Top 7 Graphic Design Studios in Ottawa
People are visual consumers. Customers base their purchases on which appeals to them and sticks with them visually.
The top graphic design studios in Ottawa know how important it is to boost the brand of a business. They do not just choose images, they pick graphics that tell a unique story.
Today’s list will introduce you to some of the finest in the world of graphic design. But before we go further, let’s look at some common graphic design services and their average costs.
How Much Do Graphic Design Services Cost in Ottawa
Graphic design is not a cookie-cutter industry. Each project is unique based on its colors, lines, and spaces.
Thus, there are no fixed costs as to how much each service will cost.
The table below shows some rough estimates of the most common graphic design services. However, remember that a personal quote will give you a more accurate cost.
Top Graphic Design Studios in Ottawa
With the top graphic design studios in Ottawa, you can turn your marketing ideas into eye-catching images. Compelling visuals make a great recall for consumers.
However, these images don’t come in a snap. For a guaranteed seamless experience, here are some criteria on how to spot a premier graphic design studio.
With these guidelines, let’s get ready to be wowed with what these top-notch graphic design studios have to offer.
1. Grant Burke Design
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Design Process | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Consultation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Creation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Production | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Services | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Solid Portfolio | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Support | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Turnaround Time | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Responsiveness | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Helpfulness | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Grant Burke Design is a one-stop studio for any branding needs. They offer a wide range of services like logo design, web design, print design, among many others.
What we love about this studio is they offer a free 30-minute strategy call to discuss your initial ideas. It’s a promising way to start the design process.
A free quote is also provided for any graphic design project you have in mind. Just make sure to tell pertinent details like your deadline and budget.
They are also very generous with mockup designs to let you see how the design process is moving along. For example, in logo design, they will provide you with 2-3 highly polished concepts where you can have your pick.
If you’re the opinionated or hands-on type, you would appreciate how Grant Burke Design values collaboration. They value feedback yet guide you in the right direction to get the optimal results.
It doesn’t pose any issues too if you’re the clueless budding entrepreneur. They will guide you and help you conceptualize your ideas.
Sources also vouch how fast the turnaround time of this graphic studio is without sacrificing quality. They even accept last-minute projects.
If you’re a startup business, their competitive price is definitely good news for you.
Their in-depth online portfolio will give you an idea of how they work and also the kind of projects that they’ve done. They share a background of each project and the approach that they used to complete it.
Their signature hand-drawn style can be a bit limiting if you’re looking for a different type of graphic technique. Though they also cater to other types, their preference over one technique could be not what you’re looking for.
Pros
- Offers free 30-minute strategy call or a free quote
- Has a wide range of graphic design services
- Has a quick turnaround
- Website contains an in-depth portfolio
- Competitive prices
Cons
- Not BBB accredited
- Has a signature hand-drawn style
Customer Reviews
An excellent partner for start-up businesses
“Grant was fantastic from start to finish. In fact, we still work with him whenever we need changes to our branding or website. Grant designed our logo, business cards, email signature, and website. At the time we were very much a start-up business and Grant worked within our budget while delivering big firm results. We would recommend Grant without question.” — Tim Kennedy
Understands our brand and vision
“Grant is quick to respond and was very communicative throughout the whole process. He is professional, worked to understand our brand and our vision, and delivered a great product for a fair price.” — Joanne Mallett
2. Sign Art Studio
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Design Process | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Consultation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Creation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Production | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Services | ★★★✩✩ (3/5) |
| Solid Portfolio | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Support | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Turnaround Time | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Responsiveness | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Helpfulness | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Signages had become more sophisticated in design and more essential to business through the passing of years. Sign Art Studio kept abreast with these changes.
This graphic design studio specializes in outdoor and indoor business designs. They can also dress your car with decals and wraps to market your business.
Not only are they involved with the design process of signs, but they are the ones who install them, too. It’s one thing to turn creative ideas into reality, and it’s another thing to know where to strategically place them, too.
We love how seamless their 3-step process is. Every project starts with a site visit and free quote, followed by design and deposit, and ends with production and installation.
However, don’t be fooled into thinking that each step is as easy as a breeze. In fact, Sign Art Studio pays attention to the smallest of details in each step of the process.
This efficient approach leads to a very quick turnaround time that many clients appreciate. Another thing that their clients appreciate is the prompt communication they receive from the team in SAS.
We love how their work shows consistent quality. Their online portfolio is a feast to the eyes and shows how busy they’ve been for the past four years that they’ve been in business.
We know that they’re still young in the industry. However, we hope that as they go along they could add more graphic design services to their offerings.
