Pricing and quotation guide
Brand colour palette design cost
A colour palette is one of the smaller pieces of branding work, but its cost still varies with what is involved: creating new colours or refining existing ones, how thoroughly combinations are tested, whether print proofs are checked and which files are supplied. The larger cost often comes afterwards, when materials are updated to the new colours.
This page explains the factors that shape a palette quotation and the follow-on costs to plan for.
Illustrative diagram
Colour palette budget
- Palette design
- Colours
- Proportions
- Testing and files
- Contrast matrix
- Print proofs
- Digital updates
- Website
- Templates
- Physical updates
- Signage
What shapes the cost
- Starting point
- A new palette, or refining and extending existing colours.
- Number of colours and tints
- A few core colours, or a full range including chart and background tints.
- Accessibility testing
- How many text and interface pairs are tested and documented.
- Print proofing
- Whether proofs on your paper stocks are checked and values adjusted.
- Deliverables
- Swatch files, developer definitions and a colour reference sheet.
Costs paid to third parties (separate from our fees)
- Print proofs from your printer
- Spot colour reference guides, if you need physical swatches
- Updating your website, printed items and signage
Updating existing materials to new colours is usually a separate cost and can exceed the palette work itself.
Typical palette scopes
| Scope | Includes | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Tidy-up | Exact values agreed for existing colours, print and screen specified | Brands with inconsistent colours |
| Extension | Accessible text shades and functional colours added | Brands whose colours fail contrast guidance |
| New palette | Full palette with roles, proportions, matrix and files | New identities or major refreshes |
Extending rather than replacing
If customers recognise your colours but they fail accessibility guidance for text, you may not need a new palette. Adding a darker shade of the lead colour for text, a suitable neutral and functional colours for website messages can solve the problem while keeping recognition. This is usually a smaller piece of work than a complete redesign, and existing materials can often stay in use.
Example: fixing a bright brand colour
Illustrative example — not a client case study
Situation: A business's bright lead colour looks distinctive but white text on it is hard to read, and buttons on the website are affected.
- The lead colour is kept for the logo and large shapes.
- A deeper shade is added for buttons and text links, tested against contrast guidance.
- The website colour definitions are updated in one place.
What this shows: Recognition was kept and readability improved without reprinting materials. This example is illustrative.
Follow-on costs to plan for
Digital
- Website colour updates
- Social templates
- Email templates
Physical
- Reprinting stationery and leaflets
- Signage and vehicle graphics
- Packaging
Phasing colour changes
A website using named colour definitions can be updated quickly, so digital channels usually change first. Printed items can follow as stock runs out, and signage when it is due for replacement. Small differences during the transition are rarely noticed by customers if the main touchpoints match.
Palette work inside a larger identity project
When a palette is created as part of a full brand identity, its cost is usually included in the identity quotation rather than priced separately. Even so, it is worth checking that the identity scope covers the same things a standalone palette service would: values for every medium, contrast testing, tints for charts and backgrounds, and files for developers. These are easily left out of identity projects that focus mainly on the logo.
Comparing palette quotations
Ask each provider which colour systems they will specify, how many text and background pairs will be tested, whether a print proof is reviewed and which files you receive. A low price that covers only screen values may leave your printer and sign maker guessing, which can cost more in reprints than the difference between quotations.
Agreeing how many rounds of adjustment are included also avoids disputes if early options do not suit.
Why testing is worth paying for
Contrast testing takes time because every likely combination of text and background must be checked and recorded. It is tempting to skip, but problems found after launch, such as unreadable buttons or headings on the website, are more expensive to fix and may exclude customers in the meantime. Including testing in the palette work is the cheaper route.
Questions about brand colour palette design cost
Is a colour palette expensive?
It is usually one of the smaller branding tasks; updating materials afterwards can cost more.
Can you just fix our existing colours?
Yes, a tidy-up or extension is often enough.
Is accessibility testing included?
It should be listed in the quotation; ask how many pairs are tested.
Are print proofs included?
Checking may be; the proofs themselves usually come from your printer.
Will our website need updating?
Yes, if colours change; named definitions make this quicker.
Do we need physical spot colour guides?
Only if exact ink matching matters for your print.
Is a palette included in a full identity project?
Usually; check the scope covers values for every medium, contrast testing and developer files.
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