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99Designs Review (2024): Is It Worth it?

99designs review

Looking for a platform to bring your design ideas to life? It's easy to waste a lot of time trying to make your own designs. 

99designs might just be the answer you've been searching for. 

With a variety of design services and a user-friendly interface, it's never been easier to collaborate with talented designers from around the world.

From logos to websites, 99designs has got you covered. In this review, we'll explore the pros and cons of using 99designs, along with some helpful tips for running successful design contests.

Let's dive in and find out if this platform is right for you!

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What is 99Designs and How Does it Work

99designs home page

So, you're curious about 99Designs and how it actually works? Well, let's break it down for you.

99designs is an online graphic design marketplace that connects talented designers with clients who need design work done. It offers design contests and 1-on-1 projects, giving clients plenty of options to choose from.

Plus, with collaboration tools, it's easy for clients and designers to work together and create amazing designs.

Online Graphic Design Marketplace

To understand how 99designs works, start by familiarizing yourself with this online graphic design marketplace. Here are three key things to know about it:

  • Wide range of talented graphic designers: 99designs provides access to a large community of skilled designers from around the world. This means you can find someone who specializes in the style you're looking for, whether it's modern, minimalist, or something more unique.
  • Design projects for various needs: Whether you're a small business owner in need of a new logo or an individual looking for design work for personal projects, 99designs has you covered. From business cards to social media graphics, you can find design services for all your creative needs.
  • Creative ideas and designs review: With 99designs, you have the opportunity to receive multiple design ideas from different designers. You can review them and provide feedback to help refine the final design. This collaborative approach ensures that you get a design that truly represents your vision.

Join the 99designs community today and unleash the power of graphic design for your projects.

Connecting Designers and Clients

Once you have familiarized yourself with the online graphic design marketplace of 99designs and its wide range of talented designers, let's explore how this platform connects designers and clients and how it works.

99designs provides a simple and efficient way for clients to connect with top designers for their design needs. Whether you are a small business looking for a logo design contest or a freelance designer specializing in web design, 99designs has you covered.

To ensure client satisfaction, 99designs offers a unique final round feature. In this round, clients can work closely with their favorite designers to make final revisions and select the winning design.

It's a collaborative process that allows clients to actively participate in the design creation. Plus, with the money-back guarantee, clients can feel confident knowing they will only pay for a design they love.

To further emphasize the benefits of 99designs, take a look at the table below:

Benefits for Clients Benefits for Designers
Quality designs Exposure
Wide range of options Competitive compensation
Money-back guarantee Access to diverse projects

With 99designs, clients and designers alike can find the perfect match and create exceptional designs together.

Design Contests and 1-on-1 Projects

Connecting designers and clients on 99designs is facilitated through design contests and 1-on-1 projects. These features provide a platform for business owners and freelance graphic designers to collaborate and create stunning designs.

Here's how it works:

  • Design Contests: Business owners can start a design contest by providing a design brief and selecting a pricing package. Design professionals then submit their design submissions, and the client chooses the winning design.
  • 1-on-1 Projects: If business owners prefer a more personalized approach, they can choose to work directly with a freelance graphic designer through a 1-on-1 project. This allows for a closer collaboration and ensures that the final design meets all the client's requirements.
  • Pricing Packages: 99designs offers different pricing packages to suit various budgets and needs. Clients can choose the package that best fits their requirements and find the perfect designer for their project.

With design contests and 1-on-1 projects, 99designs provides a platform that fosters creativity and enables clients to connect with talented design professionals.

Collaboration Tools

When using 99designs, you can utilize various collaboration tools to work with professional designers and create exceptional designs.

These tools allow you to communicate effectively and efficiently with the designers throughout the design process.

For example, you can provide feedback and suggestions directly on the design drafts, ensuring that the final design meets your requirements and preferences.

You can discuss ideas and brainstorm with the designers to come up with the best concepts that resonate with your target audience.

The collaboration tools also enable you to share files and resources easily, making it convenient to exchange information and assets.

Whether you're creating business cards, social media graphics, or any other design project, the collaboration tools on 99designs empower you to work closely with the winning designer and achieve outstanding results.

Types of Design Services Offered

99designs service offerings

When considering design services, it's important to understand the different types of services offered.

Here are three key types of design services that you can benefit from:

  • Design Brief: A comprehensive consultation process where you can discuss your design needs and preferences with our talented designers. This helps them understand your vision and create a design that aligns with your goals.
  • Platinum Package: Our premium package that offers an enhanced design experience. With the Platinum Package, you receive top-tier customer support, multiple design concepts to choose from, and unlimited revisions until you're completely satisfied with the final product.
  • Unique Designs: Our team of skilled designers takes pride in creating unique and innovative designs that stand out. Whether you need a logo, website, or branding materials, we guarantee designs that are tailored to your business and resonate with your target audience.

