Design Retainers vs. One-Off Projects: What’s Best for Scaling Your Brand?
As a founder or marketing manager, you know the power of good design. But when it comes to actually getting the work done, a common question arises:
Should you invest in a design retainer or commission one-off projects as you need them?
While both approaches have their place, understanding the difference can have a huge impact on your brand's ability to grow consistently, react quickly, and deliver a professional presence across every customer touchpoint. Let’s break down the pros and cons of both approaches and help determine which is best for your business as you scale.
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What is a Design Retainer?
A design retainer is an ongoing partnership between your business and a creative agency (like Soley Creative), where you pay a monthly fee for access to a set number of design hours or in some instances, deliverables.
It’s ideal for businesses that need:
- Regular design support (think: social posts, email templates, product launches)
- Quick turnarounds
- A consistent, on-brand look and feel
- A design team that understands your business inside and out
Find out more about Retainers here
What are One-Off Design Projects?
One-off projects are standalone jobs, often for a specific campaign, rebrand, website or product launch. You pay for the work as you go, and the relationship is typically project-based and short-term.
This can work well for:
- New businesses testing the waters
- Occasional needs (like a single campaign or event)
- Larger projects with a clear beginning and end
The Benefits of a Design Retainer
It’s not just about making things look nice. Design directly affects buying behaviour.
1. Consistency and Brand Recognition
Working with the same team month after month means your brand stays visually consistent. Designers learn your voice, audience, and values – creating work that truly aligns with your goals.
2. Faster Turnarounds
Because retainer clients are prioritised, you can get assets turned around quickly—no waiting in line behind other one-off briefs.
3. Strategic Partnership
Your designer becomes an extension of your team, understanding the commercial objectives behind every piece of work. They can proactively recommend ideas that support growth, not just execute briefs.
4. More Cost-Effective Over Time
Monthly retainers often offer better value than ad hoc projects. You’re locking in support, avoiding rush fees, and ensuring your brand evolves consistently.
5. Headspace for You
No more scrambling to brief freelancers or find someone last-minute. With a design retainer, creative delivery is handled, so you can focus on strategy.
When One-Off Projects Might Make Sense
- You’re launching a business and aren’t sure what level of design support you’ll need
- You have budget constraints and need to spread costs
- You need a one-time brand refresh, website, or campaign
That said, many businesses that start with one-off projects soon move into a retainer once they realise the need for regular, reliable creative support.
Soley Creative Retainers: Designed for Growth
We offer flexible design retainers for fashion, lifestyle, and luxury retail brands who want to move fast, look consistent, and grow their business with confidence.
Our retainers often cover:
- Ongoing social and email design
- Website updates and landing pages
- Print design for lookbooks, events, packaging
- Design direction for launches and campaigns
And because we work closely with your brand, you benefit from a team that thinks commercially, designs with purpose, and has deep retail experience.
Choosing between a design retainer and one-off projects depends on where you are in your business journey, how often you need support, and what kind of results you’re aiming for.
If you’re looking for speed, consistency, commercial thinking, and a partner to grow with you—a design retainer may be the secret to scaling with ease.
Want to explore how a design retainer could work for your business? Let’s chat!
