There are two main compensation models:
- Time-based billing (service contract)
- Fixed-price per artwork (work contract)
Both models have their advantages and disadvantages, and finding the right approach is essential for maintaining quality and efficiency. This article explores the differences between these two models and how standardization and scalability can help make the artwork creation process more efficient and profitable for both sides.
The Problem: Time Consumption, Uncertainty, and Lack of Planning
The choice between time-based billing and per-piece pricing depends on the complexity of the task and the specific project requirements.
- Time-based billing is ideal when designs need to be flexible and highly customized. However, this model can be difficult to calculate and plan for both parties. It requires trust between client and designer, as the exact time investment is often hard to estimate.
- In practice, design projects can quickly get out of control when unexpected changes occur or the workload turns out differently than expected. Both parties should define in advance what constitutes additional workand when extra costs apply.
- On the other hand, per-piece pricing provides clarity and predictability—but only if clear design guidelines and standardization exist. Without consistent rules, errors can occur, leading to unnecessary time and effort. This results in more correction rounds and reduced efficiency.
When commissioning hundreds or thousands of artworks for multiple products in various formats, time-based billing can quickly become unmanageable and difficult to budget.
The Solution: Standardization and Scalability for Efficient Artwork Creation
To make the production of hundreds or thousands of artworks both profitable and efficient, introducing a scalable design system and maximum standardization is key. This approach helps simplify workflows, save time, and maintain quality.
1. Clear Design Guidelines and Standards: The more standardized the design process, the less room for interpretation. This minimizes misunderstandings and mistakes, allowing artworks to be created faster. Potential extra work can be quickly and transparently identified.
2. Systematic Approach for Faster Production: A structured system defines how elements should be positioned on packaging. This significantly reduces and prevents correction rounds. In large product portfolios with multiple variations and formats, a systematic approach helps standardize work and increase efficiency.
3. Scalability for Large Portfolios: For portfolios with hundreds or thousands of SKUs (Stock Keeping Units), a scalable design system offers huge time savings. With a scalable approach, artworks can be applied to thousands of formats without starting from scratch each time. Templates allow designers to quickly fill die-cut layouts with branding and content, accelerating the entire process.
4. Increased Motivation for Repetitive Work: Working with clearly defined standards and structured systems makes repetitive tasks less monotonous. This helps maintain focus for longer, reduces careless mistakes, and speeds up the design process. Learning new, efficient routines further enhances productivity.
Conclusion: More Efficiency and Fewer Corrections with Standardized Processes
Whether billing by time or per piece, success depends on clear design guidelines and a systematic approach. Scalable design provides a solution that benefits both clients and creatives.
By introducing standards and structured workflows, design projects can be completed faster and more efficiently, with fewer errors and corrections—ultimately ensuring higher-quality artworks.
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