Top 44 Graphic Design Agencies to Check out in 2024
No matter what business or industry you’re in, graphic design is a skill that you’re going to need. While some businesses might be able to afford to hire an in-house graphic designer, what if you can’t? Or what if your graphic design needs are limited and it doesn’t make sense for you to bring on a full-time graphic designer? Fortunately, there are agencies that you can bring in to meet those graphic design needs without taking on the cost of another full-time employee. In this article, we will share the top graphic design agencies we’ve found that are skilled and ready to take on your graphic design projects.
As you can probably guess, graphic design is a highly competitive field and the best graphic design agencies really work hard to earn that designation. The 44 top graphic design agencies we’ve included on our list are agencies with impeccable portfolios filled with clients that range from global, multi-billion-dollar enterprises with unlimited budgets to small businesses that are looking for a trusted partner to help them meet their graphic design needs on a budget. The agencies on this list are bleeding edge in terms of graphic design trends, so whether you’re looking for edgy, minimalist, sophisticated, or traditional, you’ll find the best graphic design agency for you right here.
Top Graphic Design Agencies From Around the World:
Top
graphic design agencies
2024
Location: Paramus, NJ
Min. Project Size: $1,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $100 – $149
Market Segment: Small Business and Midmarket
Notable Clients: Porsche, BMW, General Motors, Mailchimp, Harvard University, Google, Rakuten
SmartSites, one of the leading Digital Marketing agencies, has carved a niche in delivering premium graphic and digital design solutions strategically tailored to elevate brand identities. Their esteemed team of award-winning designers specializes in creating powerful, message-driven graphics that encapsulate the essence of businesses with unrivaled precision. As a Google Premier and Microsoft Advertising Select Partner, the agency’s credibility is underscored by a blend of innovation and expertise. The agency’s prowess is evident in its offerings, ranging from engaging web banners and bespoke email designs to comprehensive infographic creations and mobile app designs. Corporate photography and a suite of branding services, including logo design and business stationery, underscore the agency’s versatility.
Testimonials laud SmartSites for their great communication, seamless processes, and the tangible impact of their work, including significant revenue boosts and enhanced online presence. Rated as the top digital marketing agency by multiple platforms, SmartSites not only excels in crafting remarkable designs but also in translating visual aesthetics into measurable business growth.
Location: London, New York, Berlin, Hong Kong, Vilnius
Min. Project Size: $1,000+
Average Hourly Rate: Unspecified
Market Segment: Small Business, Midmarket
Notable Clients: Payfaction, Farsight, ChainTalk, SwiDOC, Treasure Net
Trusted by creative and marketing teams of hundreds of fast-growing companies, Duck.Design offers various design-related services. With regards to graphic design specifically, they can help with website illustrations, ad creatives, banner ads, logo design, blog graphics, packaging, and more. Their pricing is one of their unique selling points. Unlike many other agencies that charge an hourly or fixed fee rate depending on the brief, Duck.Design opts for a transcription model. They do this with the help of their own proprietary software. This way, they can manage and coordinate their design projects efficiently to deliver a turnaround time of as short as 12 hours in some instances.
Location: Pleasant Grove, UT
Min. Project Size: $5,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $100 – $149
Market Segment: Businesses of all sizes
Notable Clients: Adobe, Fandango, Guitar Center, Fluent, Columbia Southern University
Disruptive Advertising excels as a powerhouse of digital creativity, dedicated to crafting scroll-stopping, compelling creatives that elevate brands into visual masterpieces. The agency acts as a conduit for innovation, embodying a dedicated team of senior-level designers adept in a multifaceted approach that marries the artistry of design with strategic business insight. With a rich portfolio characterized by fresh video and motion ads, they artfully combine static and dynamic elements, fostering enhanced customer engagement and optimized click-through rates. Every creation is a blend of innovation and alignment with brand identity, achieved through strategic planning and clear communication. The agency is an emblem of reliability, offering more strategy, consistency, and access to expert insights that catalyze online business growth.
Their full-funnel approach to creative strategy underscores a commitment to transcending conventional boundaries, marking them as the most reviewed digital marketing agency equipped to transform creative aspirations into tangible, impactful realities. Each service offered is a testament to their unwavering commitment to delivering more – more clicks, ROI, and strategic insights that power brands towards uncharted terrains of creative and commercial success.
Location: Atlanta, GA
Min. Project Size: $5,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $100 – $149
Market Segment: Businesses of all sizes
Notable Clients: TGI Friday’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, MagiQuiz, Toyota, The Winter Olympics, Samsung
Sociallyin is a social media advertising agency. Amongst the services they offer is social media content production. They create all their clients’ creative work in-house. Their team of creatives has mastered the art of ideation and has set an efficient pace for production. The agency believes it creates social media content that disrupts normal feeds and aligns with your goals. Their process ensures their team thoroughly understands your brand’s voice so they can properly communicate and produce content. Of course, being a social media agency, they then use the content they have created, looking at the numbers to get legitimate results, observing how they grew, and understanding how to improve future campaigns.
