99designs Review 2024: Best Website to Find Talented Designers?

Are you tired of spending endless hours searching for the perfect designer to bring your vision to life? Look no further because 99designs is here to save the day!

This platform connects you with a community of talented designers from all around the world. From logos and websites to packaging and branding, we’ve got you covered.

And the best part? You don’t have to break the bank – their competitive pricing ensures that there’s something for every budget.

Imagine having access to a pool of creative minds who can turn your ideas into stunning designs that perfectly represent your brand. With 99designs, this dream becomes a reality. 

Say goodbye to subpar designs and hello to jaw-dropping visuals guaranteed to capture your audience’s attention.

Don’t just take my word for it – read my 99designs review from start to finish to see what’s in store for you!

99designs Pros & Cons

When considering the best website to find talented designers, it’s essential to weigh 99designs’s pros and cons against your specific needs and preferences to make the right decision.

99designs Pros

• Broad Spectrum of Creative Talent: You’ll discover an extensive array of skilled designers on 99designs, each bringing a unique flair and expertise to the table. This diversity means you can find the perfect match for your project, whether it’s a logo, website, or custom illustration. The platform’s wide talent pool ensures a fit for any style or design need.
• Streamlined Design Contest Feature: Engage with multiple designers simultaneously through the winning design contest feature. This approach not only sparks creativity but also gives you a variety of design options to choose from. It’s like having a team of designers at your disposal, all working to bring your vision to life.
• Satisfaction Guarantee: Feel confident in your investment with 99designs’ satisfaction guarantee. This policy demonstrates their commitment to ensuring you’re happy with the final product. If the designs don’t meet your expectations, the platform offers a level of financial protection, providing peace of mind.

99designs Cons

• Premium Pricing for Quality: While 99designs may have a higher price tag compared to some alternatives, remember that you’re paying for quality and expertise. Consider this an investment in top-notch design that can elevate your brand or project.
• Time-Intensive Process: While beneficial for variety, the design contest format can be more time-consuming than working with a winning designer. This extended timeline is a small trade-off for the breadth of options and creativity it fosters.
• Learning Curve for New Users: First-time users might find the platform a bit overwhelming. However, this initial complexity is a gateway to a robust and versatile design experience. With a little patience and exploration, you’ll quickly navigate the platform like a pro.

Quick Verdict – Is 99designs Worth the Money?

After countless hours exploring 99designs, yes, it definitely is worth the investment.

Key selling points of 99designs are its vast global network of talented designers and an intuitive communication process that ensures your vision is accurately translated into the final design. My personal experience with the platform has been nothing short of impressive. The quality of work I received was worth every penny spent.

You may be hesitant about the cost, thinking it’s a bit steep. But when you factor in the value you get – high-quality, unique designs tailored to your needs – it starts to look like a worthwhile investment. Plus, the reassurance of a money-back guarantee decides to invest a little easier.

Now, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. One minor critique I have is the potentially overwhelming number of design submissions you receive. It can make the decision-making process challenging. But again, having too many great options is a good problem to have.

So, if you’re looking for a platform that offers access to a diverse range of skilled designers and a risk-free guarantee, I’d encourage you to consider 99designs.

Get started on your journey to finding the perfect design today!

Who is 99designs for?

You’ll love 99designs if:

• You’re a business owner in need of unique and professional designs for branding or marketing efforts. With a global pool of talented designers, 99designs can provide you with numerous creative options.
• You’re an individual looking to bring a personal project to life. Whether it’s a book cover, a logo contest for your blog, or custom illustrations, the designers on 99designs can turn your vision into reality.
• You appreciate having a say in the design process. The platform allows you to communicate directly with designers to provide a desired style, give feedback, and guide the design direction. You can even provide an existing logo.

You won’t love 99designs if:

• You’re on a tight budget. While the quality of work on 99designs is impressive, it can come with a higher price tag than other platforms.
• You prefer a quick, simple selection process. As you’ll receive multiple design submissions, the decision-making process can be time-consuming.
• You’re looking for instant designs. 99designs operates through design contests, which can take a week or more, so if you’re in a rush, there might be better options.

What is 99designs?

99designs is a global online platform where you can connect with professional designers to create customized visual content. It’s a hub for everything from logo creation to full website designs, offering a unique space where your creative ideas meet the expertise of skilled designers.

What is the key benefit of having 99designs?

The key benefit of 99designs is its ability to provide a wide range of creative solutions through a diverse pool of talented designers. This platform stands out by offering tailored design options through a competitive yet collaborative environment, ensuring you get a design that’s not only high-quality but also resonates with your personal or brand identity.

How does 99designs work?

At its core, 99designs operates through a contest format. You start by creating a brief that outlines your project needs. Designers from around the world then submit their concepts based on your brief.

