11 Graphic Design Packages Compared: Which Ones Actually Sell Like Hotcakes?

If you’re selling graphic design services, you know that packaging your offerings the right way makes all the difference between crickets and a full calendar. But which packages actually convert browsers into buyers? In this list, we’ll compare eleven high-performing design packages, weighing their strengths against their weaknesses so you can see what works, what doesn’t, and which approach might fit your business best. Whether you’re looking at marketplaces, done-for-you services, or DIY platforms, this breakdown will help you make an informed choice.

1. Legiit: Marketplace Flexibility Versus Commission Costs

   Legiit offers graphic designers a platform where you can list multiple service packages and reach clients actively searching for design help. The major advantage here is flexibility. You control your pricing, service tiers, and delivery timelines, which means you can test different packages without rebuilding a website or sales funnel.

   On the trade-off side, Legiit takes a percentage of each sale as a platform fee. You also compete with other designers, so standing out requires strong reviews and clear package descriptions. For designers who want quick market access without building their own client base from scratch, this balance of reach versus cost often makes sense. The platform handles payment processing and dispute resolution, which removes administrative headaches but does mean you’re working within their system rather than owning the full client relationship.

2. Fiverr Pro: Premium Positioning Versus Entry Barriers

   Fiverr Pro puts you in a vetted category that signals higher quality to buyers. Clients who filter for Pro sellers are usually willing to pay more and have bigger budgets. This positioning can justify higher package prices and attract better projects than the standard marketplace.

   The downside is getting accepted into Fiverr Pro in the first place. The application process is selective, and not everyone gets approved. Even once you’re in, you still pay platform fees, and the Pro label doesn’t eliminate competition entirely. If you can meet the entry requirements, the trade-off often pays off. If you’re just starting out or lack a strong portfolio, this option may not be accessible yet.

3. 99designs: Contest Model Versus Spec Work Risks

   99designs lets clients run design contests where multiple designers submit work, and the client picks a winner. For designers, this can mean exposure to clients with real budgets who are willing to pay for quality. Winning a contest can lead to repeat work and build your portfolio quickly.

   The obvious trade-off is spec work. You invest time creating designs with no guarantee of payment. If you don’t win, that effort goes unrewarded. Some designers thrive in this competitive environment and use it to land high-value clients. Others find it frustrating and prefer guaranteed payment models. The contest format works best if you’re confident in your skills and can produce work quickly without burning out.

4. Upwork: Hourly Versus Fixed-Price Flexibility

   Upwork allows you to offer both hourly and fixed-price packages, giving you the ability to structure services based on project complexity. Hourly rates work well for ongoing relationships or projects with unclear scope, while fixed packages appeal to clients who want predictable costs.

   The challenge is that Upwork charges fees that decrease as you earn more with a single client, which means early projects carry higher costs. You also need to invest time in proposals, and competition can drive prices down. The platform’s flexibility is a strength, but it requires active management. Designers who are comfortable with client communication and proposal writing tend to do well here, while those who prefer passive income streams may find it demanding.

5. Design Pickle: Subscription Predictability Versus Creative Limits

   Design Pickle offers clients a subscription model where they get unlimited design requests for a flat monthly fee. For designers who work with Design Pickle, this means steady work and predictable income. You’re not chasing clients or worrying about dry spells.

   The trade-off is that you work within their system and pricing structure, with less control over individual project rates. The volume can be high, and turnaround expectations are tight. Some designers appreciate the stability and the removal of sales and client management. Others feel constrained by the production-line nature of the work. If you value consistency over variety and don’t mind working within established guidelines, this model can be a good fit.

6. Canva Pro: DIY Empowerment Versus Designer Displacement

   Canva Pro packages aren’t for selling your services directly, but they’ve changed the market by empowering non-designers to create passable graphics. For designers, this means you’re now competing with clients who might choose to do it themselves. That’s a real challenge, especially for basic projects like social media posts or simple flyers.

   However, Canva also creates opportunities. Many designers now offer Canva template design as a service, creating custom templates clients can reuse. This package type sells well because it combines professional design with client flexibility. The trade-off is shifting from full-service design to a more product-based offering. If you’re willing to adapt your services to include template creation, Canva’s popularity can work in your favor rather than against it.