Location: Irvine, CA
Min. Project Size: $5,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $200 – $300
Market Segment: Enterprise, Midmarket
Notable Clients: Cisco, WordPress VIP, Amazon, Zoom Info, Sumo Logic, Uber Freight, SentinelOne
Championing the cause of tech and SaaS brands, Directive offers a unique blend of strategic and innovative graphic design services. Their approach is rooted in the belief that impactful design can transform customer relationships, turning casual users into lifelong brand advocates. Their suite of services includes Branded Experiences, where they guide customers through their journey with memorable and engaging designs. This includes Full Web Design, UX/UI, Landing Pages, Image Ads, and Split Testing, all backed by data and expert guidance.
Directive helps brands build a consistent personality that resonates with their customers. They utilize 1st-party data, detailed segmentation, and emotion to motivate users. This service encompasses Logo creation, Brand Guidelines, Visual Elements, Positioning, and Brand Expansion. The agency ensures that your brand stands out in the crowded tech and SaaS market.
Location: Arlington, Texas
Min. Project Size: $1,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $100 – $149 / hr
Market Segment: Enterprises, Large and Small brands
Notable Clients: Nationwide Construction, The Farah Law Firm, Whistleblower Law Firm
Thrive Agency excels in delivering innovative and impactful graphic design solutions integral to the success of your digital marketing strategies. Thrive Agency has developed a reputation for crafting visually compelling and brand-centric designs that resonate with a wide array of business sectors. Their approach is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a visual narrative that aligns seamlessly with your digital marketing goals.
At Thrive Agency, the focus is on creating customized designs that speak to each client’s unique identity. Whether through sophisticated web design, engaging social media graphics, or compelling infographics, their designs are tailored to enhance online presence and drive business growth.
Clients turn to Thrive Agency for their ability to blend creativity with digital marketing acumen, resulting in designs that are not only visually stunning but also strategically effective. Their diverse service offerings and commitment to customized solutions make them a go-to choice for businesses seeking to elevate their graphic design and overall digital presence.
Location: New York City, San Francisco, Miami, London, Tel Aviv
Min. Project Size: $50,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $150 – $199
Market Segment: Small Business, Midmarket, Enterprise
Notable Clients: Uber, Reddit, YouTube, Pfizer, Deezer, Philips, Gett, Pink Park, Calm, Vodio, Discovery
Moburst digital marketing and web development agency, offers a range of services focused on campaign conceptualization and design. They create impactful concepts that effectively reach the target audience, considering the right timing and platform for each message. The agency’s concept and design experts work collaboratively with clients to build a foundation for success. Their service offerings include graphic design, and their army of creators create graphics for any purpose, whether for a website or any social media channel. Moburst has an extensive track record, which showcases their ability to deliver results through tailored marketing solutions.
Location: San Francisco, CA
Min. Project Size: $100,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $150 – $199
Market Segment: Enterprise
Notable Clients: Google, Meta, Cisco, UPS, Discover, Amazon, Uber, Sony, Coinbase, T-Mobile, Slack
Clay is a UI/UX design and branding agency. They create world-class digital products, web design, and branding across all platforms. They offer a wide range of graphic design services, including web design and development, digital strategy, UX/UI design and research, mobile, web, and app development, motion design, 2D/3D graphics, design systems, and brand identity. They create human-centered enterprise software with the polished, snappy feel of the best consumer apps.
Clay splits its capabilities into four main areas: strategy, design, development, and content. As a UX/UI and app development company, they build native mobile apps for iOS and Android, web applications, apps for wearables, and B2B/enterprise software.
Location: New York City, NY
Min. Project Size: $5,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $150 – $199
Market Segment: Midmarket, Small Business, Enterprise
Notable Clients: Walmart, Forbes, CyberYachts, Chef Antoine Lours, Roommate, The Bait Shoppe
DD.NYC® is a trusted partner in the graphic design industry, renowned for its swift and reliable delivery of top-tier design solutions. The agency’s expertise lies in crafting high-impact, budget-friendly materials that align perfectly with your brand’s identity and objectives.
Their Graphic Design services are comprehensive, covering everything from decks to marketing collateral and infographics. They specialize in creating compelling Investor Decks, Real Estate Showcases, Investor Updates, and Keynote Presentations. Their design team tailors each presentation deck to your specific needs, ensuring your message resonates with audiences of all sizes.
The agency also offers Corporate Design services, creating unique Logos, Typography, and Stationary that reflect your brand’s ethos. To conclude, DD.NYC® to create a cohesive brand identity that effectively promotes your business.
