How to get expert graphic design support on retainer without hiring full-time
Get expert graphic design support on retainer for your creative projects. Discover the benefits of hiring a contract graphic designer for your team without full-time overheads.
When you have a business, you need to market it. If you don’t tell people about your business, how will they know what you have to offer? Working with a graphic designer who knows your brand can be beneficial to your business and your potential clients. First off, let’s look at what is a retainer.
What is a client retainer?
A retainer is a contract agreement where the client works with a designer on a regular basis with set days within a month. This type of contract has advantages for both sides:
Consistency: the client has support throughout the month. The designer knows the client brand inside and out.
Priority: retainer clients have the advantage over ad hock clients. They will have priority as days have been agreed in the work month schedule
Costs-effectiveness: clients don’t need to cover overheads for a freelance graphic designer. Graphic designers come with their own equipment and can work remotely if needed. They are not on the company payroll.
Relationship building: working longterm with the client gives ad extra added bonus of knowing the clients brand and business.
Working out the type of work and scope
This is an important point to work out before starting with on a retainer basis. It is best for both sides to work out what is needed:
1. Identifying the needs
Determine the types of design services required, such as branding, marketing materials, web design or social media graphics. Assess the amount of work to estimate the number of hours needed each month.
2. Deliverables
Work out the specifics what is needed each month. Will it be set graphics per month or being sent briefs ad hock.
3. Communicating
Agree on the best way to contact each other (e.g. email or project management tools I use the content management software – Moxie). Also agree on when check-ins and deadlines are expected. When I do this with my clients it helps me plan my days and weeks ahead.
Case studies from retainer clients
Over the years, I have worked clients who have hired me on a contract retainer basis.
Client: Global Asset Management Firm
Challenge
A global asset management firm required ongoing design support for its marketing department, which regularly received briefs from multiple stakeholders across the organisation.
Approach
Began with a Zoom call to understand client needs and establish a working relationship
I was placed into the marketing department working remotely, providing direct support across multiple projects and teams
Flexible arrangement structured around time rather than fixed deliverables.
Solution
A three-day-per-week retainer, offering reliable availability and design expertise without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire.
Results
Consistent design support across multiple departments
Flexible working structure tailored to shifting priorities
Streamlined collaboration while working fully remotely
The team knew the hours I would be working on a week-to-week basis, so they could also plan their work flow around what design assets they needed.
Client: Publisher
Challenge
A publishing team required ongoing editorial design support, as well as technical expertise in the print process. Their existing setup of employing a full-time designer was proving costly and inflexible.
Approach
Initially introduced via an internal recommendation while contracting elsewhere in-house
Trial project completed successfully, leading to an ongoing contract role
Delivered both creative and technical design services, including:
Editorial design for print and digital
Production of high-resolution PDFs
Prepress preparation and liaising with printers
Marketing support (emails, adverts, brochures, website updates)
Solution
Worked on a retainer basis with a set number of days each month, providing flexibility and continuity without the cost of a full-time hire.
Results
Reduced design overheads while maintaining high-quality creative output
Working in the company editorial and marketing teams
Provided specialist knowledge of the print process, ensuring efficient and accurate production
Work with a graphic designer remotely on or site
You may be wondering, “How do I hire a graphic designer on retainer?” or asking yourself, “Where can I find a designer to work with my company on contract?”
I’m a London-based graphic designer working remotely, with extensive experience supporting clients on both retainer and contract agreements. This flexible approach allows us to structure the collaboration around your company’s needs, whether that’s committing to set days each month or working on an hourly, as-needed basis
Think of me as an extension of your team without the extra overheads. Let’s book a call to chat about your project.
Hi, I’m Ange.
If you need a graphic designer on your team and are tired of piecing things together, I can help – so you can focus on running your business. Many clients say I’m easy to work with, and I’d love to show you why!
Book a call with me, just hit the button below. 👇
