Graphic Design Franchise: What to Expect

Graphic design plays a role in almost every business — it’s in the sign on the office door, the logo on the company stationery, and the images on the corporate website. And it isn’t just businesses that need the help of graphic designers. Government agencies, non-profit organizations, and parents announcing a child’s high school graduation all rely on graphic design to help them reach their audiences. That’s why the graphic design industry continues to grow. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own business and are wondering if a graphic or digital design franchise is a good fit for you, here are some things you’ll want to know.

What Services Does a Graphic Design Franchise Offer?

Graphic design companies help people promote ideas visually. For businesses, that usually means marketing a brand or a specific product, but almost everyone needs the assistance of a graphic designer at some point. If you’ve seen a name in stylish lettering on the back of a boat or used a printed napkin at a wedding, you’ve seen the work of a graphic design company. In fact, you see their work almost everywhere because they provide a lot of services:

• Graphic Design: From creating logos to implementing existing ones into a larger campaign, graphic design is the heart of the franchise. Designers use a logo or other art to devise signs, banners, car wraps, promotional materials, and much more. Additionally, graphic designers ensure that clients’ art files are preserved with the latest technology.
• Sign Installation: Even the most attractive signage won’t get noticed if it isn’t properly installed. A good graphic design franchise will provide expert installation for any sign it creates.
• Sign Refurbishment and Repair: All signs eventually require maintenance or an update. Whether a client wants to simply refresh an existing sign or swap out a changeable letter board for scrolling LED messaging, a graphic design company offers many options.
• Surveying and Permitting: Signage laws vary from town to town, but most municipalities require a permit for exterior sign installation. The graphic design company will research the signage laws in a client’s town and help prepare the sign application.

What’s a Typical Day Like for a Franchise Member?

For most business owners, no two days are exactly alike, and the same is true if you decide to buy a graphic design franchise. While your franchisor will have certain guidelines in place, such as what days and times your business will be open, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day operations of your store. As such, you’ll have to hire, train, manage, and pay your employees. Along with these employees, you’ll design graphics, signs, and displays, and you’ll determine which of these to produce in-house and which to outsource to trusted vendors. Your franchisor will promote your business through its marketing campaigns and websites, but you’ll be required to pursue sales leads through networking and by following up on referrals. Most of all, you’ll be interacting with customers on a daily basis, and, as a representative of your franchisor, you’ll need to provide the highest level of customer service possible.

Is a Graphic Design Franchise Profitable?

As mentioned above, graphic and digital design franchises serve multiple markets — businesses, hospitals, schools, private individuals, etc. It’s true that the graphic design industry (like so many others) saw a downturn in profits in 2020, but it rebounded in 2021 and actually grew by 4.1%. With people returning to work and school, hosting weddings, and holding concerts and fundraisers once again, the need for graphic designers is likely to surge even more.

How Do I Decide Which Graphic Design Franchise Is Right for Me?

When you begin researching graphics franchise opportunities, it’s important to choose a company whose core values align with your own. At Image360, we live by our core values every day and expect all of our franchise members to do the same. We’re ethical and trustworthy; we have a can-do attitude; we’re results-driven; we always respect others; we have a passion for being great. Most importantly, we put our franchise members first! If you’re interested in learning more about Image360 and our proven business model, submit a form today, and someone from our Franchise Development Team will contact you.