What is 99designs used for? 99designs is a crowdsourcing platform connecting businesses with freelance designers for logo creation, branding, web design, packaging, and merchandise. Clients launch design contests, receive multiple concepts, and collaborate with creatives to refine their vision. It streamlines hiring by offering tiered pricing, managed collaboration, and intellectual property transfer upon project completion.
How Does 99designs Work for Design Contests?
Users choose a design category, set a budget, and describe their project to launch a contest. Designers worldwide submit concepts, with clients providing feedback and requesting revisions. The platform uses a blind submission system initially to ensure unbiased evaluations. Clients award the winning designer and receive full copyright ownership through a contractual agreement facilitated by 99designs.
The contest process begins with a 1-3 day brainstorming phase where designers submit initial concepts anonymously. Clients then shortlist favorites and unlock designer profiles to initiate direct communication. A unique “Designer Tier” system ensures quality control – Top Level designers (vetted through portfolio reviews) participate in higher-budget contests. Mid-tier projects typically receive 30-50 submissions, while premium contests attract 100+ entries. Clients can extend deadlines by 24 hours for additional submissions or purchase “Guaranteed Packages” that promise minimum participation levels.
What Design Services Does 99designs Offer?
| Category | Subcategories |
|---|---|
| Logo & Branding | Animated logos, stationery sets, style guides |
| Web & App Design | Landing pages, iOS/Android interfaces, email templates |
| Packaging & Labels | 3D mockups, beverage labels, cosmetic packaging |
Why Choose 99designs Over Traditional Design Agencies?
Unlike agencies with fixed teams, 99designs offers global talent access with 30+ design concepts per project. The contest model enables comparative evaluation of styles, while tiered pricing (from $299 to $1,299+) accommodates varying budgets. Real-time collaboration tools and a 100% money-back guarantee reduce financial risks, making it ideal for startups needing cost-effective, rapid ideation cycles.
Traditional agencies typically charge $3,000-$15,000 for brand identity projects with 3-5 concepts. 99designs delivers 10x more options at 1/3 the cost through its competitive model. The platform’s collaborative features include live chat, file annotation tools, and version history tracking. For ongoing needs, clients can hire favorite designers directly through the “1-to-1 Projects” feature at negotiated rates, blending contest diversity with long-term creative partnerships.
“99designs revolutionized how startups access design talent,” notes Lila Chen, Creative Director at BrandFoundry. “While not replacing specialized agencies for complex needs, it democratizes quality design through competitive pricing and global reach. Clients must clearly articulate brand narratives to maximize contest outcomes—ambiguous briefs often yield generic results.”
FAQs
- Does 99designs Offer Revisions After Selecting a Winner?
- Yes. The winning designer provides unlimited revisions within 7 days post-selection. Complex changes beyond this period require negotiated fees.
- Is 99designs Suitable for Non-Profit Organizations?
- Non-profits receive 10% discounts on all packages. Some designers voluntarily offer discounted rates for verified charitable projects.
- How Long Do Typical Design Contests Last?
- Standard contests run 7 days: 4 days for initial submissions, 3 days for refinements. Expedited 3-day contests carry 20% platform surcharges.