounds
• Rotating designers who don’t know your brand
• Cookie-cutter approaches to unique challenges
• Communication bottlenecks

We’ve flipped that script. With Deer Designer, you get:

• Unlimited revisions until you’re 100% happy
• A dedicated design team who knows your brand inside out
• Direct communication with your designers
• Flexibility to evolve your brand while maintaining consistency

Pro tip: The clearer your brief, the faster you’ll get exactly what you want. And your dedicated team will learn your preferences over time, making each project smoother than the last.

The bottom line: Making the smart choice for your business

Still wondering how much a design subscription really costs compared to building an in-house team? Let’s cut to the chase – it’s not about finding the “perfect” solution, it’s about finding the perfect fit for your business.

Here’s the deal: Some companies thrive with in-house talent, while others crush it with professional graphic design services that scale with their needs. And hey, some clever businesses even rock a hybrid approach, using both to maximize their creative firepower.

But let’s be honest about what matters most:

• Your current design needs
• Your growth plans
• Your budget reality
• Your team dynamics

At Deer Designer, we’ve made the decision simple. Test drive our design subscription for yourself – risk-free. If it’s not the perfect match (though we’re pretty confident you’ll love us), you’re covered by our money-back guarantee.

Ready to stop wondering and start seeing results? Let’s chat about transforming your design game. Check out our pricing plans and find the perfect fit for your business.