Should You Outsource Graphic Design or not?

“Why should we outsource graphic design to a design partner and not go with other alternatives?”

Well, as a design partner offering 360-degree graphic design solutions, we often get this question from creative directors/business leaders.

We understand, they intend to understand –

• Why should they prioritize outsourcing graphic design services?
• How do we qualify to become their next design partner?
• Why aren’t other alternatives as competitive as this?

And, maybe much more..

We take pride in answering their queries about graphic design outsourcing and helping them arrive at a decision real quick, saving the legwork.

This read is yet another endeavor to document the key concerns decision-makers such as yourself have while arriving at a decision about – to outsource graphic design or not.

Without any further ado, let’s get started!

When Should You Outsource Graphic Design?

It’s frustrating to see your in-house team working at capacity, faltering to meet the set deadlines, deteriorating quality, isn’t it?

You can choose to make your team & organizational growth suffer or call for a change.

Thinking, “What sort of change can help me fix these recurring issues?”

Change the way you approach graphic design.

It’s a creative process, fueled by expertise, tools, and perspectives.

There are three ways you can bring this about change –

• Hire more talent on your in-house graphic designing team
• Rope in freelancers with specific skillset
• Outsource graphic design

Thinking, “Which of the alternatives to go with?”

Go with in-house hiring –

• If you have got the budget to hire & retain a sizable in-house team
• If you have got a project that allows you to accommodate resources
• If you have got the bandwidth to look after & administrate a large team

Go with freelancers –

• If your project requires specific expertise for shorter period
• If you’re fine spending time administrating the work
• If you’re project doesn’t have stringent deadlines

Go with outsourced graphic design company –

• If your project’s design resource needs are fluctuating
• If you wish to get rid of the burden of administration & supervision
• If you aren’t willing to invest heavily on infrastructure, tools, and technology

Outsourcing graphic design will provide you with the right balance & leverage to focus on growth.

The extended team of graphic designers will join hands with your in-house team and expedite the design process, without you wasting your time on the administration.

Still unsure?

Let’s take a look at some tangible scenarios when outsourcing graphic design makes sense.

When You Need a Cost-Effective Solution with Maximum Impact

Here’s one question for you, “Why would you spend more when you get 3x the quality at half the price?”

You won’t, right?

That’s exactly what you gain with a reliable graphic design company.

• Optimum Cost.
• Maximum Value.
• Unshakable Impact.

Outsourcing graphic design proves to be a smart solution, enabling you to cut down on significant overhead costs like salaries, benefits, and costly design software & tools.

You only pay for the services you need and don’t commit to a full-time in-house team that demands your consistent attention, maximum energy & financial overheads.

Imagine no longer worrying about recurring expenses or administrative overheads for creative staff. When you outsource graphic design, you’re free to scale design services and resources up or down, depending on your varying project demands.

The flexibility you gain is unparalleled. And this ensures that you get top-tier design talent without burning costs on full-time resources.

This helps you stay agile and focused on key business objectives, rest assured that your design needs are taken care of.

When You Need Niche-specific Expertise

Access to specialized expertise is a game-changer you can count on for your unique design projects.

Graphic design outsourcing opens a diverse pool of design experts, each bringing in unique skill sets & creative thought-process.

The best part – You have access to top-tier design talent, no matter how niche & unique your design requirements are.

Imagine approaching a project that requires advanced illustration, motion graphics, or even complex UI/UX design skills that may not exist within your in-house team.

When you outsource graphic design, you are enabled to connect with seasoned professionals who excel in these specific areas, ensuring your project stands out.

This strategic approach ensures that you get the best quality designs and embrace innovation. With the right talent at your disposal, you are empowered to push boundaries and explore new creative avenues.

When Projects Requirements are Fluctuating

Scalability & flexibility of resources is the most underrated leverage you gain when you outsource graphic design.

In today’s competitive business environment, not all days are the same, and so are the design requirements.

In the moment of peak demand surge, you may need to scale your design resources up to cope. Conversely, in the moment of slack in demand, you may have to scale down your resources.

An outsourced graphic design services provider offers you the much-needed leverage of upward & downward resource scalability, as & when needed.

