Upwork Graphic Design Review For 2025

Category: Graphic Design
Upwork is one of the most popular DIFM (Do It For Me) platforms for hiring freelance graphic designers. This user-friendly marketplace connects clients with talented professionals specializing in graphic design. Whether you need logos, marketing materials, or web design, Upwork offers a wide range of graphic design freelancers. With detailed profiles, portfolios, and client reviews, finding the right designer is easy. The platform’s secure payment system and streamlined communication tools make collaboration seamless, ensuring your creative projects are handled efficiently. For businesses seeking top-tier design expertise, Upwork is a go-to solution. In this Upwork review, I'll discuss pricing, features, and performance.
Company:Upwork Inc.

Upwork Graphic Design Plans & Pricing

Marketplace
$0
+ 5% service fee
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Business basic
$0
+ 10% service fee
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Enterprise
Custom pricing
/mo
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Upwork Comparison

Expert Review

4.1
Price
4.5
Ease Of Use
4.5
Features
3.5
Support
4.0

Pros

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Protection for both client and freelancers
v-pro
Numerous freelance graphic designers to choose from
v-pro
Can be filtered to find specialists for niche projects
v-pro
Review system for both freelancers and clients

Cons

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Unqualified candidates may apply to a job posting
x-con
Charges many fees
x-con
Discourages working with freelancers outside the platform

Upwork Graphic Design's Offerings

Upwork pricing plans are tailored to the needs of both clients (businesses) and freelancers.

For Clients (businesses):

Marketplace Plan: This plan allows clients to hire freelancers with a service fee of 5% on all payments made to freelancers for fixed-price and hourly projects, Project Catalog projects, bonuses, and BYO contracts. Eligible ACH payments are discounted to 3%. Additionally, a contract initiation fee is charged per contract.

Business Plus Plan: Designed for businesses seeking enhanced support and features, this plan includes a 10% service fee on all payments to freelancers. Eligible ACH payments are discounted to 8%. There is no contract initiation fee with this plan. 

Enterprise Plan: For large organizations requiring customized solutions, Upwork offers the Enterprise plan with tailored features and pricing. Interested clients can contact Upwork’s sales team for a pricing estimate.

 

Customer Support

As a frequent user of Upwork, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with their customer support team on several occasions. The platform offers a range of support options, including live chat, email, and a detailed help center with articles that address common issues. I’ve found their graphic design freelancer support resources particularly useful, such as guides for managing contracts and resolving disputes with graphic designers.

When I had questions about payment security, the support team responded promptly and provided clear guidance, which helped me feel confident using the platform. Additionally, the community forums are a great place to connect with other users and exchange tips on hiring graphic designers or navigating Upwork’s features. While I wish response times were faster during busy periods, Upwork’s robust support system ensures I always find the help I need to keep my projects on track.

Upwork customer support

Features & Functionality

General Features

Upwork has a huge selection of features and services that make working through the platform easy and efficient. I’ll list them all here, and then discuss the ones that I have found most useful:

Talent

  • Access to Upwork’s global work marketplace
  • Talent ID verified
  • Verified freelancer work history and reviews on Upwork
  • Top Rated and Rising Talent search filter
  • Expert-Vetted talent
  • Diversity-certified talent

Support and On-Demand Services

  • Customer support
  • Premium 24/7
  • Talent shortlisting services
  • On-demand coaching for hiring and managing contracts
  • Program management
  • Dedicated account manager

Collaboration and Project Tracking

  • Chat, share files, and make voice and video calls
  • Teams and member permissions settings
  • Timesheets, time tracker, work diary
  • Advanced Reporting
  • AI-Powered Features
  • Job post generator (Beta)
  • Best Match insights (Beta by waitlist)

APIs and Integrations

  • API access
  • Single sign-on (SAML SSO)
  • Vendor Management Systems (SAP Fieldglass, Workday Vndly, Flextrack)
  • Applicant Tracking Systems
  • Spend Management Systems
  • Human Resources Information Systems

Governance

  • Payment protection and disputes
  • Purchase orders
  • Net 30 payment terms
  • Custom talent onboarding plans
  • Hiring pre-approvals workflow
  • Compliance Worker Protection Program (WPP)
  • Automated payroll services

 

Verified Freelancer Work History and Reviews on Upwork

When hiring on Upwork, I rely heavily on the platform’s verified work history and reviews. Each freelancer’s profile showcases their past projects, client feedback, and ratings, providing me with a clear understanding of their capabilities and reliability. This transparency has been instrumental in building trust and making informed hiring decisions.