With our diverse range of design services, we're committed to delivering exceptional results that exceed your expectations. Let's bring your vision to life!

Pricing Model and Costs

Now let's talk about the pricing model and costs.

When it comes to design services, there are different options available to you. You can choose the contest model, where designers compete for your project, or opt for 1-on-1 project rates.

Some platforms offer membership plans that provide access to various design services.

Understanding the average project costs will help you make an informed decision based on your budget and needs.

Contest Model

To understand the pricing model and costs associated with the Contest Model, you should consider the factors that contribute to the overall expenses.

Here are three key points to help you understand the contest model better:

  • Design options: With the contest model, you have access to a wide range of design options. You can choose from different design categories and explore creative ideas from a diverse pool of designers.
  • Turnaround time: The contest model offers a quicker turnaround time compared to traditional design processes. Since multiple designers work on your project simultaneously, you can expect to receive a variety of designs within a shorter timeframe.
  • Cost-effectiveness: The contest model is often a cost-effective option. Instead of hiring a single designer, you can receive designs from different designers at a fraction of the cost. This allows you to explore multiple design concepts without breaking the bank.

1-on-1 Project Rates

To understand the pricing model and costs associated with the Contest Model, consider the on-1 project rates.

This pricing model offers a great way to work closely with the best designers for your design projects. By opting for on-1 project rates, you can take a closer look at the portfolios and skills of the designers and choose the one that fits your requirements perfectly.

The costs for on-1 projects may vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the design category and the experience level of the designer. There's a platform fee included in the project costs.

However, investing in on-1 project rates can be beneficial, as it allows you to build strong relationships with designers for future projects and enables you to support their business models directly.

Average Project Costs

You frequently wonder about the average project costs and pricing model for our Membership Plans at Designs. We understand that being part of a community means knowing the details that matter to you.

When it comes to average project costs, it varies depending on the type of design you need. Our pricing ranges are designed to be flexible, ensuring that you can find an option that suits your budget.

For logo concepts, the average project cost starts at $100 and can go up to $500 for more complex designs. This includes multiple revisions and the final files in various formats.

If you prefer to run a designs contest, the average project cost is around $500, allowing you to receive a range of designs from different designers, giving you more options to choose from.

Speed of Delivery

MacBook Pro on table beside white iMac and Magic Mouse
Photo by Domenico Loia / Unsplash

Now let's talk about the speed of delivery.

When it comes to contest timelines, it's important to consider how long it will take to receive your final design. Factors such as the complexity of the project and the number of revisions needed can impact the turnaround time.

Contest Timeline

To ensure a timely delivery of contest entries, prioritize a clear and efficient contest timeline. A well-planned timeline is essential to keep everyone on track and ensure a smooth workflow.

Here are three key elements to consider when creating your contest timeline:

  • Allow ample time for submissions: Give designers enough time to create their best work. Rushing the process may result in subpar designs.
  • Include a blind contest period: This gives all designers an equal opportunity to showcase their skills without bias. It also encourages creativity and promotes fair judging.
  • Provide feedback and communication: Designers appreciate clear communication from the contest holder. Make sure to provide feedback promptly and address any questions or concerns they may have. This will foster a sense of belonging and encourage designers to invest more time and effort into their submissions.

Factors Impacting Turnaround Time

Considering the importance of a well-planned contest timeline, it is crucial to evaluate the factors that impact the turnaround time or speed of delivery for design submissions.

To give you a general idea, here are some factors that can affect how quickly your designs are delivered:

Factors Impact
Complexity of the project The more complex the design, the longer it may take to complete
Availability of resources Limited availability of designers or software can slow down the process
Communication and feedback Prompt and clear communication between you and the design team is key
Support from the team Having a supportive team that understands your vision can speed up the delivery process

Next time you start a design project, keep these factors in mind. The best way to ensure a speedy delivery is to have a clear and concise brief, provide timely feedback, and have open lines of communication with the support team.

By taking these steps, you can optimize the turnaround time for all types of projects.

Tips for Running Successful Contests

Are you looking to run a successful design contest? Here are some key points to consider:

  • Crafting clear and detailed design briefs to provide designers with a clear direction.
  • Setting realistic expectations to ensure both parties are on the same page.
  • Effectively communicating throughout the process to address any questions or concerns.

Reviewing submissions thoroughly and selecting winners based on predefined criteria will help ensure the success of your contest.

Crafting Design Briefs

When running successful design contests, it's crucial to start by crafting clear and concise design briefs. These briefs serve as the foundation for the contest, providing the necessary information for designers to create the desired outcome.

To help you in this process, here are three easy steps to follow:

  • Provide a detailed description of the project, including the specific requirements and goals.
  • Clearly state the target audience and any specific design elements or styles that should be incorporated.
  • Set a clear timeline for submissions and communicate any additional requirements or guidelines.

