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7 Pricing Models for Designers (2026 Guide)

pricinglisticle

7 Pricing Models for Designers (2026 Guide)

Choosing the right pricing model affects your income, workflow, and client relationships. Here are 7 pricing models designers can use.

Quick reference: This is a numbered listicle version. For the comprehensive guide, see How to Price Design Work.

1. Hourly Pricing

How it works: Set an hourly rate and charge based on hours worked.

Example:

  • Rate: $100/hour
  • Hours: 8
  • Total: $800

Best for:

  • Consulting work
  • Revisions
  • Uncertain scope
  • Ongoing work
  • Projects with unclear deliverables

Pros:

  • Fair for uncertain projects
  • Easy to calculate
  • Client understands value
  • Flexible for scope changes

Cons:

  • Can penalize efficiency
  • Hard to scale
  • Client might question hours
  • Income is variable

When to use: When project scope is unclear or you're doing consulting work.

Related: Pricing Models for Creatives

2. Flat Project Pricing

How it works: Agree on project scope and set a fixed price.

Example:

  • Brand Identity: $2,400
  • Includes: Logo, guidelines, color palette, typography

Best for:

  • Defined projects
  • Clear deliverables
  • Brand identity
  • Website design
  • Projects with known scope

Pros:

  • Predictable income
  • Rewards efficiency
  • Client knows total cost upfront
  • Easier to sell

Cons:

  • Risk of scope creep
  • Hard to adjust if project changes
  • Can undervalue if scope expands

When to use: When project scope is clear and deliverables are defined.

3. Value-Based Pricing

How it works: Price based on value delivered, not hours worked.

Example:

  • Brand Identity & Strategy: $5,000
  • Focus on impact: "Complete brand system designed to increase market recognition"

Best for:

  • High-impact work
  • Strategic projects
  • Brand partnerships
  • Work that delivers measurable results

Pros:

  • Higher income potential
  • Rewards expertise
  • Aligns with client goals
  • Scales with value

Cons:

  • Harder to justify
  • Requires strong portfolio
  • Client might push back
  • Need to demonstrate value

When to use: When you can demonstrate clear value and impact.

Related: How Creators Should Charge Brands

4. Retainer Pricing

How it works: Client pays a fixed monthly fee for ongoing work.

Example:

  • Monthly Retainer: $2,000/month
  • Includes: 20 hours of design work, unlimited revisions, priority support

Best for:

  • Ongoing work
  • Monthly design needs
  • Long-term clients
  • Predictable income

Pros:

  • Predictable income
  • Builds long-term relationships
  • Reduces sales effort
  • Client gets priority

Cons:

  • Can limit earning potential
  • Hard to adjust scope
  • Risk of scope creep
  • Need to track hours

When to use: When you have long-term clients with ongoing needs.

5. Package Pricing

How it works: Offer multiple pricing tiers with different deliverables.

Example:

  • Starter: $1,500 (Logo design, basic guidelines)
  • Professional: $2,400 (Logo, full guidelines, color palette, typography)
  • Enterprise: $5,000 (Everything + brand application examples + support)

Best for:

  • Multiple client budgets
  • Upselling opportunities
  • Clear value tiers
  • Standardized offerings

Pros:

  • Appeals to different budgets
  • Easy to upsell
  • Clear value proposition
  • Standardized process

Cons:

  • Can limit customization
  • Hard to adjust packages
  • Might leave money on table
  • Need to define packages clearly

When to use: When you have standard offerings that work for multiple clients.

6. Per-Deliverable Pricing

How it works: Price each deliverable separately.

Example:

  • Logo Design: $800
  • Brand Guidelines: $600
  • Color Palette: $300
  • Typography System: $400
  • Total: $2,100

Best for:

  • Flexible projects
  • Clients who want to pick and choose
  • Add-on services
  • Custom project scopes

Pros:

  • Flexible for clients
  • Easy to add services
  • Clear pricing per item
  • Transparent costs

Cons:

  • Can be confusing
  • Hard to bundle value
  • Client might cherry-pick
  • Need to price each item

When to use: When clients want flexibility in project scope.

7. Performance-Based Pricing

How it works: Price based on results or performance metrics.

Example:

  • Base: $2,000
  • Bonus: +$500 if website conversion rate increases 20%
  • Total potential: $2,500

Best for:

  • High-impact projects
  • Measurable results
  • Strategic partnerships
  • Work with clear metrics

Pros:

  • Aligns with client goals
  • Higher earning potential
  • Rewards results
  • Builds trust

Cons:

  • Hard to measure
  • Risk of not getting bonus
  • Need clear metrics
  • Can be complex

When to use: When you can measure clear results and have confidence in outcomes.

How to Choose the Right Model

Consider:

  1. Project scope — Clear or uncertain?
  2. Client type — One-time or ongoing?
  3. Your expertise — Can you demonstrate value?
  4. Income goals — Predictable or variable?
  5. Workflow — What fits your process?

Most designers use:

  • Flat project pricing for defined projects
  • Hourly pricing for revisions and consulting
  • Retainer pricing for long-term clients

The Bottom Line

7 pricing models for designers:

  1. ✅ Hourly Pricing — Best for uncertain scope
  2. ✅ Flat Project Pricing — Best for defined projects
  3. ✅ Value-Based Pricing — Best for high-impact work
  4. ✅ Retainer Pricing — Best for ongoing work
  5. ✅ Package Pricing — Best for standard offerings
  6. ✅ Per-Deliverable Pricing — Best for flexible projects
  7. ✅ Performance-Based Pricing — Best for measurable results

For the complete guide: See How to Price Design Work for detailed pricing strategies and examples.

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