White Label vs Junior Designer

You know how in board games, you’ve got your simple games where you just draw cards, and then you’ve got your expert-level games where you’re trying not to get hit with a bat for talking like a caveman or strategically rescuing cats and kittens from islands?

Just me? OK, stay with me!

Junior designers and white-label designers are kind of like that—they’re both designers, but they serve totally different purposes in your business. A white label designer is not a junior designer. While both can be valuable additions to your business, they bring different skills and experience levels to the table.

When deciding between a white label designer and a junior designer, it all comes down to your business’s current needs, goals, and how much time and energy you have to invest in the process. Both options can be valuable, but their roles are not interchangeable.

Let’s break down what makes each one unique and figure out which one is right for you.

What is a Junior Designer?

Junior designers are just starting their design journey. Here’s what working with one looks like:

What You Get:

• Someone eager to learn and grow.
• Fresh perspectives on projects.
• Lower rates while they build experience.
• A chance to mentor someone.
• Support with basic design tasks.

What to Keep in Mind:

• They’ll need guidance and training.
• Projects take longer to complete.
• You’ll need to review their work closely.
• They’re still building their skillset.
• They might struggle with complex projects.

What is a White Label Designer?

Now, working with a white label designer is a whole different game. These are experienced designers who know exactly what they’re doing. Here’s the deal:

What You Get:

• Years of professional experience.
• Independent project management.
• Quick, efficient turnaround times.
• Advanced design capabilities.
• Work you can confidently present as your own.
• Someone who understands business strategy.

What to Keep in Mind:

• Higher investment (but faster ROI).
• Less hand-holding needed.
• Professional-level results every time.
• More availability for complex projects.
• Built-in processes that work.

So… Which One Do You Actually Need?

Consider a Junior Designer If:

• You’ve got time to mentor.
• You’re working with a smaller budget.
• Your projects are straightforward.
• You want to build a team long-term.
• You enjoy teaching others.

Consider a White Label Designer If:

• You need someone who can just get it done.
• You want expert-level work without the training time.
• You have complex or high-stakes projects.
• You need quick turnarounds.
• You want to scale without growing your team.
• You prefer to stay the face of your brand.

Real Talk: Making Your Choice

Here's the thing - there's no "right" answer here. Just like how some people love simple card games and others prefer strategically crafting the perfect newspaper as a woodland creature (it's me, hi), it's all about what fits your business right now.

If you've got the time and passion for mentoring, and your projects are pretty simple, a junior designer could be perfect. You'll get to help someone grow while getting the design support you need.

But if you're like most of my clients - busy designers who need expert support they can trust without the hand-holding - then a white label designer is probably your best move. You'll get high-quality design work that you can confidently deliver to your clients, all while maintaining your reputation for excellence.

And if you're curious about my white label design services, you can check them out here.