WHAT IS A GRAPHIC DESIGN RETAINER?

Ok, so you’ve clicked on this post because you are keen to grow your business…like, asap! Buuuuut, you’re not actually sure what a graphic design retainer is, or how it could help you. Don’t worry, by the end of this post you’ll be up to speed, so let’s dive in.

Retainers are an easy way to book ongoing graphic design support, freeing up your time to get the rest of those things off your to-do list…or step away from the office and rest! Current Soley Creative retainer clients also express their excitement about having another person on their team to bounce ideas around with, as well as getting expert advice and a new network of industry specialists to work with.

The fashion, lifestyle and beauty industries are saturated - we all know that it’s competitive out there. So, there is no better time to invest in on-brand, high-end design delivered on-time month on month and here’s why…

EXPERT ADVICE

Hiring a designer for more than one project means they get to know your business, your personal style and your plans. Any good designer will jump on board with expert advice to support your growth with creative solutions to business problems.

JUMP THE QUEUE

Most designers offer priority access to them for retainer clients. This means they will jump your projects to the front of any waiting lists, particularly when there is clear timelines in place for regular work. If retainer hours are booked, rather than specific deliverables, these hours will be prioritised saving you time waiting for the designs.

SAVE MONEY LONG TERM!

As you would be commissioning ongoing work (for at least three months) there is often a discount applied to retainer contracts. This is due to the designer ‘guaranteeing’ income and therefore giving you a discount because of this guarantee.

FLEXIBILITY WITHOUT COMPROMISING EXPERIENCE

Hiring a designer on retainer means you get senior level, expert advice and high-end design without the annual salary, pensions contributions and benefits required for a full-time employee.

CHEAPER THAN AD-HOC WORK

When you book ongoing design work, your designer gets to know you and the business. This relationship development often reduces the development time of design work, because of their increasing experience in knowing your taste. Time is also saved shopping around for the ‘best deal’ and working on a new relationship, not to mention the discount again. If time = money, getting a designer on board is definitely a good way to save both.

ON-BRAND & ON-TIME

By hiring a creative agency, you will be assigned a designer or project manager that is with you for the entire contract. not only does this provide familiarity between you and your Creative but also between the Creative and your brand. This means consistency, cohesion and new ideas form that only a designer who is embedded in your business could create.

As well as on-brand designs, you will have a specific timeline to follow for briefing, designing and development and then delivery. This means planning and scheduling your marketing is a breeze.

BAD DESIGN CAN DAMAGE YOUR BUSINESS

Cutting corners on design can save you money, in the short term. However, bad design can actually damage your brand by putting your audience off your product or services in the long term. When you lose trust, it takes a looooong time to build it back up. Having a designer on hand will help amplify your brand in its best light helping you make more £££.

BUDGETING EASIER

By having a regular design payment, it is easier to forecast and budget your year as the payment is constant.

SOUNDING BOARD

Having someone to talk things through with is helpful for solving problems, design-related or not. Having someone else that knows your goals and your business in-depth is SO helpful when you need to bounce some ideas around or need help overcoming a challenge.

SCALE WITH YOUR GROWTH

With a retainer contract, although there might be a minimum amount, it’s always possible to scale up as your business grows and even commission that designer to train up an in-house team member when you’re ready to hire - for a super smooth transition!

Does a retainer seem like a good idea yet? Or, do you have some more questions about how we can help you? We’d love to hear from you.