Location: San Francisco, New York, Boston, Los Angeles
Min. Project Size: $20,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $100 – $149
Market Segment: Midmarket
Notable Clients: Jobble, LinkedIn, Ford Models, Projects for Good, Vivint, GetHired.com, Vendr
Neuron is a UX/UI design agency that creates best-in-class digital experiences to help businesses succeed in today’s digital world. They have expertise in user experience design, digital strategy, and front-end development and help forward-thinking technology companies create digital products and services that are intuitive, engaging, and measurable. In addition, they employ a human-centered design approach to empathize with your customers, identify their pain points, and create solutions that enhance their experience with your brand or product.
Location: Poltava, UA
Min. Project Size: $5,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $25 – $49
Market Segment: Small Business, Midmarket
Notable Clients: Influencer Marketing Hub, GifYard, Finomedia, Testerheld, Tester.Club
We all know Graphic Design to be that notoriously competitive area where it can be tough for agencies to stand out. This is where the Clever Code Lab — a creative agency — takes the cake for transformative brands.
Got an imaginative concept that animation can bring to life? Their illustrators and motion designers whip up immersive characters, worlds, & narratives that move audiences and compelling brand stories that stick. Their expertise also extends to explainers that dumb down technical to simple bits of visual illustration, thus removing barriers of complexity that are vital to increasing user adoption.
Clever Code Lab, since its creation, has exercised design discretion for some of the most delightful brands, making bold design choices to convey brand messaging when required and not shying away from unorthodox choices. Ultimately, their innovation shines through most of their projects.
Clever Code Lab offers artful illustrations, animations, videos, and all graphical elements to create brand identities and activate brand experiences.
Location: New York City, NY; London, UK
Min. Project Size: $5,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $50 – $99
Market Segment: Midmarket, Enterprise
Notable Clients: Planned Parenthood, NYU, Rolling Stone, Samsung, Apple, MTV, Harrods, Upworthy, Mastercard, Nesta, Saks Fifth Avenue, Starbucks
Pentagram is an independently-owned design studio that offers just about any service you may need: graphics, brand identity, products, packaging, exhibitions, installations, websites, digital experiences, advertising, communications, sound, and motion. Pentagram has 24 partners that not only own the business, but that are all practicing designers. These owners both create the work and act as primary contacts for each client, showing a personal commitment that has continued for five decades and counting.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Min. Project Size: $10,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $150 – $199
Market Segment: Midmarket, Small Business
Notable Clients: Oakley, Drexel University, Aegis Advisory Partners, Assero, Procter & Gamble, McCormick & Co.
Xhilarate was founded in 2016 and offers services like web design, graphics, logos, print, and packaging with the aim of creating experiential brand experiences for their clients. As one of the top graphic design agencies, Xhilarate works to create human-centered experiences to help brands transform and grow. They’ve worked with both large and small organizations with varied budgets and timelines.
Location: New York, NY
Min. Project Size: $5,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $50 – $99
Market Segment: Innovator, Entrepreneur, Institutions
Notable Clients: Unspecified
Sagmeister & Walsh is a partnership between world-famous graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister and Jessica Walsh. The agency is known for an edgy, unpredictable style. Their focus is on arts-based projects like exhibitions and murals and they have a love of using art and design to transform neglected buildings or areas of cities. While Sagmeister & Walsh might not be the right choice if you’re looking for a traditional agency, they’re still one of the top graphic design agencies around.
Location: St. Louis, MO
Min. Project Size: Unspecified
Average Hourly Rate: $100 – $149
Market Segment: SMBs
Notable Clients: bioMérieux, Paradigm Tax Group, Signature Kitchen & Bath, CustomCrete
Captiva Marketing is a full-service advertising agency that specializes in digital marketing, paid search, web design, social media, video production, and SEO. They look for clients who are passionate about their own products and services and look to build long-term partnerships with their clients. Captiva Marketing has a team of specialists, generalists, and managers with experience across a variety of industries.
Location: New York City, NY
Min. Project Size: $75,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $150 – $199
Market Segment: Enterprise, Midmarket
Notable Clients: PwC, Dunkin Donuts, Weight Watchers, RiverSpring Health, Leaf Vodka, The Brooklyn Hospital Center
Starfish is an independent branding agency. Their services include all you need to build, deliver, and maintain your brand experience. Starfish offers everything from marketing consulting, advertising, and branding.
Location: Quincy, MA
Min. Project Size: $5,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $150 – $199
Market Segment: Enterprise, Startups
Notable Clients: Thomson Reuters, Harvard University, Honeywell, Sensitech, Refinitiv, NBC Universal, Carrier
Cleveland Design is a full-service communications agency that offers brand alignment, interaction, and management solutions. They were founded in 1992 and cover a wide range of industries and clients of all sizes.
Location: New York City, NY
Min. Project Size: $10,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $100 – $149
Market Segment: Enterprise, Midmarket
Notable Clients: IBM, AT&T, Xerox, Microsoft, Sony, NASA, NYU, NFL, Northwestern University, G2eSports
Digital Silk focuses on creating superior digital experiences for its clients through cutting-edge brand strategies, websites, apps, and marketing campaigns and strategies for mid- to large-sized companies. Its staff consists of top industry experts who take a results-driven, proactive approach.