Imagine juggling multiple design projects – outsourced graphic design services provider enables you to quickly assemble a talented team that matches your immediate needs, ensuring you meet deadlines without compromising quality. As project scopes evolve, you can effortlessly modify team size and expertise, aligning resources with specific requirements.

This adaptive approach not only streamlines your workflow but also fosters an environment where creativity thrives.

When you outsource graphic design, you can maintain focus on your core business objectives while delivering exceptional design work that resonates with your audience.

Quicker Turnaround Times

Quicker turnarounds are often neglected while counting the advantages of design partnerships. But remember it turns out as a game-changer for projects with tight deadlines.

When you outsource graphic design to an external partner, you get the first-hand benefit of their vetted processes and dedicated teams.

As a byproduct of this deadly duo, you can vouch for the execution, quality, attention to detail, and precision.

Imagine launching a marketing campaign where timing is everything.

By partnering with an outsourced graphics design agency, you can bypass routine bottlenecks and access specialized skills that accelerate project timelines.

This agility enhances your ability to respond to evolving market demands and instills confidence in your capacity to deliver results.

When You Need Diverse Creative Perspectives!

Innovation happens when perspectives are challenged.

When you outsource graphic design, it’s not just your in-house team that ideates for your project, the extended team of graphic designers joins their hands too!

With the variety of design styles, experience, and wealth of knowledge you’ll have diverse creative perspectives on the same table.

Imagine collaborating with a talented team of outsourced graphic designers who bring unique cultural insights and varied aesthetic sensibilities to the table. Their expertise can inspire new visual narratives and elevate your brand’s identity, making it resonate more deeply with your target audience.

By embracing these diverse perspectives, you cultivate an environment where creativity thrives, leading to design solutions that are distinctive and aligned with the latest design trends.

Now, as you’re aware of critical scenarios where outsourcing graphic design proves advantageous, let’s understand how you figure out the right fit!

What to Look for in an Ideal Graphic Design Partner?

Finding an ideal design partner to outsource graphic design isn’t a walk in the park.

One wrong move and you will have to bear the loss of money, time and energy wasted over the wrong one.

But, trust us, it’s not the end of the world. There are reliable & credible graphic designing services providers who could bring you maximum value on your investment.

The question is, “How to vet an ideal design partner in today’s competitive marketplace?”

Don’t sweat over it too much!

Here’s a clear, stepwise demarcation for you to follow to land your best bet!

Let’s take a look at it!

Check Work Portfolio & Expertise

When you outsource graphic design to a design partner, it’s quintessential to evaluate their portfolio & expertise, at first.

You may ask, “Why does it hold so much significance? Can’t this be done later in the process?”

You need to realize that it’s not just about understanding their design style & expertise. It’s more about figuring out if their design style & expertise align with your brand’s vision & specific design requirements.

Imagine you’re seeking to refresh your digital presence.

If you end up choosing an outsourced graphic design partner whose style doesn’t align with what you were looking for, it may lead to poor quality results & resentment.

A comprehensive portfolio review ensures you consider their creative range, adaptability & how well they handle diverse projects.

Thinking, “Where do I start?”

Begin by looking at the variety in their previous work.

Does their style align with your vision?

Can they adapt across different projects?

A design partner with a diverse portfolio is capable of delivering crisp and tailored design solutions that align perfectly with your target audience.

Check for Relevant Industry Experience

Industry experience does matter! And, it’s an open secret!

If we’re just discussing skill sets to get the job done, any random freelancer or consultant on the internet also has it.

But realize it’s more than just that. We are talking about a partnership with a team of outsourced graphic designers that understands the ins and outs of your niche.

If you outsource graphic design to a partner who’s already familiar with your niche, you get an undue advantage.

Before you say a word, they already know the most about your needs, target audience, goals, and are well in a position to offer tailored design solutions.

Imagine collaborating with a design team that doesn’t fully understand your industry’s trends or customer expectations.

The result could be designs that miss the mark, no matter how technically sound they are. When you work with an experienced outsourced graphic design partner, they already know what works and what doesn’t, ensuring a smoother process and more effective results.

Thinking, “How do I assess this?”

Look out for a design partner who has delivered results for businesses in your niche. Their familiarity with your industry enables them to get going from day one and deliver compelling designs that your target audience can relate to.

