Design Service Reviews
My Honest Review of DesignJoy [Updated for 2024]
Table of Contents
DesignJoy Overview
DesignJoy is a popular solopreneur-run design company today that specializes in content such as apps, websites, logos, branding, slide decks, and more. Although it has been running for less than a decade, the company has already become a huge success. However, all these services are completed by one person and do not come without a cost.
The price of the subscription can be seen as high compared to other online design services, leaving some to wonder why they shouldn’t just hire a designer instead. So is DesignJoy really worth it? Let’s take a closer look.
What is DesignJoy?
How Does DesignJoy Work?
How it works
- (Optional) Book an intro call. For those interested in DesignJoys service and wanting to learn more, they can book a 15-minute intro call to learn how the subscription can benefit their business. Alternatively, they may send any questions they have to hello@designjoy.co for a same-day response before they get started.
- Choose a subscription plan. DesignJoy offers two membership plans — Standard and Pro. The Standard plan allows for one active request at a time, while the Pro plan allows two concurrent active requests.
- Sign up and pay. Design Joy uses for your subscription payment. The monthly subscription can be paid using Google Pay, Link, or by entering your card information.
- Submit design requests. DesignJoy uses Trello as its project management platform. Clients can submit any form of project brief as long as it can be shared with Trello. Some common ways include creating briefs directly through the website, recording a brief in Loom, or sharing Google Docs or Wireframes with Trello.
- Submit your design requests through Trello. You can submit unlimited requests, but depending on your plan, only one or two can be active at a time. When one is completed, the next project in the queue gets worked on.
- DesignJoy receives your design requests. Brett Williams, the founder, works on requests one by one. Most requests are completed in an average of 2 days or less. However, more complex requests or specialized tasks like animations or custom illustrations, may require more time or partner designers to be assigned.
- Communicate and provide feedback. Feedback concerning your design requests can also be provided through Trello. The agency also allows for unlimited revisions until the client is completely satisfied with the final product.
How Much is DesignJoy?
There are two different subscription options for DesignJoy. They offer a Standard membership plan and a Pro membership plan. The cost of the Standard membership plan is $4,995 per month and allows for one project request to be worked on at a time. The Pro membership plan costs $7,995 per month and allows for two requests to be worked on at a time, as well as unlimited users.
Billing cycles are based on 31-day periods. While subscriptions can be paused and resumed later, refunds are not available. Those with a single request may start their subscription and pause it once their project is completed.
It is for All
How Long Does DesignJoy Take?
Although the projects on the platform are all primarily done by the same person, they still offer quick turnaround times. DesignJoy boasts an average of 48 hours. Most projects are completed and sent back to the client within two days. However, the site also warns that some projects may take longer depending on their complexity.
This initial turnaround time does not include any revisions that may be requested after the project is completed. If revisions are requested, they may take additional time to complete. Also, the number of projects that can be worked on simultaneously is impacted by the user’s subscription plan. Users with a Standard subscription plan may receive one project back within the estimated two days or less, while users with a Pro subscription may receive two projects back within that same period of time.
Tips to Successfully Work with DesignJoy
Although DesignJoy itself is primarily one creative working on all clients’ projects and may not seem very complicated, there are some ways to take the experience a step further. By taking advantage of the platform’s additional offerings — such as the intro call, various ways to submit project briefs, unlimited revisions, and subscription pausing and resuming — you can make the most of your DesignJoy experience.
Follow these to get the best results from DesignJoy.
- Take advantage of the intro call. You can learn a lot in just 15 minutes. By scheduling a 15-minute intro, clients can see how the service would work for them and their pre-existing teams and workflow. This also gives them a better idea of how the platform works and whether it is or is not the right fit for them.
- Make detailed briefs for design requests. All design requests are done through Trello. Briefs can be created directly on the platform by sharing Google Docs, sharing Wireframes, or through recorded loom videos. No matter what option you choose, make sure the instructions clearly communicate your expectations and are properly linked to Trello to avoid using extra days in your subscription plan for revisions.
- Ask for revisions if you are unsatisfied. DesignJoy offers unlimited revisions on projects until clients are 100% satisfied. While this can take up extra time, it may be better to use the revisions rather than accepting a final product you are not happy with, not able to use, or have to restart entirely.
- Make sure you have enough projects to fill a month of work. Although you can pause and resume your subscription at any time, you can not cancel and receive back your money for the remainder of a month you do not use. With the steep price point the platform charges for their services, this could mean losing a lot of money. Before starting your subscription, make sure you already have many small projects or a few very large projects to fill an entire month, or if you have some upcoming projects, you could resume the subscription later down the line.