Location: Rolling Hills Estates, CA; Brooklyn, NY
Min. Project Size: $10,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $150 – $199
Market Segment: Midmarket, Large Business, Enterprise
Notable Clients: Alcoholics Anonymous, Pocari Sweat, Sensei Biotech, Dr. Pimple Popper, CoachArt, Stanford University
The Bureau of Small Projects is a marketing strategy agency focused on branding, web development, and marketing. The Bureau of Small Projects is one of the top graphic design agencies for businesses of all sizes but started out working exclusively with big brands and Fortune 500 firms.
Location: London, UK (HQ); several studies worldwide (HK, SING, THA, UAE, KOR, AUS, JPN, CHN, IND)
Min. Project Size: Unspecified
Average Hourly Rate: Unspecified
Market Segment: Enterprise, Institutions, Large Business
Notable Clients: Adidas, BBC, Australian Open, De’Longhi, Etihad, KitKat, Nike Kids, Squarespace, Brute
Landor has been around since 1941. It was founded by Walter Landor. Landor has expertise in brand architecture, brand strategy, customer journey mapping, customer segmentation, agile adaptation, and a whole lot more.
Location: London, UK
Min. Project Size: $25,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $100 – $149
Market Segment: Midmarket, Small Business
Notable Clients: Max Factor, Converse, Fortnum and Mason, L’Oreal, World Vision, Lindt
The Yard Creative is an award-winning design studio. Its core design services are interior design, graphic design, strategy, branding, and research. The Yard Creative operates with a small team full of passionate creatives that seek to build relationships with clients and partners.
Location: New York City, NY
Min. Project Size: $10,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $100 – $149
Market Segment: Enterprise, Midmarket,
Notable Clients: Leeum Museum of Art, Instacart, GSK, The Met, TikTok, Uber, McKinsey
Wolff Olins is a decades-old brand consultancy and design studio with a reputation for eye-catching design choices. It offers a range of services from strategy to design to transformation. Since its inception in 1965, Wolff Olins has grown to a team of 150 designers, strategists, technologists, program managers, and educators.
Location: St. Louis, MO
Min. Project Size: $1,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $150 – $199
Market Segment: SMBs
Notable Clients: Midwest BankCentre, TechArtista, Midwest Turf Management, Missouri Housing Development Commission
2Novas is one of the best graphic design agencies, helping clients create strategies for generating leads, get more repeat business, and build long-term relationships with customers. It’s a marketing agency that focuses primarily on video and digital advertising. It has a talented graphic design team to handle day-to-day graphic design needs like fliers, brochures, banners, Facebook post graphics, and more.
Location: New York City, NY
Min. Project Size: $10,000+
Average Hourly Rate: Unspecified
Market Segment: Midmarket, Enterprise
Notable Clients: Disney, NYU, Broadway League, Canon, Dylans Candy Bar, Nikon, RuPaul, Bryant Park, HIVE
Lounge Lizard offers expertise in brand strategy, website design, digital marketing, website development, mobile app development, social media management, SEO, PPC management, and conversion rate optimization. In addition to brand storytelling, naming and taglines, and research and strategy, Lound Lizard offers graphic design services like logos and visual identity as well as collateral.
Location: Ontario, CAN
Min. Project Size: $10,000+
Average Hourly Rate: Unspecified
Market Segment: Large Business, Enterprise
Notable Clients: KraftHeinz, PepsiCo Food & Beverages, Cox Communications, Nu Skin, Bubbletease, Cineplex
Shikatani Lacroix Design (SLD) prides itself on designing immersive experiences for consumers. For more than 27 years, SLD has built a graphic design agency dedicated to “The Blink Factor,” creating at-purchase moments that connect with consumers “in the blink of an eye.”
Location: West Chester, PA
Min. Project Size: Unspecified
Average Hourly Rate: Unspecified
Market Segment: Small Business, Midmarket
Notable Clients: Ball Park Buns & Rolls, Davinci Signature, Idaohan, Sea Best Family Favorites
DePersico Creative is a family-owned graphic design agency that specializes in Food and Beverage marketing. For three generations, DePersico has applied its understanding of strategic design to convey brand and product messages that inspire consumers to purchase.
Location: Birmingham, MI
Min. Project Size: $5,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $100 – $149
Market Segment: SMBs, Startups
Notable Clients: Jamba Juice, Dollar Store Properties, D&B Grocers, Neptix
BMG Media Co. started as one of the go-to graphic design agencies for local businesses’ needs. It offers graphic design solutions for more than 600 customers worldwide. BMG Media has more than 10 years of experience with expertise in graphic design, content management, and creating digital marketing tactics. It works mostly with businesses across industries like healthcare, medicine, real estate, and restaurants.