7. Dribbble Pro: Portfolio Showcase Versus Active Sales Effort

   Dribbble Pro gives you an enhanced portfolio presence and access to a job board where clients post design projects. The platform is respected in the design community, and having a strong Dribbble presence can boost credibility. Clients who find you here often appreciate good design and are willing to pay for it.

   The downside is that Dribbble is more of a showcase than a direct sales platform. You still need to actively apply for jobs or wait for clients to reach out. It’s not a marketplace where transactions happen as smoothly as on other platforms. For designers who want to build their brand and attract premium clients over time, Dribbble works well. For those who need immediate cash flow, it’s better used alongside more transactional platforms.

8. Toptal: Elite Access Versus Rigorous Screening

   Toptal positions itself as a network of the top 3% of freelancers, including graphic designers. If you’re accepted, you gain access to high-budget clients who are willing to pay premium rates. The vetting process signals quality, so clients trust they’re getting top-tier talent.

   The trade-off is one of the most demanding application processes in the freelance world. Most applicants don’t make it through. Even if you do, Toptal takes a cut of your earnings, though the rates are typically high enough to offset this. This option makes sense for experienced designers with strong portfolios and interview skills. If you’re still building your reputation, other platforms offer easier entry points.

9. Creative Market: Product Sales Versus Service Work

   Creative Market lets you sell design assets like templates, fonts, and graphics rather than offering custom services. This shifts your business model from client work to product creation. Once a product is listed, it can generate passive income without ongoing client management.

   The trade-off is upfront effort with uncertain returns. Creating a product that sells well takes time, and there’s no guarantee it will find buyers. You also compete with thousands of other creators, so marketing and quality matter. For designers who enjoy creating reusable assets and want to build a product library, this can be lucrative. For those who prefer the interaction and specificity of client work, it may feel too hands-off.

10. Behance: Adobe Integration Versus Limited Monetization

    Behance offers portfolio hosting with strong integration into Adobe’s ecosystem. It’s a great place to showcase work, connect with other creatives, and get featured in curated galleries. The visibility can lead to client inquiries and job offers.

    However, Behance doesn’t facilitate direct sales or payments. It’s a portfolio platform, not a marketplace. You’ll need to handle client communication, contracts, and payments separately. For designers already using Adobe tools, the integration is smooth, and the exposure can be valuable. But if you’re looking for a platform that handles transactions and client management, Behance alone won’t meet that need. It works best as part of a broader strategy rather than a standalone sales channel.

11. Envato Studio: Curated Quality Versus Limited Volume

    Envato Studio is a curated marketplace where designers can offer services after being approved. The curation process means less competition than open platforms, and clients often associate Envato with quality because of its other products like ThemeForest.

    The trade-off is lower traffic compared to bigger marketplaces. Fewer buyers means fewer opportunities, even if the quality of those opportunities is higher. Envato also takes a commission on sales. For designers who value a more selective environment and don’t mind slower but steadier sales, this can be a comfortable middle ground. Those who thrive on high volume and rapid turnover might find it too quiet.

12. Your Own Website: Full Control Versus All Responsibility

    Selling design packages directly from your own website gives you complete control over pricing, branding, client experience, and profit margins. There are no platform fees, no middlemen, and no algorithm changes to worry about. You own the entire client relationship and can build a business exactly the way you want.

    The trade-off is that you’re responsible for everything. Marketing, payment processing, customer service, legal terms, and technical maintenance all fall on you. Building traffic takes time and often requires investment in advertising or content marketing. For established designers with an existing audience, this is often the most profitable long-term option. For those just starting out, the upfront effort and ongoing management can feel overwhelming. Many designers use a hybrid approach, listing on marketplaces while building their own site in parallel.

Each of these graphic design package options comes with its own set of benefits and compromises. Marketplaces offer quick access to clients but charge fees and limit your control. Product-based platforms can generate passive income but require upfront work with no guaranteed payoff. Premium networks pay well but have high barriers to entry. The best choice depends on where you are in your career, how much control you want, and whether you prefer steady work or higher margins. Many successful designers don’t pick just one. They combine platforms to balance stability with growth, using marketplaces for consistent income while building their own brand on the side. Whatever you choose, understanding these trade-offs helps you make decisions that align with your goals rather than chasing every opportunity that comes along.