By following these steps, you can ensure that designers have all the necessary information to create original designs that meet your expectations.

Setting Expectations

To ensure a successful design contest, it is important to set clear expectations for participants. By doing so, you can save yourself and the designers a hard time and ensure that the final designs align with your creative vision.

One way to set expectations is by providing a detailed design brief that outlines your requirements and preferences. 

You can use a table to clearly communicate your expectations for different styles, allowing designers to understand what you are looking for. This can help attract better designers who are more likely to create designs that align with your vision.

By setting clear expectations, you can increase the chances of receiving your favorite designs and find the perfect fit for your next project.

Style Description
Modern Clean lines and minimalist design
Vintage Retro-inspired elements and nostalgic feel
Bold Vibrant colors and strong visual impact
Elegant Sophisticated and refined aesthetics

Reviewing Submissions

To effectively review submissions and run a successful design contest, you need to carefully evaluate each entry. This is crucial to ensure fairness and find the best design that aligns with your vision.

Here are some tips to help you in the reviewing process:

  1. Set clear evaluation criteria.
  2. Take notes while reviewing each entry.
  3. Create a scoring system to rank designs.

Setting clear evaluation criteria will guide you in assessing the submissions objectively. Taking notes will help you remember specific details and compare different designs. Creating a scoring system will allow you to rank the entries based on their strengths and weaknesses.

Remember, every design is an opportunity for creativity and innovation. By providing constructive feedback, you can foster a sense of belonging and encourage designers to improve.

Selecting Winners

How can you select winners and run successful design contests? Here are a few tips to help you achieve that:

  • Clear Evaluation Criteria: Establish clear and specific criteria that will be used to evaluate the submissions. This will ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process.
  • Expert Judging Panel: Select a panel of experts in the field to judge the designs. Their expertise will ensure the selection of high-quality designs that meet the contest requirements.
  • Engage the Community: Encourage the design community to participate and provide feedback on the submissions. This not only fosters a sense of belonging but also helps in identifying potential winners that resonate with the target audience.

Pros of Using 99designs

Using 99designs offers many advantages for individuals and businesses seeking professional and diverse design options. When you use 99designs, you gain access to a global community of talented designers who can bring your vision to life.

This platform allows you to connect with designers from different backgrounds and cultures, providing you with a diverse range of design perspectives.

With 99designs, you have the opportunity to receive multiple design concepts and choose the one that resonates with you the most.

99designs offers a secure payment system, ensuring that you only pay for the design you love. By using 99designs, you become part of a supportive and inclusive community where your design needs are met, giving you a sense of belonging and satisfaction.

Cons of Using 99designs

While there are some advantages to using 99designs, there are also a few drawbacks to consider. Here are a few cons to keep in mind:

  • Lack of personal touch: With 99designs, you might miss out on the personal connection that can come from working directly with a designer. This can make it harder to convey your vision and preferences accurately.
  • Quality concerns: Since designers on 99designs come from different backgrounds and skill levels, there's a risk of receiving designs that may not meet your expectations in terms of quality and professionalism.
  • Limited revisions: Depending on the package you choose, you may have limited revisions available. This can be a disadvantage if you have specific changes or adjustments you want to make to your design.

While 99designs offers a convenient platform for accessing a wide range of design options, it's important to carefully weigh these potential drawbacks before making a decision.

Alternatives Worth Considering

Consider other options when it comes to finding design services. While 99designs may be a popular choice, there are alternative platforms that offer unique benefits and cater to your desire for belonging.

Take a look at the following table to compare the features of these options:

Platform Community Designers Customization
Dribbble Thriving community of designers Handpicked professionals Full creative control
Behance Vast network of creative talent Diverse range of designers Flexible collaboration
Upwork Large pool of freelance designers Extensive portfolio options Tailored project management

Whether you seek a supportive community, a wide selection of designers, or greater control over your project, these alternatives offer compelling choices. Explore these options and find the design services that align with your vision and goals.

Conclusion and Final Recommendation

To make a final decision on design services, evaluate your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as your budget, the scope of the project, and the overall aesthetic you desire.

You have a clear understanding of what you're looking for, you can confidently choose the design service that aligns with your vision.

Here are a few recommendations to help you in the decision-making process:

  • Seek referrals and recommendations from trusted sources within your professional network.
  • Review portfolios and case studies of design service providers to gauge their expertise and style.
  • Request quotes and proposals from multiple designers to compare pricing, services, and timelines.

If you're looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to get high-quality designs, 99designs is a great option.

With its wide range of design services and competitive pricing model, it offers a platform that connects businesses with talented designers.

While there may be some drawbacks like limited control over the design process, the overall experience is positive.

Consider 99designs as a valuable resource for your design needs.

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