Why a design service might be a better solution than hiring a freelance designer

Categorised: Design Services
Posted by Lilli Foreman. Last updated: March 18, 2026

Hire a Freelance Designer?

Congratulations on your business success! What started out as you, a laptop and a dream, has blossomed into a new business that’s going places. When your design requirements outgrow your capabilities, it’s time to bring in some extra help. For a long time, your only choices were hiring a freelance designer or finding a graphic designer to join your staff permanently. Using a design service subscription is an innovative new solution to designing that’s ideally suited to start-ups and growing businesses.

Save money

One of the primary advantages of design subscription services is their cost efficiency. While freelance designers may charge per project, our design subscription service operates on a fixed fee for the time used. This pricing model allows you to divvy up your design time as needed each month, eliminating the potential for unexpected costs that can arise with freelance work.

Access top talent

Design subscription services typically boast a curated pool of talented designers with diverse skill sets. We’re a team of 15 design and content professionals specialising in various design niches. This versatility ensures that you can receive high-quality designs across a spectrum of projects without having to hunt for and manage multiple freelancers – we’re all in one place at the same price.

The need for speed

When time is of the essence, design subscription services shine. With a dedicated team at your disposal, you can expect faster turnaround times compared to coordinating with individual freelancers. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for businesses with tight deadlines or those requiring a constant influx of creative assets.

Keep it consistent

Building a consistent brand image is crucial for any business. Design subscription services often work with a team of designers who understand the importance of maintaining a cohesive style across various projects. This ensures that your brand identity remains consistent, a challenge that can arise when working with different freelance designers with varying aesthetics.

Room to grow

As your design needs change, a design subscription service can scale its services accordingly. Whether you have a sudden increase in design projects or need to scale back during quieter periods, a subscription model offers flexibility that may be harder to achieve when working with individual freelancers.

Easier communication

Coordinating with multiple freelancers can sometimes lead to communication challenges and project management chaos. Design subscription services often provide a centralised platform for communication and project collaboration, streamlining the entire process. This can save you valuable time and effort.

Added reliability

Freelancers can occasionally face unforeseen circumstances that may impact your project timelines. We make sure we have backup resources in place, minimising the risk of project disruptions due to individual circumstances.

In Short

While freelance designers undoubtedly have much to offer, design subscription services present a compelling alternative with their cost-effectiveness, access to diverse talent, and streamlined processes. The decision ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. If you value consistency, scalability, and efficient project management, a design subscription service like Toast Design Services could be the creative solution you need.

Lilli Foreman

Lilli Foreman

Lilli is a copywriter at Toast and works across print and digital content projects including blogs, content marketing, copy editing and proofreading.

Get all your design needs covered with a creative subscription from Toast

We work with businesses of all sizes to create professional and effective creative design for everything from Adverts to Websites.

Get a fixed amount of design time each month for a fixed fee and use your time for whatever you need. If you run out, just top-up, if you want to pause the subscription, just let us know.

Complete the form, email us or call us on 01295 266644 to get started.