Location: San Francisco, CA; several offices worldwide (CHN, CHE, GER)
Min. Project Size: Unspecified
Average Hourly Rate: Unspecified
Market Segment: Large Business, Enterprise
Notable Clients: Swiss Life, Coca-Cola, Audi, Henkel, Geely Galaxy, Volkswagen, Kohler
MetaDesign is one of the leading graphic design agencies in the world. It is a creative brand consultancy that’s been solving brand and business challenges for its clients since 1979. MetaDesign offers services like brand creation, brand strategy, brand experience, and brand activation.
Location: Warsaw, POL
Min. Project Size: $10,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $50 – $99
Market Segment: Enterprise, Midmarket
Notable Clients: IKEA, Harvard University, Meta, AT&T, PepsiCo, PayPal, Rolex
Huncwot is a creative agency found in 2007. It has a small team of just nine employees specializing in interactive design and technology solutions including animation, branding, art direction, content marketing, web development, and UI and UX design.
Location: Yorklyn, DE
Min. Project Size: Unspecified
Average Hourly Rate: Unspecified
Market Segment: Enterprise, Entrepreneurs, Institutions
Notable Clients: Jimmy Kimmel Live, The New Yorker, Uniqlo, Hermes, Muji, Herman Miller
House Industries is a design studio that creates fonts, products, takes commissions, and enjoys collaborations. Its approach is based on traditional techniques like painting, drawing, and lettering that give its work warmth. House Industries is known for its retro-influenced designs.
Location: St. Louis, MO
Min. Project Size: $10,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $100 – $149
Market Segment: Small Business, Midmarket
Notable Clients: Brantley Hotel, Tenth Life, Volpe Accounting, Locoz Tacoz, Tsunami Waves Foundation
DELT is a full-service branding agency. It focuses on web design, marketing, and SEO, offering everything most companies need to build a brand and get ahead of the competition. DELT’s branding services range from logo and print designs to full-service brand strategy and development. DELT was founded in 2014.
Location: Manchester, ENG
Min. Project Size: $10,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $150 – $199
Market Segment: Enterprise, Midmarket, Small Business
Notable Clients: Apple, Black & Decker, Royal Mail, Sainsbury’s, Fujitsu, M&S
The Chase has more than 30 years of industry experience and more than 350 national and international awards, making them one of the most decorated creative consultancies in the world, and has drawn attention for its innovative corporate branding and print design. The Chase offers a range of services like museum exhibits, calendar design, and sports stadium branding.
Location: Victoria, BC
Min. Project Size: $100,000+
Average Hourly Rate: Unspecified
Market Segment: Startups, Enterprise
Notable Clients: Pitch, Uber, Tempest, Slack, Notarize, Google, Headspace, Waking Up, Insider, The Yes, VICE, The Athletic
Metalab is a design studio that creates interfaces that billions interact with daily through clicks, taps, pinches, and zooms. You may not have realized it, but chances are you’ve used something Metalab designed like project management app Flow and invoicing app Ballpark.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Min. Project Size: $50,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $150 – $199
Market Segment: Enterprise, Institution
Notable Clients: American Library Association, Gilcrease Museum of Art, Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Broad
Urban Insights was founded in 2000. It’s a digital agency that has taken part in more than 500 successful product launches. Urban Insight plans, designs, and develops websites using popular software like Drupal and WordPress, and provides project leadership and world-class design using technical best practices. Urban Insights works with its clients collaboratively throughout each project, learning about each client, and implementing design technology solutions that meet the strategic objectives of those clients.
Location: London, UK
Min. Project Size: Unspecified
Average Hourly Rate: Unspecified
Market Segment: Midmarket, Small Business, Entrepreneurs
Notable Clients: City Deli, Dragonfly Tea, V&A, Morrisons, YouTime.Online, NewRiver
Charlie Smith Design is a graphic design agency with more than 18 years of design experience. It has extensive expertise in graphic design services like print, packaging, identity design, book design, event design, and exhibition. Charlie Smith Design works collaboratively with its clients, listening carefully, and working closely with clients to create unique design solutions.
Location: New York City, NY
Min. Project Size: Unspecified
Average Hourly Rate: Unspecified
Market Segment: Midmarket
Notable Clients: Door Controls USA, &pizza, Yoga International, Taco Mac, American Astronomical Society
Happy Cog is a firm founded by Jeffrey Zeldman and has been designing digital experiences as long as the internet has existed. As a full-service digital agency, Happy Cog designs and builds websites, apps, and digital experiences for clients across industries. It offers services including strategy, experience and design, development, data, analytics, optimization, and marketing and promotion. Happy Cog is one of the top graphic design agencies because of its ability to help clients craft the right message and target the right audience, inspiring action.
