How Much Does Graphic Design Cost in the UK?
- Laura Thomas
- Feb 28
- 3 min read
If you're thinking about hiring a graphic designer, one of the first questions that probably comes to mind is: how much is this going to cost me?
The short answer? It depends.The longer answer? Well, let’s break it down.
Graphic design pricing in the UK varies quite a bit based on a few key factors: the type of project, the experience of the designer, and whether you're working with a freelancer, an agency, or an in-house team. Let’s look at what you can expect to pay—and what you’re actually paying for.
Freelancer vs Agency: Who’s Doing the Work?
Freelance Designers: Freelancers (like me!) tend to have more flexible pricing. You might pay anywhere from £30 to £75+ per hour, or a flat fee depending on the project. The price usually reflects experience, specialisms, and turnaround time.
Design Agencies: Agencies typically charge more—often starting around £100+ per hour, and sometimes much more if you're working with a larger or specialist firm. You're paying for a team, project management, and more structured processes.
Typical Price Ranges (Freelance Rates)
Logo Design - £250 - £1,500
Full Brand Identity - £750 - £3,500
Business Card Design - £75 - £150
Flyer Design - £90 - £250
Magazine Layout - £450 - £4,000
Brochure Design - £250 - £3,500
Website Design - £50 - £200 (per page)
Social Media Templates - £100 - £200
Keep in mind—these are estimates. A logo for a small start-up is going to cost a lot less than a full rebrand for a national company. And a one-off flyer is usually less than a 60-page annual report!
What Affects the Price?
Several things can influence the cost of a graphic design project:
Scope & Complexity: A simple logo takes less time than a brand strategy with multiple deliverables.
Revisions: More rounds of changes = more time = higher cost.
Turnaround Time: Need it yesterday? Rush jobs usually come with a premium.
Usage Rights: Are you using the design locally, nationally, globally? In print, digital, merchandise?
Experience: A more experienced designer may charge more, but they’re also likely to work faster and deliver higher-quality results.
Hourly vs Project Rates
Some designers charge by the hour, others prefer to quote a flat project rate. I often work on fixed fees—it makes budgeting easier for clients and keeps things simple on both sides.
Hourly rates can be great for smaller tweaks or ongoing work. But for bigger projects, fixed pricing means you know exactly what you’re committing to.
Design as an Investment
It’s worth remembering: good design isn’t just about making things look nice. It helps your business communicate, build trust, and stand out. Whether it’s your logo, a magazine layout, or your signage—professional design helps people remember you.
If your budget is tight, a good designer can help you prioritise what’s most important and build from there. It doesn’t always have to be a huge upfront investment—you can take a phased approach.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what graphic design “should” cost in the UK. But with a clear brief and open communication, you’ll find the right fit for your business and your budget.
If you’re ever unsure, don’t be afraid to ask for a quote—and make sure it includes what’s covered (and what’s not), so there are no surprises down the line.
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