Check how They Approach Communication & Collaboration

Once you’re done evaluating potential contender’s expertise, it’s time to vet their approach for communication & collaboration.

Remember, your design project’s success largely depends on how well your in-house team collaborates with the extended team of outsourced graphic designers.

Thinking, “Why is this so important?”

Simple – An effective communication channel ensures your ideas are portrayed & translated in the best manner. And collaboration ensures the estimated project goals are met in said time/

When you outsource graphic design to a partner who believes in active listening, offers thoughtful ideas, and works relentlessly with your in-house team; you’re set to succeed.

On the contrary, if you choose to work with a design team that doesn’t keep you updated or overlook key inputs, you may end up frustrated & disgusted.

Thinking, “How do I validate communication & collaboration tactics?”

Look for a provider that prioritizes clear communication and values teamwork.

Ask them how they prefer to collaborate with their clients to make things work better.

This ensures a smooth, efficient workflow, where your project progresses with clarity and collaboration at its core.

Check Their Workflow & Timelines

Realize that a structured design process is the backbone of a successful project.

When you outsource graphic design, you must choose a design partner who works with a sturdy & structured approach. Because it’s the approach that separates the best from the mediocre.

Thinking, “How do I assess their design process?”

Simple – Start by reviewing how they navigate from ideation to delivery.

Check if they break down the project goals into clear & manageable milestones.

Up next meeting deadlines is just as crucial.

Consistent delays show a lack of commitment and may severely impact on your project’s success.

To avoid the same, go with an outsourced graphic design services provider who respects your deadlines and adheres to a stringent design process, throughout.

A well-structured workflow with defined timelines is a positive sign, ensuring your project is delivered on time and meets your expectations without compromising on quality.

Check Compatibility for Resource Scalability & Flexibility

When you outsource graphic design, you must look out for the leverage of resource scalability.

If a design partner stutters to offer this leverage, you better stay away from them.

Remember, you are investing in a strategic partnership. The sole intention is to grow your business. And, a partnership that doesn’t support the scalability metric isn’t worth your investment.

Your design partner must be capable of growing alongside your business & adapting to your evolving design needs. Period.

Thinking, “How do I ensure this?”

Vet their capabilities for handling both large-sized projects with tighter deadlines without loosening up on quality & innovation.

Imagine you’re launching a major campaign with sudden spikes in demand—can your partner scale up their resources and deliver on time? A partner that can quickly adjust their capacity while maintaining high standards is unparalleled.

Look for an outsourced graphic design partner whose team is flexible and proactive in managing evolving project needs. Their ability to adapt ensures that your business remains agile, even during periods of rapid growth or unexpected changes.

Check Their Market Reputation & References

You can’t decide to outsource graphic design to a design company solely based on their capabilities & expertise, without checking their current market reputation.

Remember, there are self-proclaimed experts who are equally skilled and capable. Yet, they falter owing to the complexity, scope & deliverability metric. And, that’s the reason you are exploring graphic design outsourcing companies.

Market reputation & references expel the true capabilities of service providers.

Don’t go by the word go they have set on their websites. Do consider what their past & existing clients have to say about them, their approach, their capabilities, and their overall conduct.

Thinking, “How do I source this information?”

Begin by collecting feedback from their previous clients.

A proven track record of meeting or exceeding expectations is a strong indicator that the design partner can deliver on their promises.

Imagine partnering with a team that has consistently impressed others. This raises your confidence in their ability to handle your project successfully, right?

Also, look for patterns in feedback. Are clients consistently appreciating their communication, innovation & commitment?

These granular details have so much to reveal that they could never realize.

This ensures you outsource graphic design to an ideal partner with a solid reputation, setting the stage for a collaborative relationship built on trust and proven success.

Check What Technology & Tools They Use

As we arrive at the end of this checklist, the last parameter you must scrutinize before you outsource graphic design to a design partner is – the technology & tools they use.

Realize, their choice of technology & tools has a direct impact on the quality & effectiveness of designs.

Roping in an outsourced graphic design partner who employs the latest design software assures superior design quality & coherence with modern-day design trends.

On the contrary, if you work with a design partner who relies on obsolete tools, you might end up with mediocre & outdated designs leading to disappointment.

Look for a partner that stays current with industry trends and technologies, enabling them to produce work that meets modern standards in both print and digital formats.

