Graphic Design in Pietermaritzburg

Two to three revision rounds per deliverable is the industry standard, stated in the brief or contract. 'Unlimited revisions' sounds generous but signals weak process and projects that stall. Consolidate all your feedback into each round rather than drip-feeding, and you'll get a better result faster.

Use a marketplace (Fiverr, 99designs) for a fast, cheap one-off where brand consistency doesn't matter much. Hire a freelancer for a defined project with a real conversation about your brand. Pay agency rates when you need strategy, multiple assets and accountability under one roof. Most small businesses start freelance and stay there.

No contract, no source files or copyright transfer, a portfolio of only personal/spec work with no real clients, 'unlimited revisions' with no defined scope, 100% up-front payment, and using stock or AI-generated art passed off as bespoke without disclosure. Recycled or lightly-edited template work sold as custom is another warning sign.

Fixed price for a defined deliverable (a logo, a brochure) protects both sides; hourly suits open-ended or ongoing work. Standard structure is a 30-50% deposit with the balance on delivery — never pay 100% up front for creative work you haven't seen.

A logo is one mark; a brand identity is the whole system — logo variations, colour palette, typography, and usage guidelines that keep everything consistent. If you only ever need one graphic, buy a logo. If you'll produce ongoing materials, the identity package pays for itself by keeping every future asset on-brand.

Freelancers typically charge R300-800/hr, with logos commonly R2,500-12,000 and brand-identity packages R12,000-50,000+. Cape Town and Joburg studios sit at the top; skilled independents undercut them.