Pros
- Provides free quotes
- Has a quick turnaround
- Prompt email communication
- Has a simple three-step process with their projects
- Has an extensive online portfolio
Cons
- Not BBB accredited
- Limited range of services
Customer Reviews
Their work reflects our business
“I highly recommend Sign Art Studio. Andres and his team did a great job on our 2 storefronts. They were great to work with and were able to appreciate the nature of our business and reflect it through their design. Would definitely hire again.” —Alex Zigoumis
Quality output, great prices, excellent service
“Anything from storefront signage to 3D cutout lettering for decoration or brand awareness, great prices, and fantastic professional service. Fast to reply, provided mock-ups, and made sure the product was exactly what we wanted. Excellent service and 10/10 would recommend for your signage needs!” — Smiley’s Cannabis
3. AN Design Communications
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Design Process | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Consultation | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Creation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Production | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Services | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Solid Portfolio | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Customer Support | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Turnaround Time | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Responsiveness | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Helpfulness | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
What makes AN Design Communications stand out from others is its bilingual approach. We love the fact that aside from being able to explain the concepts better to business owners, they can also produce promotional materials both in English and French.
One more thing that we appreciate about them is that they have a production team. They have their creative director, graphic designers, production artist, and quality control manager.
The presence of such a team translates to clean and professional outputs as vouched by their past and repeat clients.
Their project tracking system results in a quick turnaround time. They are also unfazed with stringent deadlines because they follow clear stages and know what progress should they be making with a particular project.
In our opinion, though, their online portfolio could use a little more organization. They can group certain graphic design services (e.g.web design, business cards, etc.) to help potential clients see what they’re looking for.
Their website also doesn’t have any mention of how they go about their design process. For most graphic design studios, it starts with a free quote — which is also unclear if AN Design offers.
Pros
- Offers bilingual services
- Has a wide range of services
- Has a production team
- Quick turnaround time
Cons
- Portfolio needs more organization
- No mention of free quote
Customer Reviews
Hard to beat
“AN Design is always a pleasure to work with. Their designs are clean/modern and their response-time is lightning fast. Amy and Elaine are excellent communicators who pay attention to the little details, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better design studio in Ottawa.” —Steve Sicherman
A blend of professionalism and creativity
“Working with Elaine and Amy has always been an incredible experience, a blend of professionalism and pure creativity, and as a deadline-oriented person their project tracking is amazing.” -Kimothy Walker
4. Agent Signs & Designs
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Design Process | ★★★✩✩ (3/5) |
| Consultation | ★★★✩✩ (3/5) |
| Creation | ★★★✩✩ (3/5) |
| Production | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Services | ★★★✩✩ (3/5) |
| Solid Portfolio | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Customer Support | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Turnaround Time | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Responsiveness | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Helpfulness | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Agent Signs and Designs had their fair share of signs made since 1979. Past and repeat clients have only impressive feedback about them.
Their online gallery showcases some of their works, testimonials, and their team in action. However, it would have been extra helpful if their website also offers some pertinent details about their design process (e.g. timeline, number of mockups available, consultation process).
What we like about this graphic design studio is how they kept up with change. They incorporated state-of-the-art printing equipment as part of their assets to ensure that they deliver quality outputs.
Their turnaround time is also commendable based on some sources. They even go above and beyond as they sometimes deliver before the deadlines.
In our opinion, with the many years of experience in graphic design under their belt, it wouldn’t hurt if they expand their services. This would be helpful for business owners who are looking for a one-stop studio to cater to their graphic needs.
Pros
- Offers free estimates
- Quick turnaround time
- Has online gallery with works and team in action
- Uses state-of-the-art printing equipment
Cons
- Website lacks information about the design process
- Has limited graphic design services
Customer Review
They deliver what they promise
“We have dealt with them many times, delivers as promised, great quality and value.
Very happy with the service, thanks.” —Matthew Tabesh
Highly reliable
“Mitch is amazing. We have been using them for as long as I can remember. I’m leaving a review today cause he printed me the stickers I needed with 2 hours notice and had them ready right away! Total lifesaver thank you sooo much!!” —Audrey Stonehouse
5. Cayenne Creative
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Design Process | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Consultation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Creation | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Production | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Solid Portfolio | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Support | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Turnaround Time | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Responsiveness | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Helpfulness | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
The first thing that we love about this graphic design studio is its name. It tells that they know how to use branding to the advantage of a business.
They’re also flexible with their rates which are based on timeline and quality of output. They have three offerings— great + fast ( steep prices), great + cheap (needs longer time to complete), and fast + cheap (you only get what you pay for, but not below the standard of quality).
However, these offerings seem to be double-edged because it limits what the clients get from the deal. It’s like they have to choose only two among price, quality, and speed.
They stand out from other graphic design studios because they’re a team of registered graphic designers. However, it’s strange for us that even with this fact plus their 17 years in business that they are still not BBB accredited.