This enhances the quality of the designs and ensures that your project remains competitive and visually appealing across all platforms.

Now, as you’re aware about what to look for in an ideal graphic design outsourcing partner, let’s look at some common questions that will help you arrive at your decision faster.

Outsourcing Graphic Design services – FAQs

We realize, outsourcing graphic design function isn’t an easy decision for you to make.

Our inside sales team talks to a bunch of creative directors every month, to understand their challenges and how we as a design partner can resolve those challenges for them.

We observed there are some common questions that creative directors and business leaders like you pose in those initial discussions.

So, we consolidated the top 5 questions and answered them for you, right away. We are confident that this will give you heads-up confidence as you outsource graphic design.

Let’s look at the questions, one-by-one!

Should I Hire In-House or Outsource Graphic Design?

Your decision to hire an in-house team of graphic designers or outsource graphic design hinges largely on your design needs & resources.

You can hire in-house if you –

• Bear the cost of hiring, training & retaining an in-house team
• Want direct control over the way the team operates
• Comfortable with the managerial overhead
• Spend on graphic design tools & software
• Have consistent & constant design needs

Outsourcing graphic design function makes more sense when you –

• Have frequently evolving design needs
• Are exploring a cost-effective alternative
• Want specialized talent without a long-term commitment
• Need the leverage of resource scalability, with evolving needs
• Want to alleviate administrative overheads & focus on growth

What is Graphic Design Outsourcing?

Graphic design outsourcing refers to hiring a dedicated team of design experts, or a third-party design company to fulfill business-specific design requirements.

You can hire a dedicated team of outsourced graphic designers that acts as an extension of your in-house design team. This helps you fill in the skill gap on your in-house team without excessive financial strain.

You only pay for the time and services you avail of the team of outsourced graphic designers.

Outsourcing graphic design brings you a strategic advantage with opportunities to save costs and scale creativity.

Why Outsource Graphic Design?

Outsourcing graphic design offers numerous benefits, far from just affordability & cost-savings. For businesses that don’t have an in-house team or have a team that doesn’t live up to their expectations, outsourced graphic design services are a far better choice.

When you outsource graphic designing to a reliable design partner, you get –

• Access to top design talent from day one
• Access to the latest design tools & technologies
• A dedicated team that follows best practices and delivers at 2x speed

Hence, choosing to outsource graphic design is a better choice, on any given day.

How to Know When to Outsource Graphic Design Services?

Outsourcing graphic design services isn’t an overnight decision. Realize, you must first retrospect what your business’s design needs are and what’s limiting your in-house team.

If your in-house is overwhelmed, lacks the required design expertise, or is unable to meet set deadlines – it’s a sign you need external help.

When you choose to outsource graphic design, you get

• Access to top-tier design talent
• Best design practices & fresh creative perspective
• Access to the latest design tools & technologies & 2x deliverability

Outsourcing graphic design is a prominent solution for sustained design quality & tight deadlines.

How do You Evaluate a Design Company?

Evaluating a graphic designing company is far more than reviewing its portfolio & what it says it can do for you.

It’s about finding that alignment for creative vision, culture, and ability to deliver the expected outcome.

Here’s a quick checklist that you must tick –

• Their design style aligns with your creative vision
• They bring in relevant industry experience in your niche
• Their approach to communication & collaboration practices
• What their existing and past customers have to say about them
• Their design quality, precision, best practices, tools, and technologies

These parameters shall help you gauge your graphic design outsourcing partner’s capabilities far better.

Thinking, “Where to find a reliable design partner to outsource graphic design?”

Your quest ends with Integrative System!

Graphic Design Outsourcing Partner of Your Choice – Integrative Systems

We believe we have helped you gain tangible insights on when it makes better sense to outsource graphic design, and how you can find the right design partner for it.

Integrative Systems has been making waves in the field of graphic design globally for over 2 decades with its wide range of graphic design services.

We, at Integrative Systems, prioritize our customers’ success over ours. And, to ensure that we help our customers succeed every single time, we rely on advanced tools & technologies, and industry best practices.

Think we are the match?

We would take immense pleasure in becoming a design partner of your choice to cater to your unique graphic design needs.

Drop us a line at [email protected] and our team of experts will get back to you within 2 business days.