Location: Chicago, IL
Min. Project Size: $5,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $100 – $149
Market Segment: Midmarket, Enterprise, Institution
Notable Clients: Cardinal Health, Chicago Public Library, Hyatt, Keurig Dr Pepper, Kellogg School of Management
VerdanaBold is a design and storytelling agency. It was founded in 2016 and has a small team of just four people. VerdanaBold works closely with its clients to create graphics, presentations, and infographics based on research, data, and messaging. VerdanaBold offers services including visual storytelling, information design, language and design systems, and templates and training.
Location: Chicago, IL (HQ); offices in Asia, Europe, South America, and South Africa
Min. Project Size: $10,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $100 – $149
Market Segment: Enterprise
Notable Clients: Coca-Cola, IKEA, McDonald’s, BMW, Samsung, MillerCoors, Nintendo, Fiat, Mr. Clean, KraftHeinz
Leo Burnett is a graphic design agency that was founded by Leo Burnett in 1935. The company now has 85 offices in more than 69 countries around the world, employing more than 9,000 people. Leo Burnett offers services including omnichannel advertising, data and analytics, design, digital and interactive, direct and CRM, eCommerce, experiential, multicultural, production, research, shopper marketing, strategic planning, and social.
Location: London, UK; New York City, NY
Min. Project Size: $10,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $100 – $149
Market Segment: Midmarket, Large Business, Enterprise
Notable Clients: McDonald’s, Kahlúa, Sipsmith, PG Tips, SodaStream, Wild Harvest, Bewley’s, PYREX
Pearlfisher is an independent graphic design with a focus on creating “simpler, lighter, more desirable ideas for the future.” Pearlfisher has more than two decades of experience and includes staff with unique focuses:
- Futurists inform and inspire thinking by looking at how the world is changing.
- Strategists focus the agency’s creativity, defining how brands can connect with changing needs and desires.
- Designers bring ideas to life through experiences.
- Realisers advance solutions and develop design outcomes.
Location: Brooklyn, NY; several offices in the US and around the world
Min. Project Size: $5,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $100 – $149
Market Segment: Large Business, Institutions, Enterprise
Notable Clients: Volvo Group, IKEA, Purina, Hyliko, MeMed, Cancer Buddy
Frog Design is a global design agency that was founded in 1969 by Hartmut Esslinger. It has been working for the past 50 years to help organizations build bold brands. Frog Design offers several services including growth strategy, CX strategy and design, product design and delivery, organizational design, and venture design using a holistic approach that combines design, strategy, and engineering.
Location: Chicago, IL
Min. Project Size: $10,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $150 – $199
Market Segment: Enterprise, Midmarket
Notable Clients: Mack Trucks, Federal Reserve Bank, Gilson, Seaway Bank, Shell, Qualcomm, Northwestern University, TransUnion
ArtVersion was founded in 1999 and calls itself a creative agency. ArtVersion has a team of 14 strategists, designers, and developers that provide web design, UI/UX design, graphic design, and branding. Through its experiential design process, ArtVersion creates emotion and engagement between the brand and consumer using experiential web design, graphic design, and brand strategies.
Location: San Francisco, CA; offices in various countries (AUS, FR, ESP)
Min. Project Size: $50,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $25 – $49
Market Segment: Enterprise, Midmarket
Notable Clients: Apple, Visa, Perch Italia, Hotel Case Sagnier, Eko
Mucho is a design agency with offices worldwide. Founded in 2002, their goal is simple — to create design with meaning. According to their LinkedIn page, they strive to “go from insight to ideas to design that connects”. Their designs embrace intelligence, sensitivity, and precision. To do this, they take a collaborative approach and it’s important for them to involve their clients in the process. During the two decades that they’ve been in business, they’ve worked with some pretty mucho brands.
Location: San Francisco, CA; London, UK; Chelmsford, Essex
Min. Project Size: $25,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $100 – $149
Market Segment: Midmarket, Enterprise, Small Business
Notable Clients: Jump Street, Aldi, Essex Cricket, Esher Rugby Club, Charlton Athletic, Aqua Optima
Polar Creative is a small, award-winning graphic design and web design agency that was founded in 2013. Their passion is to build brands that are unique and can stand the test of time. Before they start their design process, they first get to know your business, its values, and strategic plans. Understanding your wants and wishes are key to their approach. Whether you need help with a business logo or printed marketing material or a website, they combine their creative flair with professional performance to create memorable and unique designs.
Location: Perth, AUS
Min. Project Size: Unspecified
Average Hourly Rate: Unspecified
Market Segment: Large Business, Institution, Enterprise
Notable Clients: Cadbury, VIVO Nue, Joey Zaza’s, Magic Abalone, PURABON, Beerland, Claudio Biscotti
Dessein is a boutique design agency that was founded in the late 80s. Their designers come from diverse backgrounds and are passionate about designing solutions with a difference. Each designer brings their unique individual strengths to the team, but when it’s time to get down to designing all of them put their individual strengths together to ensure that their creations work across various platforms. Clients have described their work as clean, clear, contemporary, and colorful. While design for print, specifically packaging, is still their first love, they’ve expanded their list of design-related services to include web design and branding.
