Imagine signing up for a design subscription, thinking it’ll solve all your creative needs only to realize you’re stuck with subpar designs, slow turnaround times, and hidden fees.
Frustrating, right?
Design subscriptions can be a game-changer, but only if you choose the right one. Many businesses and freelancers make costly mistakes when selecting a service.
Let’s break down the 12 most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring the quality of work
Not all design subscriptions are created equal. Some churn out cookie-cutter designs with minimal effort. Always review past work, client testimonials, and portfolio samples before committing.
2. Overlooking turnaround time
Need a quick logo, but the service takes a week? Many subscriptions promise “unlimited designs” but have slow delivery times. Check their timelines and ensure they match your needs.
3. Falling for unlimited requests hype
“Unlimited designs” sounds great until you realize it means one request at a time. Understand the service’s queue system, are revisions included?
How many designs can they handle simultaneously?
4. Not verifying the skill level of designers
Some subscriptions rely on junior designers or outsourcing. If your project requires advanced skills, ask about their team’s expertise and request designer portfolios.
5. Ignoring industry-specific experience
A designer who excels in social media graphics may not be great at UI/UX or branding. Make sure the subscription service has expertise in your industry and specific design needs.
6. Forgetting about source files
Need to tweak a design later? Some services withhold source files or charge extra for them. Ensure you’ll receive fully editable files (AI, PSD, Figma) along with final designs.
7. Not checking revision policies
What happens if you don’t like the design? Some services limit revisions, while others offer unlimited but slow responses. Review their revision process and policies.
8. Falling for cheap pricing traps
Budget options often mean sacrificing quality. If a subscription is significantly cheaper than others, dig deeper… are they cutting corners on design quality or customer service?
9. Ignoring customer support quality
Slow, unresponsive support can lead to missed deadlines. Test their communication before signing up… do they offer live chat, email, or phone support?
10. Overlooking branding consistency
If you need designs that align with your brand, ensure the service offers brand guidelines adherence. Some designers work from templates that don’t match your visual identity.
11. Not considering scalability
Your needs might grow over time. Will the subscription adapt? Can you upgrade easily, or will you need to switch services later? Check for flexibility in their plans.
12. Skipping a trial or test project
Many services offer trial periods or sample projects. Before committing, test them with a small design request to see if they meet your expectations.
Final thoughts
A design subscription can save you time and money if you choose wisely. Avoid these common mistakes by doing your research, setting clear expectations, and testing the service before going all in.
If you’re looking for a design subscription that prioritizes quality, fast turnarounds, and seamless collaboration, I offer a service built around real business needs, no gimmicks, just great design.
Want to see if it’s the right fit? Let’s chat.