DesignJoy Review
My “Expert” Opinion
DesignJoy definitely has an appealing model for many higher-end business clients. They offer a range of options and quick turnaround times. However, there is one issue that could deter many people. If you are someone with a small to mid-sized business, the platform can become very expensive very quickly, especially if you only have a few small projects that need to be done.
Pros: Here’s what I like about DesignJoy
● The platform offers quick turnaround speeds. Even though Brett Williams alone does most of the work, most projects are usually fully completed and turned in to the client within 48 hours. Larger projects may take longer, but overall, the platform boasts a quick turnaround and completes projects in weeks faster than many other agencies.
● There is less need to source your own staff. Rather than spending months searching for staff members and having to train and pay each person separately, DesignJoy allows for all design projects to be completed in one place with just one monthly fee. These projects include landing pages, mobile apps, logos, branding, slide decks, Webflow, social media, icons, brand guides, blog graphics, and more.
● The platform has a unique pausing and resuming feature. Although there are many other platforms that allow users to cancel at any time, there are not many platforms that allow users to pause their subscription and resume at a later time without being charged for an additional month. This unique feature allows users to get the most out of the month they have paid for, and if they don't have a lot of projects to work on right away, they can pause their subscription and resume it later when they have more to work on without being charged extra.
● Project requests can be submitted ahead of time. Even if not all of the projects are being worked on at once, users can set up a queue of projects so they don’t have to add more at a later date. When one project is completed, the next project in the queue begins to be worked on automatically, creating less work for the client later on
Cons: Here are the only things I don’t like about DesignJoy
● It’s not the best for those who only want a few projects. Once a subscription is started, you will be paying $4,995 at minimum. While subscriptions can be paused and resumed later, refunds are not available, and the full monthly price must be paid. If there are no other projects later that should cause the subscription to be resumed, it is a hefty price for only completing a few projects.
● There are limited project types. Some projects DesignJoy is commonly used for include landing pages, mobile apps, logos, branding, slide decks, web flow, social media, icons, brand guides, and blog graphics. However, DesignJoy does not cover 3D modeling, animated graphics, document design, complex packaging, and extensive print design.
● The cost of the service is much higher than many competitors. $4,995 for the base-level subscription can be a lot, especially for newer businesses that are just starting to get their feet on the ground and are looking to have a website or other materials created. For those with limited funds, it may be better to try another service that offers services for paying per project, or that offers lower monthly rates.
● You can’t create custom teams. Since almost all of the work on the platform is done by the founder, Brett Williams, clients are unable to try out different team members and form a team of creatives that best suits their preferences and expectations. This is very different from other creative service agencies, such as Flocksy.
Alternatives to DesignJoy
If this is the case for you, consider these platforms:
- Penji – a subscription-based graphic design service. The platform promises the same quick turnaround at a fraction of the subscription cost. You also work with a variety of creatives instead of the same person for all projects sitewide. Subscriptions start at just $499 per month. However, web designs are not included until higher price points.
- Kimp – an unlimited graphic design and video design service. The service starts at $559 per month. However, they offer a half-price special for the first two months. Their extensive offerings include app design, graphic design, landing pages, web ads, logos, and more. There are no contracts, and they also boast quick turnaround times, usually ranging from one to four days, depending on the scope of the project.
- Flocksy – an on-demand creative services agency. This creative service agency also allows for one flat monthly rate for projects and fast turnaround times. Plans also start at just $499 per month and have options for complete web development services. By filling out quick briefs, users can start unlimited graphic design, web development projects, and much more. If they are unhappy with the final product, unlimited revisions are also included, as well as a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Fequently Asked Questions
Is DesignJoy legit?
Yes, DesignJoy is a legitimate platform for apps, websites, logos, and more. Billing cycles are based on a 31-day period, and unlimited projects can be queued during that time with an average turnaround of less than 48 hours once a subscription is started. However, there are no refunds once a subscription is started, and only one creative handles most projects sitewide.
Is DesignJoy worth it?
DesignJoy can be a great option for businesses with ongoing needs and a higher budget. The agency’s quick output of work can replace having to hire a designer. Unlike hiring a full-time employee, the subscriptions can be paused when they are not being used and resumed when a new project appears. The month-by-month subscription can also be canceled at any time.
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