Industry Expert Insights: What to Look for in a Graphic Design Agency
In the United States alone, there are over 132,500 graphic design companies. This figure does not account for freelance designers and creative businesses. Among the many choices available, there are undoubtedly suitable options for your brand. The critical question is finding the one that will fit your business seamlessly.
But before diving into your search for a graphic design agency, defining your project’s specifics is essential. How much is your budget? What type of graphic design services do you need? Are you looking for a logo, banners, illustrations, or a complete brand design package? Set clear goals. What do you want to achieve with your design – increased awareness or higher sales? Take the time to document all the project details. The more precise your brief, the more effectively the agency can assist you.
To facilitate communication with the agency, gather examples of designs you admire and share them with the designers you plan to collaborate with. This can be a valuable tool in choosing the right agency. If they have experience creating designs in a style that resonates with you, they’re more likely to align with your vision.
You can begin your search for a graphic design agency with a comprehensive brief. Here are some key insights on what to consider in your search.
Updated Portfolio
Start by visiting their websites and exploring their portfolios and case studies. You must pay close attention to how frequently they update their website. A regularly updated site with new portfolio projects, blog posts, or other updates indicates an engaged and active agency committed to staying current and relevant.
Look at their past and current work on their portfolio. The graphic design portfolio offers an initial look into their work, helping determine if their style aligns with your needs. Reviewing their past designs and brand partnerships is a key indicator of a reliable graphic design agency.
Take a look at The Logo Creative’s Case Study Portfolio. It’s a comprehensive page showcasing the agency’s successful projects arranged by logo designs, brand identities, rebrands, logo redesigns, and graphic and web design work. Each category has multiple case studies that have thorough details of the challenge, the solution, and the project result.
Additionally, delve into case studies that reveal concrete results. For example, a design agency that significantly increased a client’s website click-through rates through a redesign demonstrates its effectiveness.
Technical Skills
In today’s tech-driven landscape, graphic design relies heavily on advanced software and tools. When selecting a graphic design agency, these technical skills are paramount:
- Web Design: Proficiency in CSS, HTML, and coding languages like JavaScript for effective web design.
- Graphic Design Software: Mastering tools such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, and Photoshop for visual content creation.
- Typography: Deep knowledge of fonts and typefaces to enhance text in design.
- Design Fundamentals: Understanding color theory, composition, balance, and visual hierarchy for effective design.
- UI/UX, Branding, Print: Expertise in user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, branding, and print design for diverse solutions.
- Vector Graphics: Skill in vector graphics software like Adobe Illustrator for high-quality, scalable graphics.
- 3D Modeling and Rendering: Proficient in working with 3D modeling and rendering software, such as 3ds Max and Corona, for creating detailed three-dimensional digital projects. This expertise enables the execution of complex designs and realistic visualizations in various digital contexts.
- Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with popular CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla for seamless website integration.
- Video Editing and Animation: Proficiency in video editing and animation software for multimedia content creation, including Adobe Premiere and After Effects.
These technical skills collectively equip a graphic design agency to excel in various design projects.
Industry Experience
The more diverse and experienced the agency, the better. It’s important to know which companies or businesses they’ve collaborated with. Sometimes, you might come across highly skilled graphic designers, but they need to gain more experience in your specific industry.
For example, if you’re a startup, seek a graphic design agency tailored to startups like Digital Uncut. If you’re in the B2B industry, opt for a B2B-centric agency like Moburst. A medical graphic design agency like Intrepy is a good choice in the healthcare sector. For service-oriented businesses like the legal sector, consider agencies like Pentagram, known for their work with esteemed law firms, showcasing a deep understanding of industry needs.
Choosing an agency with a proven track record in your industry ensures that their designs look visually appealing and convey a profound understanding of your niche. This enhances your brand identity and message effectiveness. It’s a strategic decision that guarantees a meaningful and lasting impact in the marketplace.
Communication and Constructive Criticism
In graphic design, two critical elements are vital for project success: effective communication and embracing constructive criticism.
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any client and design agency project. It requires strong listening and comprehension skills on both ends. This is crucial for several reasons:
- Client Collaboration: Your graphic design agency must understand your vision and brand messaging. They should actively listen and ask the right questions.
- Timely Updates: Effective communication ensures you receive project updates and drafts promptly.
- Feedback Integration: The agency should be receptive to your feedback.
Ideas and designs thrive through open and accessible communication channels, making agencies with these qualities the optimal choice.
In the creative process, accepting constructive criticism is equally indispensable. Graphic design often requires revisions, rework, and modifications. Only some initial designs are a hit; some ideas need fine-tuning, irrespective of the designer’s skills.
A good agency knows how to handle criticism and feedback gracefully. They accept client-requested changes and incorporate them without offense. This adaptability and responsiveness to feedback are hallmarks of top-notch designers.
