Arek Dvornechuck
Branding Expert
Unlimited Creativity: The Rise of Design Subscriptions
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As a graphic design, I've been watching the industry and noticed recent shift in agencies moving towards subscription-based pricing.
It's a trend that's been gaining momentum, and I can't help but wonder if it's the future of our industry.
I first noticed this trend when I came across DesignJoy, founded by Brett Williams.
His approach seemed to kickstart a new wave in the design world.
Since then, I've seen a plethora of options pop up.
From high-end agencies charging premium prices to more budget-friendly subscriptions, there's something for everyone.
But here's the kicker: the quality of work is all over the place.
Some agencies boast top-tier designers producing stunning work.
Others... well, let's just say they leave a lot to be desired.
So let's start with DesignJoy that is considering the pioneer of this trend.
Starting Price: $4,995/month
DesignJoy, founded by Brett Williams, was one of the first to popularize the subscription model in the design world.
They offer a range of services at a relatively accessible price point.
DesignJoy seems to be the first agency that started the subscription pricing model trend.
They cover everything from landing pages to brand guides.
Their inclusion of Webflow services is a nice touch for businesses looking to quickly launch or update their websites.
Starting Price: $6,000/month
OFFMENU.design positions itself as a premium option in the market.
They offer a wide range of services, from creative strategy to video production and web development.
Off Menu seems to be the go-to choice for businesses that want the full package and are willing to pay for it.
Their pricing starts at $6,000 per month, which is on the higher end of the spectrum.
But for that price, you're getting access to top-tier talent and a comprehensive suite of services.
Starting Price: $12,000/month
Halaska Studio takes things up a notch with their pricing.
At $12,000 per month, they're clearly targeting enterprise-level clients.
They specialize in product design, web design, and branding.
"If you're a large corporation looking for a one-stop-shop for all your design needs, Halaska might be your best bet."
Their team boasts experience working with major companies like Google and BMW.
Starting Price: $8,000/month
Endless.design focuses on web and mobile app design.
Their $8,000 per month price point puts them in the upper-middle range of our list.
For tech startups looking to create stunning digital products, Endless Design could be a solid choice.
They offer unlimited design requests, which could be a game-changer for businesses with high design needs.
Starting Price: $6,595/month
Dispatch offers a wide range of design services, from deck design to NFT designs.
Their pricing is competitive, especially considering the breadth of their offerings.
"Dispatch seems to be keeping up with the latest design trends, including NFTs. That could be a big plus for forward-thinking companies."
They also promise fast turnaround times, which is always a plus in the fast-paced business world.
Starting Price: $5,999/month
Bruno Membership offers a comprehensive range of design services, including animation and web development.
Their pricing is more accessible than some of the higher-end options on this list.
For businesses looking for a balance between quality and affordability, Bruno could be a great fit.
They also offer the flexibility to pause or cancel anytime, which is a nice touch.
Pricing: Available upon demo
Superside is interesting because they don't publicly list their pricing.
They offer a wide range of services, including AI-enhanced creative work.
"Superside's use of AI in their creative process intrigues me. It could potentially lead to faster turnaround times and more innovative designs."
The fact that they require a demo to discuss pricing suggests they might offer custom packages based on each client's needs.
Starting Price: £3,999 (approximately $5,080)/month
Passionate offers a comprehensive range of services, including XR design.
Their pricing is competitive, especially considering the inclusion of cutting-edge services like XR.
"For businesses looking to explore emerging technologies in their design work, Passionate could be an excellent choice."
They also offer video production, which is becoming increasingly important in today's digital landscape.
Starting Price: $699/month
Awesomic stands out with its significantly lower pricing compared to others on this list.
They offer a wide range of services, from social media creatives to UI/UX design.
"Awesomic's pricing is hard to ignore. For businesses on a tight budget, they could be a game-changer."
However, it's important to consider how they maintain quality at such a low price point.
Starting Price: $695/month
REEL UNLIMITED offers an impressive range of services at the lowest starting price on our list.
They cover everything from logo design to Framer development.
"REEL UNLIMITED's pricing and service range is almost too good to be true. They could be an excellent option for startups and small businesses."
Their inclusion of 3D design services at this price point is particularly noteworthy.
As I delved deeper into this research, I came across some interesting discussions in the design community (on Reddit).
One designer shared their experience:
"We tried this for a while, and ultimately decided that it's more trouble than it's worth. There's SO MANY edge cases once you start working with bigger clients that it becomes untenable quickly."
This highlights a crucial point: what works for small projects might not scale well for larger, more complex ones.
Another designer pointed out:
"It's just another name for a retainer but with no guard rails."
This perspective emphasizes the importance of clearly defining what "unlimited" means in these subscription models.
One agency owner who runs a successful subscription-based web dev agency shared an interesting insight:
"It works for websites because the value is front loaded into the subscription and the product is much more expensive than a design job."
So they don't feel the need to make requests to me every month to get value from their subscription."
This suggests that the subscription model might be more suitable for services that provide ongoing value, even without constant updates or changes.
Now that we've looked at some of the top players and industry insights, let's discuss the pros and cons of this model.
After diving deep into this research, I've come to a few conclusions.
Design subscriptions can be an excellent choice for businesses with consistent design needs.
If you're constantly needing new marketing materials, website updates, or product designs, a subscription could save you money in the long run.
However, if your design needs are sporadic or highly specialized, you might be better off with project-based pricing.
It's also crucial to carefully consider the quality of work each agency produces.
Don't just go for the cheapest option.
Look at their portfolios, read reviews, and if possible, start with a trial period.
The shift towards subscription-based design services, pioneered by agencies like DesignJoy, is undeniable.
It's changing the way businesses approach their design needs and how agencies structure their services.
As with any significant change in the industry, there are both opportunities and challenges.
For businesses, it offers the potential for more consistent, high-quality design work at a predictable cost.
For agencies and designers, it provides a path to more stable income and deeper client relationships.
However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Both providers and clients need to carefully consider whether this model aligns with their needs and capabilities.
As one Reddit user wisely suggested:
"I think there's an in between everyone has to figure out for themselves. Doing a few big projects and fill the work with subscription requests is a way to go."
As for me, I'm still weighing the pros and cons for my own business.
But one thing's for sure: the design industry is evolving, and it's exciting to be part of that change.
Whether you're a business owner looking for design services or a designer considering changing your business model, I hope this guide has given you some food for thought.
Remember, the key is to find a solution that works for you and your unique needs.
Don't be afraid to experiment, ask questions, and even combine different models to create the perfect fit for your business.
The future of design is flexible, and that's something we can all get excited about.
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I'm a branding expert and graphic designer based in NY. I specialize in the development of brands: brand strategy, identity & web design. Need help with your project?—Get in touch