Top Rated and Rising Talent Search Filter

Upwork’s search filters for Top Rated and Rising Talent have been invaluable in identifying high-quality freelancers. The Top Rated badge signifies consistent excellence and client satisfaction, while the Rising Talent badge highlights promising professionals who have shown great potential on the platform. Utilizing these filters has streamlined my search for competent freelancers.

rising talent Upwork

Expert-Vetted Talent

Engaging with Upwork’s Expert-Vetted talent has been a game-changer for my projects. These freelancers have undergone a rigorous pre-screening process, representing the top 1% of talent on the platform. Their expertise and professionalism have consistently exceeded my expectations, ensuring high-quality outcomes for complex tasks.

Diversity-Certified Talent

I appreciate Upwork’s commitment to promoting diversity by offering access to diversity-certified talent. This feature allows me to connect with freelancers from various backgrounds, fostering inclusive collaboration and bringing diverse perspectives to my projects.

On-Demand Coaching for Hiring and Managing Contracts

Upwork’s on-demand coaching services have been a valuable resource in enhancing my hiring strategies and contract management. The personalized guidance has equipped me with best practices, enabling more effective collaborations and successful project outcomes.

Program Management

Managing multiple projects simultaneously became more efficient with Upwork’s program management tools. The centralized dashboard provides an overview of all ongoing contracts, deadlines, and budgets, allowing me to oversee progress and make informed decisions seamlessly.

Collaboration and Project Tracking

Upwork’s collaboration and project tracking features have streamlined communication and task management. The integrated tools facilitate real-time updates, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and project milestones are met promptly.

Chat, Share Files, and Make Voice and Video Calls

The platform’s communication suite, including chat, file sharing, and voice/video calls, has been essential for seamless interactions with freelancers. These features have enabled clear and efficient communication, fostering strong working relationships and timely project completion.

Timesheets, Time Tracker, Work Diary

Upwork’s Time Tracker is a desktop application that records time spent on hourly contracts. It captures screenshots at regular intervals, logs keystrokes and mouse activity levels, and allows freelancers to add descriptive memos for each time segment. This data populates the Work Diary, providing clients with a transparent view of work progress and ensuring accurate billing. The Timesheets feature compiles this information into organized reports, facilitating efficient budget management and project oversight.

Upwork work diary

Reporting

The reporting features on Upwork offer insightful analytics on project performance, freelancer productivity, and financial expenditures. These reports have been instrumental in evaluating outcomes and planning future projects effectively.

AI Job Post Generator

Upwork’s AI-powered job post generator has simplified the process of creating detailed and engaging job listings. By inputting key requirements, the AI suggests optimized descriptions, attracting suitable candidates more efficiently.

Vendor Management Systems (SAP Fieldglass, Workday Vndly, Flextrack)

Upwork has established partnerships with leading Vendor Management Systems (VMS) such as SAP Fieldglass, Workday VNDLY, and Flextrack. These integrations enable enterprises to seamlessly source, hire, and manage independent talent alongside their existing workforce. By connecting Upwork’s extensive talent pool with these VMS platforms, businesses can centralize procurement processes, ensure compliance, and enhance operational efficiency.

Applicant Tracking Systems

Upwork’s compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems has enhanced our recruitment workflow. We can seamlessly import candidate information, track application statuses, and manage communications within our existing HR infrastructure.

Spend Management Systems

Integrating Upwork with our Spend Management Systems has provided better oversight of project expenditures. This alignment ensures that all freelancer payments are tracked and reconciled with our financial systems, promoting fiscal responsibility.

