Magazine Catalog Design

Catalog design is the process of creating a catalog for a company or organization. Catalogs can be used for many purposes, whether it’s to generate brand awareness or to sell products.

To make a catalog, first research catalog templates made by graphic design professionals to get some design inspiration. You can browse brochure designs online using free online design tools such as Canva.*

There are numerous types of catalogs, such as online catalogs for ecommerce sites, product catalogs for large retailers, and real estate brochures for spotlighting properties. Your catalog design can be inspired by different sources, but just be sure to research various catalog layout designs to ensure you’re creating a high-quality product.

You’ll want to create a mock-up of your design ideas for the client and then make edits as necessary to ensure the catalog is useful for the company’s marketing strategy.

*Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

It’s important to make a great catalog cover to grab attention and make a positive first impression. Many graphic designers will use programs such as Photoshop or InDesign to create eye-catching covers, and it’s a smart idea to learn from professionals by doing your research before you get started.*

Your catalog cover should include the company’s name and a logo design, along with the title of the catalog. The cover doesn’t necessarily need to detail pricing or product photos, but it should include bold colors and high-quality photos or graphics.

*Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

Catalog design can cost as little as $50 and as much as $200, depending on the size of the catalog. The design process will take longer for larger catalogs, so you can expect graphic designers to charge extra for extensive lookbooks, for example.