99designs – Your Ultimate Guide to Mastering Design Contests, Jobs, and Payments

Introduction: Unlocking the World of 99designs

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Are you ready to take your graphic design game to the next level or find the perfect design for your business? 99designs might just be the golden ticket you’ve been waiting for. It’s not just another platform—it’s the place for connecting talented designers with clients who need top-notch creative solutions. Whether you’re a freelancer looking to showcase your skills or a business hunting for a killer logo, 99designs has something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about 99designs: how it works, what makes it unique, its payment structure, referral program, brand guidelines services, and even how to find discounts to save money on projects. Plus, we’ll share insider tips to help you thrive on the platform.

So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of 99designs.

What is 99designs and Why Is It a Game-Changer?

99designs is a global design platform founded in 2008 in Melbourne, Australia. It’s designed to bring businesses and talented designers together, offering a variety of design services such as logos, branding, packaging, and websites. The platform is unique because it provides two main ways to get work done:

1. Design Contests: Clients post a design brief, and designers from all over the world submit their ideas. The client picks the winning design, and the designer gets paid.
2. Direct Hiring: Clients can browse designer portfolios and hire them for specific projects.

It’s like the Tinder of graphic design—matching clients with designers who are the perfect fit for their creative needs.

How 99designs Works: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

For Clients

1. Create a Design Brief: Describe what you need—be it a logo, website, or packaging.
2. Choose a Service:

• Design Contest: Get multiple submissions from different designers.
• Direct Hiring: Pick a designer based on their portfolio.

3. Review Submissions: For contests, you’ll receive various designs and select the one that best fits your vision.
4. Finalize and Pay: Once satisfied, finalize the project and make the payment.

For Designers

1. Sign Up and Get Approved: Designers apply, and their portfolios are reviewed by the platform’s curation team.
2. Participate in Contests or 1-to-1 Projects: Choose to enter contests or work directly with clients.
3. Deliver Work and Get Paid: Submit your designs, refine based on feedback, and receive payment for your efforts.

Key Features and Services of 99designs

1. Wide Range of Design Services: From logo creation to full-fledged branding packages.
2. User-Friendly Interface: Easy for both clients and designers to navigate.
3. Global Community: Over 1 million registered designers from 170+ countries.
4. Support for Multiple Industries: Tech, fashion, healthcare—you name it.

Earning on 99designs: Tips for Designers

Are you a designer hoping to turn your creativity into cash? Here’s how you can maximize your earnings:

1. Participate in Design Contests

• Great for beginners who want to build a portfolio.
• Submit your designs to contests based on client briefs.
• If your design wins, you get paid.

2. Build Long-Term Relationships with Clients

• Use 1-to-1 projects to secure consistent work.
• Deliver high-quality designs to encourage repeat business.

3. Know Your Worth

• As you gain experience, increase your rates. Top-tier designers pay only a 5% platform fee compared to 15% for beginners.

4. Take Advantage of Referral Programs

• Earn commissions by referring new clients or designers to 99designs.

5. Create Standout Profiles

• Upload high-quality portfolio samples.
• Write a compelling bio that highlights your expertise.

99designs Payment Methods and Structure

99designs ensures smooth transactions for both clients and designers. Here’s a rundown of the payment process:

Accepted Payment Methods

• Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
• PayPal
• SOFORT for specific regions

Payment Tiers for Designers

• Entry-Level: 15% platform fee
• Mid-Level: 10% platform fee
• Top-Level: 5% platform fee

Payout Options for Designers

Designers can receive payments via PayPal or bank transfer, depending on their location. Payments are typically processed within 2-3 business days after the project is finalized.

99designs Referral Program: Earn While You Share

Want to make money without designing? The 99designs referral program is a fantastic option:

1. Sign Up as an Affiliate: Receive a unique affiliate link.
2. Promote 99designs: Share the link on blogs, social media, or websites.
3. Earn Commissions: Get up to $100 for every new customer who launches a design contest.

Brand Guidelines on 99designs: Why They Matter

Consistency is key when building a brand, and 99designs makes it easy to create professional brand guidelines. Here’s what’s included:

1. Logo Usage Rules: Instructions on proper logo placement and usage.
2. Color Palette: Define your brand’s official colors (HEX, RGB, CMYK codes).
3. Typography: Specify fonts and their application.
4. Additional Elements: Social media templates, packaging guidelines, etc.

Businesses can create these guidelines through design contests or direct hiring, depending on their preferences.

How to Save Money on 99designs

Who doesn’t love a good deal? Here are some ways to save:

1. Use Promo Codes: Websites like CouponFollow often have updated 99designs discounts.
2. First-Time Discounts: New users can save $25 on their first project.
3. Seasonal Sales: Keep an eye out for holiday deals like Black Friday.
4. Stack Offers: Combine referral credits with promotional discounts for maximum savings.

Why 99designs Stands Out from Competitors

While platforms like Fiverr and Upwork cater to all types of freelancers, 99designs focuses exclusively on design. This specialization means higher-quality work and a more targeted user experience. Plus, its contest model gives clients a variety of creative options to choose from—a feature not found on most other platforms.

Final Takeaways: Is 99designs Worth It?

Absolutely! Whether you’re a designer looking for new opportunities or a business needing high-quality designs, 99designs offers a seamless experience. With its user-friendly platform, robust community, and flexible payment options, it’s a win-win for everyone involved.

If you’re ready to dive in, create a profile, or start a contest today—you won’t regret it!

Further Reading:

• FlexJobs Review
• What is Dribbble?
• Finding Freelance Jobs on SimplyHired
• Maximize Your Earning Potential on LinkedIn
• How to Earn Money as a Freelance Graphic Designer with Designhill