Human Resources Information Systems

Integrating Upwork with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) allows organizations to manage freelancer data alongside full-time employee records. This unified approach aids in resource planning, performance tracking, and organizational development, ensuring that all talent is effectively aligned with company objectives.

Custom Talent Onboarding Plans

Upwork’s platform supports the development of Custom Talent Onboarding Plans, enabling businesses to tailor the integration process for freelancers. This customization ensures that independent contractors are well-acquainted with company culture, project expectations, and workflows from the outset, leading to improved collaboration and project success.

These features collectively enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of managing freelance talent through Upwork, providing businesses with the tools necessary for successful project execution.

Hiring Pre-Approvals Workflow

Implementing Upwork’s hiring pre-approvals workflow has added a layer of governance to our recruitment process. This feature ensures that all hiring decisions are vetted and authorized, maintaining compliance with internal policies.

Compliance Worker Protection Program (WPP)

Participating in Upwork’s Compliance Worker Protection Program has provided assurance that our engagements with freelancers adhere to legal and ethical standards. This commitment to compliance mitigates risks associated with labor regulations.

Automated Payroll Services

Upwork’s automated payroll services have simplified the payment process to freelancers. Timely and accurate payments are processed without manual intervention, reducing administrative burden and ensuring freelancer satisfaction.

Portfolio & Experience

With more than 300,000 graphic designers available on the Upwork platform, there is no shortage of options for freelancers to take on your graphic designers. There are both beginners and advanced freelancers with various areas of specialization to choose from. You can specify desired skill set and level in a job posting.

Design Process

The process of hiring a graphics designer on Upwork is relatively straightforward. Upwork gives you two options for this. Option one is to post a job listing and wait for freelancers to respond to it. The alternative approach is to search their profiles directly and reach out to selected freelancers by sending an invite. 

v-pro
API
x-con
Templates
x-con
Image Database
v-pro
Collaboration Tools
x-con
Content Import/Export
x-con
Content Management
x-con
Edits Vector & Raster Graphics
x-con
Touch Interface Support
x-con
Pro-Level Typography
x-con
Print Management
x-con
Publishing / Sharing
x-con
Multi-Channel Marketing
v-pro
Multi-Language
v-pro
Multiple Format Support
x-con
Social Promotion
v-pro
Third Party Integrations
v-pro
Engagement Analytics

Advanced Features

Document Storage

As a user of Upwork, I’ve found the document storage features highly convenient for managing project files. The platform allows me to upload, share, and organize important documents directly within the project workspace. This eliminates the need for external file-sharing tools and keeps everything centralized, ensuring that all project stakeholders have access to the latest files without delays or confusion.

Access Controls/Permissions

Upwork’s access controls provide me with the ability to manage permissions for team members and freelancers. I can specify who has access to certain files, communications, or project details, ensuring sensitive information is only available to authorized individuals. This feature adds a layer of security to my projects, making collaboration safe and efficient.

Freelancer Screening & Profiles

One of the standout features of Upwork is the detailed freelancer profiles. I can screen candidates by reviewing their work history, ratings, client feedback, and portfolios. This comprehensive view helps me quickly identify the most qualified graphic design freelancers, saving time and improving the likelihood of a successful hire.

Search/Filter

The search and filter tools on Upwork make finding the right talent straightforward. I can refine my search based on criteria like skills, hourly rate, location, and job success score. For graphic design projects, these filters allow me to narrow down a large pool of candidates to those who best match my needs, speeding up the hiring process.

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Animation
v-pro
Document Storage
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Access Controls/Permissions
v-pro
Freelancer Screening & Profiles
v-pro
Search/Filter

Performance:

As a frequent user of Upwork, I’d evaluate its performance based on several key metrics that affect my experience:

  • Ease of Use: The platform is intuitive and straightforward, allowing me to quickly post jobs, browse profiles, and manage contracts. However, navigating through a large pool of applicants can occasionally feel overwhelming.

  • Freelancer Quality: Upwork offers access to a diverse range of talented graphic design freelancers, but the quality varies. Detailed profiles and client reviews help me identify the best candidates, though screening can be time-consuming.

