If you’ve searched this question, you’ve encountered conflicting answers. One source quotes low freelance rates, while another presents high agency retainers. These numbers without context do not help you make a confident decision.
The real question is not simply about cost. It’s about understanding what kind of design support your team needs and how to obtain it efficiently. We’ll break down the four primary models SaaS companies use and what each one actually delivers.
SaaS companies typically rely on one of four models. Each comes with different trade-offs in cost, speed, and consistency.
Each model works best under specific conditions.
Hiring in-house provides full control and deep brand alignment. A mid-level designer typically costs between $120,000 and $180,000 annually when fully loaded.
This model works when design demand is high and continuous. Without consistent workload, much of that capacity is underutilized.
Best suited for:
Key limitations:
Freelancers offer flexibility and can be engaged as needed. Rates vary widely depending on experience and specialization. Freelancers are useful for specific tasks but introduce coordination challenges as complexity increases.
Strengths:
Limitations:
Agencies provide structured processes and specialized teams. They are designed for large, well-defined projects. They deliver strong strategic input but often move slower than internal marketing teams require.
Best suited for:
Limitations:
Design subscriptions provide ongoing design support for a fixed monthly cost. This model has gained traction among SaaS teams with continuous output needs. This approach offers predictable costs, fast delivery, and consistent output without hiring overhead.
Best suited for:
Limitations:
Cost is only one part of the equation. Three factors determine which model fits your team.
1. Volume
The number of design requests generated each month. Low volume supports freelancers, while higher volume requires structured solutions.
2. Consistency
Visual alignment across marketing and product. Inconsistency reduces trust and impacts conversion.
3. Speed
Turnaround time directly affects campaign execution and revenue. Delays in design create downstream bottlenecks.
These factors matter more than headline pricing.
Choosing the right model depends on where your company is today.
Pre-Series A
Series A
Post-Series B
Most teams struggle because they adopt the wrong model for their stage. This creates unnecessary cost and slows execution.
Payan is a design subscription partner built for B2B SaaS teams that need consistent, high-quality output without operational overhead. It provides you with experienced and senior-led execution with faster turnaround times and flexible engagements without having to lock into long-term contracts. If design is becoming a bottleneck in your workflow, Payan offers a structured way to remove that constraint.
You can explore Payan at payan.design.
Ongoing design requests, handled with predictable turnaround. No long-term commitment.
