If you’re new to working with a designer or creative you may be wondering why Graphic Design prices are so expensive. You're not the only one. This is because there are a frustrating number of misconceptions about designers, including their skill-set, what they actually do, and what they need to do their job.
We’re here to dispel some of those misconceptions and clarify exactly why design costs what it costs.
Let’s start with the tactile stuff – equipment and software.
Many people think that design is a low-cost industry. All you need is a computer and you’re good to go – right? Unfortunately, wrong. Designers have a surprising amount of expenses to cover – particularly if they’re multidisciplinary, which most are to some extent.
Let’s list off a few of the items you’ll need to be equipped with to be a successful designer.
1. Adobe CC
Let’s start with the obvious one. Adobe Creative Cloud is a non-negotiable. There's nothing else quite like it, which gives Adobe the wonderful opportunity to raise their prices each and every year. At the time of writing, an annual subscription costs just shy of $900. This used to be all inclusive, but as Adobe ventures further into 3D they’ve decided to separate out those programs, and charge a further $800 if you’d like to access them.
You may also pay $475 for access to Adobe Stock, for photos, templates and illustrations and more, if you choose.
2. Pantone Swatch Books
Pantone are another company who truly have a monopoly on what they do. Pantone Swatch books are the universal colour standard. They’re required for most designers who work in print, but particularly for those in packaging design. Pantone recommends that you update your swatch books every year, however at roughly $1400 for a full set that seems like quite a tall order.
3. Apple iMac or Macbook (or both)
Completing the famous design trio, let’s welcome Apple to the stage. While there may be some exceptions in the industry, Apple is generally a designer’s best friend. A lot of programs, courses, typefaces, etc are programmed to work with Apple. If you’re planning to be working with other designers, it’s best to join the club and purchase Apple. Plus, their display quality is like no other.
However, designers need a big screen, and you’ll pay for it. Adobe needs some heavy processors, and you’ll pay for it. Your files will require some big storage and..... you’ll pay for it.
If you even dabble in animation, you’ll need to upgrade your RAM, no questions asked.
A relatively well fit out iMac will cost you around $7000. If you keep it simple and upgrade as little as possible, you’re still looking at at least $3500.
If you want to be portable (which I’d recommend), you’re going to want a Macbook too. These will set you back another $3500 or so.
4. Microsoft Office
Microsoft have a similar game plan to Adobe, charging annually for their programs. Designers have a love/hate relationship with Microsoft, but unfortunately since Adobe doesn’t have spell check, Microsoft word is our best bet. A business version of Microsoft will set you back roughly $350.
5. Apple iPad + Pencil
I wish I could stock there, but no, we’re not done with Apple. Anyone who works in illustration, or who uses illustration as a part of their process, will also need an iPad and a matching Apple pencil. The cheapest combination of the two will sit somewhere around $750, or if you want the good stuff it’s closer to $2700.
6. Procreate, brushes, textures, etc.
Well, you’ve got the iPad, now you need to use it. Procreate, the standard illustration program is good value here at about $15 – a one off cost (truly the success story of this article). However, you will probably find that you’ll need to kit it out with a fair few extra brushes and textures. These will generally cost you between $40 and $100 per set.
7. Insurance
You have all this gear, now you’ve got to look after it. Product insurance and standard business insurance are pretty subjective costs, but I’d budget roughly $100 per month to cover everything.
8. Invoicing software
Invoicing software is pretty key, and let’s also group it in with time-trackers, file sharing software, customer management software, etc. The exact combination of software that’s required will come down to individual business needs, but you can expect each program to set you back around $15 - $40 a month.
9. Hard drives
Even if you went all out on your storage, you’ll need copies of all your files. If it doesn’t exist in three places, it doesn’t exist. A 1tb hard drive will cost you around $130.
10. Website and domain
Websites cost money! A hosting site, such as Wix or Squarespace, will cost you around $300 per year, including your domain. And don’t forget to renew your domain on time – if someone snatches it up you could find yourself paying some pretty enormous fees to get it back off them.
11. Business email
A single email address will cost you around $100 per year, and usually you’ll need at least two.
12. Business registration
Registration (in Australia) is roughly $40 per year.
13. Trademark fees
If you want to go a step further to secure your business name, you’ll want to get a Trademark. That process will cost you about $900.
14. Courses and conferences
If you want to keep your knowledge fresh and your skills relevant, you’ll need to participate in some courses and conferences. Over the course of a year, they’ll probably cost you around $500.
15. GREAT internet
Unlimited, high-speed internet is crucial. Set aside about $80 a month here.
16. Workspace
If you rent a studio, you’re probably looking at a few hundred dollars a week. If not, there’re the electricity/water/heating costs to cover. $50 a month.
17. Transport
While people assume that designers can work from afar, they’ll nearly always need a few bases for client meetings, printing press checks, trips to suppliers, etc. Transport will cost you around $50 a week.
18. Printer
If you work in print, packaging, illustration, etc you’ll likely need a decent print/scan station. If you go mid-range here, you’re probably looking at around $500.
19. Stationery, cutting mat, ruler, glue, paintbrushes, paper, ink etc
An ongoing cost. Stationery never ends. Put aside $15 a month for top ups.
We haven’t even touched on lawyers, advertising or coffee (a true essential), but let’s cap it there. Don’t worry, I’ll do the math for you. A designer will need to cover approximately $26,100 in their first year, and roughly $11,475 after that, straight off their income. And we haven’t even talked about tax and super yet. Feel a little more understanding of those fees now? Well, hold up, there’s plenty more to come!
Summarised costs: First Year: $26,100 Following Years: $11,475
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