Graphic Design Prices and Rates

The average hourly rate for a graphic designer is $60 per hour. Here’s an overview of the factors influencing project costs and how to hire a freelance graphic designer.

By: Michelle Newblom
March 23, 2024
7 minute reading

Graphic design is a broad category, encompassing everything from the look of your website to your business cards or stationery. The cost of graphic design depends on the specific project, but graphic designers, on average, charge $60 per hour.

Here’s what you can expect to pay based on popular graphic design projects:

  • Logo design: Under $55 to more than $125

  • Business card design: Under $20 to more than $100

  • Web design: Under $125 to more than $1,000

  • Flyer design: Under $35 to more than $100

  • Book design: Under $25 to more than $300

  • AI art design: Under $35 to more than $100

Let's explore the two price models for graphic design projects, the factors that influence graphic design rates, and the value of good graphic design for your business.

Hourly and per-project rates for graphic design projects

Graphic designers typically charge by the hour or by the project. Hourly rates vary depending on the designer's experience, skill level, and location. Per-project rates vary based on the complexity and scope of the project.

Hourly rates

Hourly pricing makes sense when the project scope is uncertain or likely to change, allowing for flexibility and ensuring that clients pay for the actual time spent on the project. In this scenario, you pay a graphic designer or agency only for the hours they spend working on your project. It’s more common for freelancers to charge by the hour than for agencies.

The average hourly rate worldwide for graphic designers is $60 per hour. Beginner graphic designers may bill $25 to $50 per hour, while more experienced graphic designers charge over $100 per hour.

Pros

  • Flexibility. Great for when you don't have your desired outcome defined yet and want to ensure there’s time for potential revisions.

  • Collaboration. When you pay a graphic designer for their time, you can engage in consultations or brainstorming sessions with them and take your project in new directions.

  • Scalability. Hourly pricing accommodates unpredictable workloads and tight deadlines, allowing clients to scale up or down design resources as needed.

Cons

  • Uncertain costs. You won’t know how much you’ll spend on the project until the work is done, unless you define a “not-to-exceed” limit with the designer.

  • Lack of incentive for efficiency. An hourly rate doesn’t encourage designers to work efficiently, since they’d earn less.

Per-project rates

Per-project rates are common when there's a well-defined scope of work and specific deliverables. By agreeing on an upfront fixed price for the entire project, clients can have better control over their budget and avoid unexpected costs that arise with hourly pricing. This pricing model also gives designers a clear understanding of the scope and deliverables, allowing them to allocate their time and resources efficiently.

Pros

  • Fixed budget. This pricing structure is ideal for small business owners who prefer cost predictability.

  • Clear expectations. Project-based rates establish clear expectations for the client and the designer, reducing the potential for misunderstandings or scope creep.

  • Value-based pricing. Clients can assess the value they'll receive from the flat-rate project and determine if the proposed rate aligns with their expectations.

Cons

  • Scope limitations. If the project scope changes or additional work is requested beyond the agreed-upon deliverables, it may lead to additional costs or negotiations.

  • Potential for underestimation. Inexperienced designers may underestimate the time and effort required for the project, leading to potential delays or compromises in quality.

Freelance graphic design rates by project type

Graphic design encompasses a variety of projects, and each comes with varying costs. Based on Fiverr’s average price for graphic design costs, here are the costs of the most popular freelance graphic design projects.

Logo design

Logo design costs vary depending on your ideal style and the number of versions you need. It’s important to hire a freelancer whose art style and budget align with your needs. Logo designers on Fiverr offer additional add-ons like subscriptions or paid video consultations.

Fiverr Logo Maker empowers businesses to create their own logos with AI technology and three pricing plans of $30, $60, and $90.

Pricing

  • Value: Under $55

  • Mid-range: $55–$125

  • High-end: $125 and above

Fiverr Pro freelancer Salome charges $100 for three logo concepts and delivers the final design in JPEG, PNG, and Vector files.

Business card design

The cost of a business card design varies depending on the number of cards you need and the complexity of the design. A simple card with few requirements can cost as low as $10, while more high-end work can reach a price range of over $100.

Pricing

  • Value: Under $20

  • Mid-range: $20–$35

  • High-end: $35 and above

Fiverr Pro freelancer Pedro Rocha charges $120 for three design concepts, print-ready, the source file, and 2D and 3D previews.

Web design

A freelance web designer can create a website that's user-friendly, visually appealing, and optimized for search engines. The cost of web design varies depending on the size and complexity of the website—plus add-ons like web development. A simple website or landing page may cost a few hundred dollars, while a more complex website could cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Pricing

  • Value: Under $125

  • Mid-range: $125–$350

  • High-end: $350 and above

Fiverr Pro freelancer Marko B charges $600 for a Figma homepage desktop design with unlimited revisions and a four-day delivery timeline.

Flyer design

Flyers are relatively inexpensive to produce and can be distributed in various ways. The cost of flyer design depends on the size and complexity of the flyer. A basic flyer design may cost around $50, while a more complex design could cost several hundred dollars. All Fiverr Pro freelancers charge at least $100 for flyer design.

