Is PicMonkey worth it?

Is PicMonkey worth it? Well, let’s break it down. As authors, we have a lot of promotional materials to create (ads, logos, book covers, etc.).  If you are outsourcing all of these to a graphic artist, that can get a little pricey. Particularly, if you’re a new indie author and don’t have a lot of cash on hand. One option is doing some of the graphics yourself. I also enjoy making my own because I’m a bit of a control freak.

Using PicMonkey

First, let me say, I’m not advocating making your own covers, unless you happen to be a graphic artist, or have some serious skills. To make a decent cover, you’d need a more intense software program like Gimp or Canva, anyway.  Unlike that old saying, customers do judge a book by its cover, so you want the most professional design you can afford. The cover will grab a readers interest right away and yours should stand out.

However, for things like Instagram posts or quote ads, PicMonkey is a budget-friendly option. Since I don’t have any training in this area, I devoured lots of YouTube videos on the subject. I’ve used PicMonkey to make graphics for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram posts. As well as ads for giveaways, new releases, and other materials. In fact, I used the program to make my logo for this site. Branding, which is a whole other topic, is important for an author, and I’ve made my social media accounts match my website.

People are visually oriented and the more eye-catching your posts are, the more response you’ll get. In the beginning, some of my designs were a hot mess. But my skill level has improved as I’ve gotten more familiar with the site. Here’s a tip for you…pay attention to graphics that catch your eye. While I’m out and about on social media, I’ll take note of posts I like and use them for inspiration.

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I like a lot of the features PicMonkey offers.  There are overlays which are very romance-novelist friendly, like lips and hearts, which can be added to your creations. The sheer number of fonts available is impressive.

Using the site is very intuitive. When I opened Gimp for the first time, I was overwhelmed and out of my depth. It had way too many bells and whistles for my needs. And I enjoy playing around with PicMonkey. It’s fun to use and a bit of a stress-reliever. Sometimes, it’ll provide a much-needed break from my current work in progress.

How much is it?

How much will PicMonkey set you back? It’s $3.99 a month billed annually, or $7.99 on a monthly basis for the premium package. The supremium package is $8.33 a month. Please note!There’s a free trial if you want to try out some of the premium options. Personally, I bought the $3.99 a month package and it meets my needs. When you add up the cost of Facebook covers, quote ads, and all the rest, PicMonkey is way less expensive.

The Verdict on PicMonkey?

So, is PicMonkey worth it? Yes, for basic graphic design needs, it’s a cost-effective option. As long as you’re willing to put the time into learning, it’ll save you some cash.

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