It’s also a nice feature that they offer their services in two languages. Even their website can be translated into French or English.
If you want to start your branding journey with them, you can first browse through their comprehensive portfolio. They indicate what graphic needs have they met with the company plus all the photos of final outputs.
You can also take their free face-to-face consultation just to have a chit-chat with what direction you want to take. A perk of this conversation is the complimentary coffee that comes with it.
Pros
- Team of registered graphic designers
- Has customized rates
- Bilingual services
- Offers free consultations along with complimentary coffee
- Has comprehensive online portfolio
Cons
- Not BBB accredited
- Their customized rates could feel limiting
Customer Reviews
Stunning products and services
“Working with the team at Cayenne is always a pleasure. They always create a stunning product or service that goes well above our expectations! The perfect balance of listening and working with us to manifest our vision while also demonstrating their talent. Highly recommend.” —Andrew Babawy
They turn ideas into possibilities
“We worked with Carl for our new branding (logo, business cards, stationery, etc.) and it was a great experience! Carl has been very successful in integrating our initial ideas into his design and we are very proud of the end result.” — Benoit Vigneau
6. Sumack Loft Graphic Design
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Design Process | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Consultation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Creation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Production | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Solid Portfolio | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Support | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Turnaround Time | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Responsiveness | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Helpfulness | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Sumack Loft Graphic Design is a studio located just outside of Almonte and provides its services all over North America.
What we like about their studio is how they employ a systematic approach to their graphic design services. This helps them help clients improve the look, clarity and consistency of their branding, websites as well as print materials.
What’s more is that they’re willing to closely collaborate with their clients so everyone is on board and knows what’s happening.
We also like that they have every possible design service you would need for your business. They offer identity and branding, print design, web design, and illustration.
Even better is that they’re great at every service the offer. We’ve seen their portfolio and we were very impressed!
What’s more is they have a quick response time. You can get a response within 24 hours of your inquiry.
Speaking of speed, they also have rush options available.
We’re just not sure about their exact operating days and hours because it’s not available on their website.
Pros
- Systematic approach
- Closely collaborates with clients
- Variety of services
- Portfolio available on website
- Quick response time
Cons
- Base rates are unavailable on their website
Customer Reviews
“I recently had the very pleasant experience of working on a project with Auni Milne, aka Sumack Loft Graphic Design, in which she designed the covers for a book that I had just completed. I was impressed by the calibre of needs assessment questions that she asked up front which resulted in a very creative and near perfect first draft, requiring only two very minor tweaks which she cheerfully and quickly did. In spite of having to work around not one, but two power outages following the devastating May 2022 storm in the Ottawa area, she still brought the project in on time and on budget. The personal interaction was equally pleasant. I’d actually five her ten stars, not just five!”
“We worked with Sumack Loft for the branding and graphic design needs of our community initiative, and it was an absolute pleasure working with Auni. From the initial consultation, she was able to anticipate our needs, and asked all the right questions to create/refine the design so that it was just right. Her creative eye, attention to detail and ability to translate our vision into reality made for a successful project. We would wholeheartedly recommend Sumac Loft for any graphic design or branding projects.”
7. Avo Studios
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Design Process | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Consultation | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Creation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Production | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Services | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Solid Portfolio | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Support | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Turnaround Time | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Responsiveness | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Helpfulness | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
A skilled graphic designer can do wonders for your brand image. With Avo Studios, Ottawa businesses can have branding that stands out from the rest.
Amanda M. Vo of Avo Studios has years of graphic design experience, and she applies it to every project with precision and accuracy. She takes the time to understand her clients’ branding needs, allowing for branding designs that reflect their values and vision.
Whether your branding needs are simple or complex, Avo Studios can bring them to life. From logos to other branding materials such as business cards and brochures, Amanda M. Vo takes the time to create designs that will captivate your target audience and make a lasting impression on them.
When you choose Avo Studios for branding services in Ottawa, you can be sure that your branding will be up to the highest standards. Amanda M. Vo’s attention to detail and passion for design will make sure that your branding stands out from the competition.
Pros
- Many years of experience
- Wide range of services
- Works closely with clients
Cons
- Office hours not listed on website
FAQs about Graphic Design in Ottawa
Above all the research, you could take advantage of the free initial consultation that most graphic design studios offer. Communicate your graphic design needs, budget, and timeline and see if they can deliver.
Choosing the best graphic design studios in Ottawa could make a huge difference in your business. In doing so, you would create a lasting impression on the consumers.
Have you experienced working with another dependable graphic design studio in Ottawa? You may send us a message to relay how they fared.
Looking for another way to bring your business to the next level? Read about how the best digital marketing agencies in Ottawa could take you there.