Pricing
Cost is a crucial consideration when choosing a design agency. Budget constraints are a reality, but don’t make it your sole focus. Balance cost-effectiveness with quality. Here’s what to consider:
- Transparency: Seek agencies with clear pricing structures and avoid those with hidden fees or vague cost breakdowns.
- Value for Money: Examine the agency’s past work to ensure their pricing matches the quality of their designs. For example, if a web design agency charges more but delivers high-converting designs that boost your ROI, it’s a wise investment.
- Scalability: Think long-term. A design agency offering scalable pricing can handle your expanding marketing needs without steep cost increases.
- Package Customization: Some agencies offer flexible packages. You might start with a base fee for a logo and add extras like social media graphics or brochures as needed.
- Industry Standards: Understand industry-specific pricing norms. Resources like the Graphic Artists Guild offer insights into standard rates for various design services.
- Negotiation: Don’t be afraid to negotiate; many agencies are open to discussions and may offer discounts, particularly for long-term contracts.
- ROI Analysis: Remember, it’s not just about upfront cost but the return on investment. A lower-priced agency may cost more if their designs don’t yield results in the long run.
Navigating Your Decision: Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Graphic Design Agency
Savvy digital marketers, discerning marketing managers, and astute business owners understand the importance of a strategic partnership with a graphic design agency. To guide your selection process, consider the following questions:
Experience Matters
- How long have you been in business?
- What’s your level of experience in the field?
- Can you provide examples of your work and portfolio to demonstrate your expertise?
Industry Relevance
- Have you worked with clients in my specific industry or a similar one?
- Can you show me relevant projects you’ve handled?
Ownership of Artwork
- What is the ownership arrangement for the design work upon completion?
Software Proficiency
- Which design software and design tools are you proficient with?
- Do you use industry-standard software for design projects?
Efficient Timelines
- What is the typical timeline for completing a design project?
- Can you provide a detailed proposal outlining the project’s start-to-finish timeline?
Designer Transparency
- Who will be working on my project?
- Do you have an in-house team, or do you outsource your designers?
- Can you share their portfolio and their track record with deadlines?
Sustaining Creativity
- How do your designers stay creative?
- How do you ensure your designs remain fresh and aligned with market demands?
Revisions and Changes
- What is your policy regarding revisions and change requests?
- Do you have a minimum change order or any additional charges for revisions?
Project Deliverables
- What file types do you recommend for archiving and future use?
- What training or instructions will you provide regarding source files?
Final Thoughts
There you have it, our picks for the top graphic design agencies in the industry right now — and bonus insights on what to look for in a graphic design agency. No matter what you’re looking for, these agencies have your graphic design needs covered, and most can offer you a complete marketing experience to get great results. If you’re interested in building a cohesive, branded experience for your customers, the graphic design agencies on this list can make it happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a graphic design agency do?
A graphic design agency creates visual content, like logos, brochures, websites, and marketing materials, to enhance brands and connect businesses with their audience.
What is the biggest design agency in the world?
Pentagram stands as the world’s largest independently owned design studio, with equal ownership and management shared among its 25 partners.
Who are some of the top graphic design agencies in London?
You can, for example, check out Charlie Smith Design or Pearlfisher. Charlie Smith Design boasts more than 18 years of experience and offers a wide range of graphic design services that include book design, packaging and identity design. Pearlfisher is an independent graphic design agency with offices in London and boasts over 20 years of experience. Their team can help brands to connect with the changing desires and needs and bring their ideas to life through experiences.
Who are some of the best graphic design agencies in New York?
You can, for example, look at Starfish and Happy Cog. Starfish is an independent branding agency that can help you to build, deliver and maintain your brand experience. Their services include marketing, consulting, advertising and branding. Happy Cog is a full-service digital agency and offers services that include design, analytics, optimization, marketing and promotion.
Who are some of the top graphic design agencies for smaller businesses?
2Novas and BMG Media Co. are two of the top graphic design agencies that regularly work with smaller businesses. While 2Novas concentrates mainly on digital advertising and video, they boast a skilled graphic design team that can take care of daily graphic design needs like fliers, banners, Facebook post graphics and brochures. BMG Media Co. boasts more than 10 years of experience and works with different industries such as real estate, healthcare and restaurants. In addition to graphic design, they also offer content management.
Are there any good graphic design agencies in Chicago?
Chicago has a number of top graphic design agencies. You can, for example, check out ArtVersion®, VerdanaBold and Leo Burnett. In fact, Leo Burnett is one of the oldest and biggest graphic design agencies. The agency was founded in 1935 and currently boasts 85 offices in more than 69 countries. They offer many services that also include data and analytics, eCommerce and strategic planning. While VerdanaBold is a much smaller and younger agency, they are also rated as one of the top graphic design agencies.
About the Author
Writer
Jacinda Santora is a copywriter, marketing consultant, and owner of JMS Copy. She enjoys using her SEO expertise combined with experience in and a deep love for all things marketing to create high-quality marketing-related content
