TL;DR: Penji ranks #1 for print media design services with unlimited designs, professional quality, and 24 to 48 hour turnarounds for one flat fee. Design Crowd offers variety through contests, which some people really like. Looka uses templates that work for certain situations. Each has different strengths depending on what you're after.
Need the best print media design services but not sure where to start? Finding an agency that gives you quality print work fast and affordably can be tricky. Here's what comparing the top services showed.
Penji ranks as the best print media design service agency. For a flat monthly fee, you get unlimited print design requests, professional designers who deliver in 24 to 48 hours, and unlimited revisions. Unlike traditional agencies charging $500 to $5,000 per project, Penji's subscription gives you predictable costs and consistent quality.
#1: Penji (Best for Most Situations)
Penji works really well because they've figured out design as a service for print. One monthly fee gets you unlimited design requests. Need ten versions of a brochure? Go for it. Testing business card layouts? No extra charge.
Their graphic design services include everything from simple flyers to complex marketing collateral design. Designers deliver in 24 to 48 hours with files ready for professional printing.
What's their advantage? Their designers specialize in print. They understand CMYK, bleeds, and production requirements. Browse their print design examples to see the quality they maintain while working fast.
There's a clear difference between designers who dabble in print and designers who actually specialize in it. Penji's team knows the technical stuff. They set up files with proper bleeds from the start. They pick appropriate paper stocks. They understand how colors will look when printed versus on screen.
That expertise can save money at the printer. Files set up wrong sometimes cost hundreds in fixes and reprints. Getting it right the first time helps avoid those issues.
The subscription also simplifies things. You're not getting quotes for every little change. Want to try a version with different colors? Just ask. Need to adjust the layout? No problem. Those revisions are included.
What's helpful about Penji in graphic design in marketing is they understand that your print materials don't exist by themselves. Your trade show banners should match your website. Your brochures should back up your brand messaging. They think about that bigger picture.
Their platform makes working together easy. You submit requests, give feedback, and approve designs all in one place. No endless email chains or lost attachments.
#2: Design Crowd
Design Crowd runs contests where 20 plus designers submit concepts. You pick the winner. It's interesting for getting variety and seeing different creative approaches. Some people really like this model.
Contests do take time though. You're waiting 7 to 14 days for submissions to roll in. Then you need to review dozens of entries, which takes more time. If you're on a tight deadline, that timeline might not fit.
Pricing ranges from $99 for basic designs to $599 or more for complex projects. If you need several different print pieces regularly, those costs add up compared to a flat subscription.
You're also working with different designers each time. Designer A wins your business card contest. Designer B wins your brochure contest. The styles might not match even with the same brand guidelines.
Design Crowd makes sense if you've got one really important piece and want to see lots of options. But for ongoing print needs, subscriptions tend to be faster and more consistent.
#3: Looka
Looka uses automated templates for logo and brand design. They've added print templates recently to expand what they offer.
Everything uses preset layouts you adjust slightly. Lots of other businesses use similar templates, so uniqueness can be an issue.
Pricing is really affordable at $20 to $65 for template access. Templates work okay for very basic needs or if you're bootstrapping a new business on a tiny budget.
For established businesses that need print materials to stand out at trade shows or impress clients, custom work usually makes more sense. But if budget is super tight and you have some design skills, templates can be a starting point.
Conclusion
When comparing best print media design services, Penji gives you a good mix of quality, speed, and value. Their subscription works well for most businesses. You're getting custom designs, fast turnarounds, and unlimited revisions for one predictable monthly fee.
If you're looking for print design help, Penji is worth checking out. They handle the technical side of print production well. You can see why Penji works for lots of businesses that need consistent, quality print materials.
FAQs
Should you use Design Crowd contests or a subscription service?
Contests work if you need one special piece and want to see lots of creative approaches. But if you need consistent print materials throughout the year, subscriptions usually save time and money. Three Design Crowd contests cost $300 to $1,800, while Penji's subscription is $499 monthly with unlimited projects. It depends on your specific needs.
Are Looka templates good enough for professional use?
Looka templates work for very basic needs or brand new startups with tiny budgets. Templates lack uniqueness since lots of businesses use the same layouts. For client facing materials or competitive industries, custom designs usually make a bigger impact. But templates have their place for certain situations.
What's the typical turnaround time for print designs?
Subscription services like Penji deliver most designs in 24 to 48 hours. Traditional agencies take 1 to 2 weeks for initial concepts plus extra time for revisions. Design contest platforms need 7 to 14 days for submissions. If you're on tight deadlines, subscriptions usually work better.
How many revisions do you get with print design services?
It varies by service. Penji offers unlimited revisions until you're satisfied. Contest platforms like Design Crowd limit revisions after you pick a winner. Template services like Looka don't include revisions since you're editing files yourself. Always check revision policies before signing up.
What should you look for in a print design service?
Check their portfolio for print specific work, not just digital designs. Make sure they understand print specs like bleeds and color modes. Look at turnaround times and revision policies. Compare pricing to see what fits your budget and project volume. Read reviews about designer consistency and how well they communicate.