  • Search and Filtering: The search functionality is robust, with filters that help me narrow down candidates by skills, rates, and experience. This saves time and ensures I find freelancers who match my project requirements.

  • Communication Tools: Upwork’s messaging system is reliable, with features like file sharing, video calls, and chat threads that keep collaboration seamless. I’ve had no major issues with lag or dropped connections during discussions with freelancers.

  • Payment and Security: The escrow payment system ensures that funds are only released when milestones are met, providing a secure and stress-free experience. Transactions are processed quickly, and I can track all financial activities through the platform.

  • Project Management: I appreciate features like time tracking and detailed reporting, which give me insights into the progress of ongoing tasks. This helps me stay on top of deadlines and ensures transparency.

  • Platform Stability: Upwork is generally stable, with minimal downtime. Any maintenance or disruptions are communicated in advance, which I find professional and considerate.

Overall, Upwork performs well as a marketplace for hiring graphic designers, though there’s room for improvement in filtering unqualified applicants and streamlining the hiring process. Its security, ease of use, and collaboration tools make it a reliable platform for managing freelance projects.

Ease Of Use:

As a client on Upwork, I find the platform’s interface straightforward and user-friendly. Posting a job is simple, and I appreciate the access to a vast pool of talented graphic design freelancers. However, I’ve noticed that the abundance of applicants can be overwhelming, and not all are equally qualified. Sifting through numerous proposals to identify the best fit for my project can be time-consuming. To streamline this process, I focus on reviewing detailed profiles, portfolios, and client feedback, which helps me make more informed hiring decisions.

For more insights on hiring high-quality freelancers on Upwork, you might find the following video helpful:

Uniqueness:

Upwork stands out with unique features like the Project Catalog™, which allows clients to purchase predefined projects, and the Talent Marketplace™, enabling job postings and competitive bidding from freelancers.

For freelancers, the platform offers a Plus Membership with perks like a custom profile URL and private earnings.

Upwork also integrates AI tools, enhancing project scoping and team-building capabilities. These innovative features, combined with its diverse pool of talented graphic design freelancers and seamless workflow tools, make Upwork a go-to platform for businesses and individuals seeking high-quality graphic design services.

Verdict:

Considering the large volume of users, Upwork is arguably one of the best marketplaces to find a freelance graphic designer to work on your project. It is a simple and easy-to-use platform with loads of advanced features to help find the best freelancer for you. Upwork also offers a robust payment protection system that is suitable for both freelancers and clients. There are both experienced and newbie freelancers on this platform, making the screening process a bit cumbersome. However, Upwork has tools and features that may help you simplify this process.

User Review

4.0
5
1 Users
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4
1 Users
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3
1 Users
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2
0 Users
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1
0 Users
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Write a review
Leave a review, help others get it right the first time.
logoWrite a Review
3 Reviews
1-10 employees
Used for: 1-2 years
01 Jun - 2021
My designs turned out perfect!
Upwork made pairing my needs with a freelancer so easy and streamline.
Like:
  • The graphic designer I hired was professional, efficient, and experienced. Their work profile gave good enough insight into their capabilities. Thus, I felt confident working with them. The results were impressive.
1-10 employees
Used for: 2+ years
31 May - 2021
Unique and Successful
In my eyes, this site is a gamechanger. Very happy to have discovered Upwork and its amazing platform for forming work relations. The customer support team is also impeccable!
Like:
  • International platform that creates a safe place for professionals to converse, trade, and sell their design services.
Dislike:
  • Takes good amount of time to find the best match for the work that you need done.
11-50 employees
Used for: 1-2 years
12 May - 2021
Love Upwork!
Upwork is a fantastic platform to find skilled designers and freelancers. The working relation you form through upwork is reliable and proves to produce high end work in quick turnover times.
Like:
  • Many great individuals to choose from. I am working with numerous designers for multiple projects. My customers are happy with the final outputs.
Dislike:
  • There are downtimes on the site every once in a while. Normally this wouldn't and shouldn't impede on workflow. However, I am in constant convo and strict deadlines with freelancers so it can impact the process.
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