The Great Design Agency Pricing Swindle
Get it done without the surprise bill that makes you weep
Trying to get a straight answer on design agency pricing can feel like you’re being lured into a trap. We don’t play that game. We offer clear, flexible options to get the job done without the financial surprises that have you waking up in a cold sweat.
A Toolbox, Not a Single, Very Expensive Wrench
Because the old one-size-fits-all agency model is a con
The real villain here is the old-school agency that forces every problem into one of two equally bad solutions: a massive, scary fixed contract for a tiny job, or a terrifyingly open-ended hourly rate for a big one. It’s madness. You wouldn’t hire a builder that way, and you shouldn’t hire a designer that way either. It’s about using the right tool for the job, a philosophy backed by project management experts (as this article from the Harvard Business Review explains).
Time-Based Rates: The 'Pay-As-You-Go'
For the small jobs, odd jobs, and 'can-you-just-quickly' jobs
This is your hero of flexibility. It’s the perfect, common-sense solution for smaller tasks, creative consulting, or when a project’s scope is still a bit fuzzy. You get a dedicated block of our time, and you only pay for what you use. No retainers, no nonsense. Simple as that.
Hourly Rate
£60 / hour
For total flexibility.
This allows for 100% flexibility in terms of budget and project scope. You can determine exactly how much design time you need and only pay for those hours. It’s perfect for smaller projects or when you’re not quite sure of the full requirements yet.
Best for:
Small design updates
Creative consultancy
Quick turnaround tasks
Half-Day Rate (4 Hours)
£220
For focused, scheduled creative time.
With a half-day rate, you get a dedicated block of creative time that can be scheduled around your other commitments. It’s a great option if you’re looking to get a substantial amount of work done in a short, concentrated period.
Best for:
A set of social media graphics
Designing a small print item
Concentrated work sprints
Day Rate (8 Hours)
£400
For a full day of our undivided attention.
With a half-day rate, you get a dedicated block of creative time that can be scheduled around your other commitments. It’s a great option if you’re looking to get a substantial amount of work done in a short, concentrated period.
Best for:
Branding concept development
Designing a brochure or lookbook
Intensive, collaborative work
Project-Based Rates: The 'All-Inclusive' Deal
For when you need total budgetary certainty. No nasty surprises. Ever
This is your champion of peace of mind.
For any major piece of work, this is the only sensible way to do it. We work with you to agree on the full scope, the exact deliverables, and a single fixed price before a single pixel is placed.
For our web design projects, this “full scope” means everything: the design, the build, plus all the extras like secure hosting, domain setup, and ongoing maintenance plans. We define the complete project and all recurring costs upfront, so you have a total picture of your investment. This approach slays the dragon of ‘scope creep’ and ensures everyone is on the same page from start to finish, ensuring the kind of transparency recommended in the Competition and Markets Authority’s guidance on fair contracts.
This approach slays the dragon of ‘scope creep’ and ensures everyone is on the same page from start to finish. It’s how we handle all our website builds and brand identity projects.
Best for:
Full website design and development (including all hosting & support)
Complete brand identity projects
Packaging or product design
Any project with a clear, defined scope and a predictable budget.