Pricing

  • Value: Under $35

  • Mid-range: $35–$80

  • High-end: $80 and above

Fiverr Pro freelancer Oscar Polanco charges $150 for a one-side flyer with custom graphics and two revisions.

Book design

Graphic designers can create a book cover and interior layout for your book. The cost of book design varies depending on the length of the book and the complexity of the design. Designers will also charge differently according to their experience level and location. You can expect to pay at least $150 for a high-quality design.

Pricing

  • Value: Under $25

  • Mid-range: $25–$60

  • High-end: $60 and above

Fiverr Pro freelancer Predrag M charges $300 for an ebook cover design concept with an audiobook cover and 3D mockup.

AI art design

AI art designers use artificial intelligence to create unique and visually appealing artwork. The cost of AI art design depends on the type of project—ranging from character design to landscapes. Fiverr Pro freelancers charge around $100–$130.

Pricing

  • Value: Under $35

  • Mid-range: $35–$70

  • High-end: $70 and above

Fiverr Pro freelancer Gili uses Midjourney to create AI art for potential clients, offering two rounds of revisions.

Factors that influence graphic design costs

The cost of freelance graphic designers depends on several key factors: scope, experience, timeframe, licensing, and location. All determine how graphic designers price their services.

Complexity and scope of the project

Not all design projects are created equal, which is reflected in the different costs of projects. Designing a business card, for example, requires fewer resources and time compared to a comprehensive branding project like web design.

The number of revisions and iterations required can also impact the ‌overall cost. Both hourly pricing models and per-project pricing models take into account the scope of the project as one of the most important pricing indicators.

Experience of the graphic designer

You get what you pay for. Small business owners wanting the best graphic design work must work with the best, which comes at a higher price point.

You can determine the experience and reputation of a graphic designer based on:

  • Their portfolio

  • Years of experience

  • Proven track record

  • Recommendations and referrals

Designers’ expertise and knowledge allow them to deliver high-quality work that meets the specific needs and objectives of the client, and charge more in the process.

Project timeframe and urgency

Rush projects requiring immediate attention may incur additional charges. This is because designers may need to:

  • Allocate more resources

  • Work extended hours

  • Prioritize the project

You can bring down the cost of a graphic design project if you don’t require a tight turnaround time.

Licensing and rights

Clarify licensing terms and conditions before starting a project to avoid misunderstandings or disputes. Keep in mind that designers may charge additional fees for:

  • Exclusive rights

  • Usage rights

  • Transfer of ownership of the artwork

Location

The area where a graphic designer lives may also affect how they price their services. Designers based in major metropolitan areas with a high cost of living may charge more than those in smaller cities or remote areas. It may also impact their overhead expenses and how much they must spend on equipment or design software.

The value of good graphic designer

Good graphic designers can be the difference between a customer choosing your business over another. The rest of your digital marketing messages are pointless if your graphic designer isn’t good enough to capture the attention of potential customers.

Here are some of the values that a good graphic designer brings to businesses:

  • Strong brand identity. A professional and visually appealing design conveys a sense of trust and credibility, making customers more likely to engage with your brand.

  • Increased brand loyalty. Great graphic design can make you memorable, causing customers to return to your business over competitors.

  • Better communication. Consumers are more likely to pay attention to marketing materials with intentional colors, typography, and graphics, allowing you to deliver your messaging better.

Investing in good graphic design isn't just an expense—it’s an investment in the growth and success of your business. It can help you attract more customers, build brand loyalty, and ultimately drive revenue.

How to hire graphic designers

There are three main avenues to finding graphic design services to support your business:

  1. Design agencies

  2. In-house designers

  3. Freelance designers

Freelancers are the most cost-effective route for small businesses working with a limited budget. Their services come with a short-term commitment that allows you to invest in design needs when it makes sense for your business, rather than onboarding a full-time employee.

To hire graphic designers on Fiverr, follow these steps:

  • Create a Fiverr account. Signing up for Fiverr is easy, and free.

  • Navigate to the “Graphics and Design” category. There are plenty of options for you to explore in this category. Whether you need a new website design or help with social media posts, you can find talented freelancers who specialize in these services.

  • Search with filters. Narrow your search by selecting certain filters based on the client’s budget, location, seller level, and delivery time.

  • Review graphic designers. Fiverr will recommend designers based on your search. Take your time reviewing candidates by looking at their portfolio, reviews, and information

  • Contact a graphic designer. If you’ve found a great match, it’s best to reach out to them before placing an order. This allows you to confirm that they are a suitable candidate for your project and its scope.

Work with the best talent on Fiverr

No one disputes the importance of graphic design to a business’s success. The hard part is figuring out your budget for graphic design when it encompasses different parts of your brand.

The most expensive graphic design projects will usually involve website development, while cheaper projects are things like business cards or stationery design.

Join Fiverr today and work with professional designers who can assist you with everything from design advice to landing page design to social media graphics.

About Author

Michelle Newblom B2B SaaS Writer

Michelle Newblom is a B2B SaaS writer with a knack for creative storytelling, which she artfully applies to all of her content. Her expertise lies in creating compelling copy for blogs and guides, which help businesses generate conversions and attain their goals.