Hiring Graphic Designers – Hourly versus Project Rates?

It’s always a surprise to find out a competing graphic designer charged out 10 hours to design a DL flyer, so let’s discuss what a small business owner in Brisbane should expect to pay for a well-designed brochure. (Often a tri-fold DL)

When looking at getting some print design work done, there’s a few things to consider.

• Designer is adept at carrying out the brief, with solid design skills, to the point of making it print ready.
• Designer gives a quote or estimate upfront of entire job, not just an hourly rate. (Since 3 hrs x $90 ph only costs $270, whereas 10 x $80 ph costs $800). This should include high res PDF, all print ready. He/she may also state whether the cost includes print management – i.e. liaison with your printer. (RPD can design A4-folded double-sided brochures from $300 – $400+ GST).
• Designer is a decent person with good customer service (ie. calls you back promptly, happy to do changes, etc)

You should also be mindful of printing prices. Red Planet Design can actually give you economy print choices so that on a smaller print run, a very low cost digital printer is used, and on quality or larger runs, a reliable full service printer is used. We pass on the savings to you and never charge a commission.

And of course, these days you can even have personalised print, different shapes cut (like a wave), different styles of designs done for various markets/products, and of course gloss spot UV varnish on high quality paper, all to make your print brochures stand out.