Cost of Signage Designers

Do I get the copyright and ownership of the design?

Yes! Whenever a designer is declared as a winner for a contest by you, the copyright and ownership along with the final source files to that winning design are transferred over to you.

What does a Graphic Designer do? 

Graphic design is a visual art form that encompasses skills like illustration, typography, photo manipulation and motion design. A graphic designer can work with both physical and digital mediums to create items such as logos, posters, business cards, brochures, letterheads, canvas prints, book covers, signage, social media graphics, packaging and more. 

Usually, a graphic designer will have undergone formal training, often including a university degree. They may also have enhanced their skills working at a design studio or printing company. Your graphic designer should be able to interpret a brief and transform that into a compelling visual creation.

How much does a Graphic Designer cost? 

Average cost of a Graphic Designer

Average cost (per hour)$57.50Minimum cost (per hour) $25Maximum cost (per hour) $90

Graphic designers tend to charge between $25 to $90 per hour. Though your project may also be priced as a fixed fee too which could work out cheaper overall

Factors influencing cost 

When you work with a graphic designer you quite literally are starting with a blank canvas! The scope of your project will ultimately determine the price, but here are some additional points to consider which will almost certainly impact the overall cost: 

• Type of graphic design service 

• Item type 

• Design style 

• Intended purpose 

• Experience of designer

• Project scope 

• Revisions

Type of graphic design service

Average cost of a Graphic Designer based on the type of Graphic Design service

Type of graphic design serviceHighest average price Lowest average price Logo design$2,000$250Book cover$800$250Brochure design$700$50Business cards $900$85Signage$1,800$250Social media covers $1,500$50

The pricing structure of graphic designers is complex, as they may bill per item, per hour or give you a package price. The fee also is much higher for the most experienced freelancers or if you go to a design studio. If looking to hire on an hourly basis, you should expect to pay between $25 and $100 per hour depending on the level of experience the graphic designer has. 

On average, social media covers and brochure design are the cheapest items to produce starting at just $50. The most expensive item is logo design which can be as much as $2,000. The reason for this is because your logo will be used on every single piece of marketing material you produce for many years to come. It communicates to your customers exactly who it is you are and will set the tone for the kind of clientele you want to attract.

Item type

Graphic designers can create a very wide range of printed or digital items. It’s a good idea to research what would work best for your project before you contact a designer, though they can help to spark some inspiration if you’re struggling to come up with an idea. 

Design style

It’s also good to know that every graphic designer is unique in terms of their style and process. Therefore, if you have an ongoing need for design, it’s best to keep working with the same designer rather than to keep chopping and changing. Not to mention that consistency is important when it comes to producing professional graphic design. 

Intended purpose

Your graphic designer will need to be clear on the intended purpose from the outset, as this will have an impact on their design choices. 

For example, if you are having a piece of signage made the text will need to be large and bold so that it can be seen easily by passing traffic. Likewise, a business card is only the size of a credit card so they will have to ensure the text and graphics are legible. 

Some items such as a logo may need to work at smaller and larger scales. Your graphic designer should provide you with a range of file formats such as eps, pdf, jpg, png, etc so that the artwork can be used for a variety of purposes. 

Experience of designer

A graphic designer with years of experience under their belt will cost more money than someone that’s newly qualified with a limited portfolio! However, when it comes to the visuals representing your business, it’s imperative to have an expert eye dictate proceedings. 

While not everyone has the budget for a top design studio, always make sure you are dealing with a professional before you start. Their portfolio as well as asking about their experience will guide you with this. 

Project scope

The scope of the project will be the biggest determiner of the cost. Your graphic designer is going to need to know upfront how much work is required so that they can give you an accurate quote. It’s best not to tell them how long you think the work will take, as no two designers are the same. Even if a project is quick to turnaround, it could well be the case that it’s because the designer is extremely experienced, and with that wisdom comes an increased price. 

The best way to approach a project scope is to be upfront about your requirements. For example, a complete branding package could include a logo, business stationery, signage, etc. It’s also ok to add more items as the project progresses, but be aware that this will come at an increased cost. It’s important to include all the details of your requirements in the original brief so that your graphic designer can schedule this alongside their other projects. 

Revisions

Graphic design is a two-way process between the designer and the client. It’s natural that when you are first presented with the design you may want to tweak some of the details. Before you enter into a contract, your designer will specify how many changes are included within the quote. If you require excessive changes then your designer may need to bill you for these separately. 

Communicating your brief clearly to your graphic designer will ensure that you’re both aligned. This will save you both time and ultimately money on endless revisions.

Getting a Graphic Designer - is it worth the cost? 

First impressions count for a lot, and if your marketing materials are poorly designed or don’t get the message across effectively, then they could lose you valuable business. Even if your project isn’t business-related, having the skilful eye of a graphic designer to produce the work is well worth it. After all, graphic designers study for years and are constantly refining their technique. They have a deep understanding of essential elements, such as colour, layout or typography, which will ultimately work in harmony to create a professional finished product. 

From logos to posters and even custom artwork for your home, graphic designers can do it all. 

Turn your design dream into a reality with a trusted Graphic Designer on Bark.