Penji is unlike the other creative platforms you may use. Penji is a creative agency where you pay a monthly fee for unlimited design projects. Unlike other platforms, Penji does not run design contests and instead picks out the best designer from their talent to complete your project.
Design Service Reviews
My Honest Review of Penji [Updated for 2024]
Table of Contents
Penji Overview
What is Penji?
Penji is unlike the other creative platforms you may use. Penji is a creative agency where you pay a monthly fee for unlimited design projects. Unlike other platforms, Penji does not run design contests and instead picks out the best designer from their talent to complete your project. The best part is you can request as many revisions as you want until you are 100% satisfied with the final design.
How does Penji work?
How it works
The process at Penji may look different compared to what you normally see with other creative platforms. Despite the differences, the process is still efficient.
- Create a design project – The first step is creating a design project. You need to fill out a simple form where you can add information and attachments about your needs. The graphic designers use this form to start working on your design, so make sure to include as much information as possible. As a bonus, with Penji, you can submit as many of these as you want.
- Penji assigns the best designer – Once you fill out the design project form, Penji will comb through their talent pool to find the best designer for the job. Once you have an assigned graphic designer, you can communicate with them as much as you want. You can expect the first draft in 24 – 48 hours.
- Review drafts and request revision – Penji promises the first draft within 24 – 48 hours. At this stage, you can request as many revisions as you want. You can communicate feedback directly to the assigned designer and work with them until you have a final product that satisfies your needs 100%.
Penji Logos
Penji specializes in graphic design, illustration, and animation, so the logo concepts they produce are top-notch. They operate differently than other creative platforms, but the quality of designs should remain the same. If you are looking for a design contest to find your logo, you need to look at different options. Penji does not offer design contests.
If you are looking for a one-time project for a logo, you may want to look elsewhere. Penji appears to operate more like an agency and provide year-round creative service for graphic design at a cheaper price than a full-time employee. If you regularly are reworking your logo or adding it to various other artwork, Penji may be the smarter option.
- Logo
- Infographics
- Websites
- Landing Pages
- Apps
- Print Materials
- TShirts
- Social Media
- Illustrations
It is for All
How Much is Penji?
Do not be surprised when Penji’s prices seem significantly higher. Their prices reflect their more agency-based service. When you sign up with Penji, you have access to unlimited design projects and brands. You pay a monthly fee for always having the creative service on standby until you need graphic design work done. Other services often charge you per project or design contest.
There are three levels of Penji’s service.
Pro (Basic Level) – This subscription is $399 per month and includes the following: unlimited design projects and brand, one designer, and two users. Another thing to note is that at this level, you can only submit graphic design projects. You cannot access illustrations or UX/UI. They offer a discounted price if you pay quarterly (10%) or yearly (15%).
Team (Intermediate Level) – This subscription costs $499 a month. At this level, you have access to everything in the Pro version but also website and app design, custom illustrations, and infographics. You also get an additional five users on your account. Penji advertises this package as the most popular. They also offer the same discounts if you pay quarterly or yearly.
Agency (Max Level) – With this package you will pay $899 per month but also receive many more benefits. You receive everything included in the team subscription but also two designers, ten users, and prioritized support. Prioritized support means you help requests will be screened more quickly than others.
While the prices at Penji may seem to be higher than other creative platforms but this is a subscription-based service, which means you will always have access to your designer as long as you pay the subscription fee. Also, keep in mind that your yearly cost, if you pay monthly, is still significantly less than what you or your company would pay a full-time graphic designer.
Penji also advertises that their services are not contract based, and that you can cancel at any time. They also offer a 15-day money back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with the service.
How Long Does Penji Take?
Penji guarantees a turnaround time of 24 – 48 hours for a first draft. That is one of the fastest turnaround times on the market. However, the time it takes to reach a final product ultimately relies on you. Penji lets you make as many revision requests as you want, so the final turnaround time depends on how many requests you make.
Penji Review
My “Expert” Opinion
Penji is a fantastic service if you have ongoing graphic design projects. The service pays for itself as long as you are utilizing it. Small and large companies can save money if they outsource their graphic design projects to Penji instead of hiring a full-time designer. Additionally, Penji pairs you up with one of their designers they think would be best for the job. Regularly working with a single or couple of designers means they will begin to become familiarized with the conventions and styles you want in your designs.
Penji does come with some drawbacks. If you are not regularly utilizing the service, you are losing money. Also, if maybe looking for services that Penji does not offer, like design contests. If none of these are deal-breakers when it comes to your creative needs, there are not many better options than Penji.
PROS of Penji
● You always have access to quality graphic design. Penji’s business model offers the most accessible service for graphic design among all the other platforms on the market.
● You will always get your design in 24 – 48 hours. The company guarantees a 24 – 48 turnaround time for a first draft all their project types. That is one of the fastest turnaround times offered.
● You often work with the same designer. Since Penji pairs you up with a designer they think is best for the job, you will regularly work with the same person. Often this leads to a working relationship where the artist begins to recognize conventions you like in your artwork and what to avoid. In other words, they become attuned to your specific needs.
● Their subscription-based service can replace a full-time employee. Penji works as a perfect substitute for a full-time employee, and it is cheaper. Even purchasing the most expensive package is cheaper than the salary of a full-time designer. Keep in mind that this advantage only applies if you frequently use the service. In other words, Penji is a great alternative if you have frequent graphic design projects.
CONS of Penji
● It is expensive. The prices are nothing to scoff at. They are higher than many of their competitors. However, the service is only expensive if you are looking for a one-off project or if you rarely need any graphic design work done. The value in this subscription-based service comes from using it frequently.
● There are no design contests. If you are looking for a design contest you should look elsewhere. Penji does not offer design contests as a part of their packages. You will be assigned on designer based on your needs.
● Penji picks your designer. If you want to examine credentials or experience yourself when picking a designer for your project, this company might not be for you. They chose the designer they think would be the best fit for your project.
● They only do graphic design. There are not many project types Penji can handle. They only do graphic design, illustration, and UX/UI. If you are looking for a service that handles a wide array of creative project types, you might want to look elsewhere.
Alternatives to Penji
There are many creative service companies on the market. Many offer different business models compared to Penji. Some do not use subscription-based services and offer features like design contests. This particular company would fit best with a small or large business that frequently needs graphic artwork with quick turnaround times.
Fequently Asked Questions
Is Penji Legit?
Yes. Penji is a large creative agency with features in Entrepreneur, Forbes, Inc., and Huff Post. They work with big brands like Rebook, Pepboys, and Express.
Is Penji worth it?
That all depends on how you use it! If you frequently have graphic design projects, then yes! If you have a one-off project maybe not.
Leave your own review of Penji!
Honest, accurate first hand reviews only. When possible please link to the project results you are leaving the review for.