When I first dipped my toes into freelancing, I was completely clueless about how to price my design services - a dilemma I’m sure most of you designers can relate to.
Should I charge by the hour? And if so, is $20 an hour reasonable?
Or maybe I should go with a flat rate, how about $200 for a logo?
But wait, is $200 for a logo too much? Who would even pay that?
These kinds of thoughts swirled around in my head as I tried to pin down my rates.
But what made it even trickier was the avalanche of conflicting advice online.
Every article, YouTube video, and social media post seemed to have a different take, suggesting everything from bargain-basement prices to premium rates. It was like trying to hit a moving target, and honestly, it left me feeling more than a little lost 😅.
And this brings me to the irony of today’s newsletter.
I’d like to offer my perspective on pricing, as I recently came across some advice in the design community.
One piece stated, “No beginner should charge less than $500 for their design work.”
Another added, “The starting rate for new freelancers should be X amount—anything less harms the industry.”
Honestly, this kind of “advice” frustrates me.
It’s easy for someone who charges four or five figures to say you should be doing the same, but that advice often ignores the bigger picture.
See, it’s dangerous to make blanket statements without considering individual circumstances.
What if a new, inexperienced designer with limited skills takes this advice too literally? They might end up with no clients because their work doesn’t match the level they’re charging.
One crucial lesson I learned early on is that pricing varies significantly and is a personal journey each individual must navigate for themselves.
When I first started out, my design skills were basic. I lacked experience and confidence, and I’d never worked with a client before.
My prices reflected this (they were low) and that made sense for me at the time.
I was charging $50 for a logo. Well, if I’m being honest, the first few logos I designed were for free - just to get my foot in the door.
The truth is, your pricing depends on numerous factors, such as:
Your experience
Your skills
The types of clients you work with
Your overhead costs
The demand for your services
Your level of confidence
And more
As I gained more experience, refined my process, learned the ins and outs of branding, adjusted my service packages, and filled my calendar with clients, I gradually increased my prices.
Initially, I raised my rates to $100, then $200, then $500.
Over the years, as my skills and confidence grew, so did my prices.
Now, five years later, my projects start at $5,000 and can reach $15,000, depending on the deliverables.
Pricing your services is a journey and something you have to figure out for yourself.
So, when someone tells you what you should be charging, whether you’re a beginner, an amateur, or a seasoned pro - take it with a grain of salt 🧂.
Do what feels right for you, and as you grow as a freelance designer, make sure your prices reflect that growth!
Chat next week,
Abi 😊
P.S. I’m not saying you can’t charge high rates as a new freelancer. If you’re confident and have the skills to back it up, go for it!
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