You get to review these submissions, provide feedback, and eventually select the design that best fits your vision. Additionally, the platform offers direct hire options, allowing you to work one-on-one with a designer of your choice.

How is it different from competitors?

99designs differentiates itself with its unique contest-based approach, allowing you to see multiple design interpretations of your brief before making a decision. This model not only fosters creativity but also ensures a wide array of design options.

Unlike traditional design firms or freelance platforms, 99designs offers a more interactive and diverse experience, providing access to a global community of designers with various styles and specializations.

Reasons I Recommend 99designs to Everyone

#1) Diversity of Design Options

One of the most striking benefits of 99designs is the sheer diversity of design options available. The platform’s global pool of designers means you’re exposed to a wide range of creative styles and ideas, something I found invaluable. 

For instance, when I needed a new logo, the submissions I received were varied and unique, each offering a different perspective on my brief. This variety ensured that I wasn’t just settling for a good design but choosing from the best.

#2) Quality of Designers

The quality of designers on 99designs is exceptional. I’ve used the platform for everything from small graphics to complete website designs and consistently found that the designers are not only talented but also professional and responsive. 

They’re skilled in interpreting briefs and turning them into high-quality designs. The seamless feedback and revision process allows for a collaborative and satisfying final product. This high standard has made 99designs my go-to for all design needs.

#3) The Satisfaction Guarantee

Finally, 99designs’ satisfaction guarantee provides a sense of security and trust. This commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in every aspect of their service. 

On the rare occasion when a design didn’t meet my expectations, the support team was prompt and helpful in resolving the issue. This assurance that your satisfaction is prioritized adds immense value to the service and is a key reason why I confidently recommend 99designs.

What You Might Not Like about 99designs

#1) Cost Considerations

One potential drawback of 99designs is the cost. While the quality of designs you receive is generally high, this comes with a relatively higher price tag than other design platforms. 

This can be a deterrent if you’re on a tight budget. In my experience, while I was satisfied with the final design, I did have to stretch my budget more than I initially planned.

#2) Time-Consuming Process

Another area where 99designs may not shine is the time it takes to get your final design. Because the process involves a contest format where designers submit their concepts based on your brief, and you then review and provide feedback, it can take more time than expected. 

In my case, I needed to extend my contest duration to allow for more submissions and revisions, which delayed the final delivery of my design.

99designs Pricing

99designs operates on a tiered pricing system, offering different packages like its top-tier gold package to suit a range of budgets and project needs.

From my experience, you can choose from various levels, each increasing in price based on the level of graphic designer expertise and several design concepts provided. While it’s more expensive than some alternatives, the quality of work justifies the investment for those seeking so many wonderful designs.

99designs: Key Features Breakdown

Let’s break down the key features of 99designs and delve into the details of each feature:

Wide Range of Graphic Design Services

99designs provides a comprehensive range of design services. This isn’t just a platform for every logo design contest. You can find experts capable of delivering on a wide array of requirements, from brand identity and packaging design to book covers and website layouts.

What makes this feature special is how it positions 99designs as a one-stop shop for all your design needs. You don’t need to visit multiple platforms or hire different designers for various tasks. With 99designs, you have access to a pool of talent capable of delivering diverse graphic and logo design briefs, all under one roof.

I initially approached 99designs for a logo design but ended up getting a brand guide for my entire website and brand from the same platform. It saved me considerable time and effort in coordinating with different designers and maintaining consistency across various graphic design elements.

Crowdsourcing Model

 

The crowdsourcing model is a defining feature of 99designs. In this model, you present your design brief to a community of designers who then compete by submitting their concepts. You receive a variety of designs from different designers around the globe, each offering their unique take on your brief.

This model is special because it democratizes the design process. Unlike traditional one-on-one hiring, where you’re limited to the ideas of a single designer, the crowdsourcing approach at 99designs opens the door to a multitude of creative perspectives. This broadens your horizon and often leads to innovative and unexpected solutions.

When I needed a new logo, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted. The variety of designs I received from the crowdsourcing model was eye-opening.

It allowed me to explore options I hadn’t even considered and ultimately led me to a design that was not only visually appealing but also deeply resonant with my brand’s identity. This approach didn’t just fulfill my needs. It expanded my understanding of what was possible, significantly enhancing my branding strategy!

Customizable Design Contests and Interactive Design Process

At the heart of 99designs lies its customizable design contests and interactive design process. This feature allows you to create a design brief, setting the stage for designers worldwide to submit their interpretations of your project. You’re not just passively receiving designs; you’re actively involved in the process, providing feedback, making revisions, and steering the creative direction to align with your vision.

What sets this feature apart is its positioning as a collaborative and dynamic approach to design. Unlike traditional methods, where you’re limited to the ideas of a single designer or agency, this process at 99designs ensures a more involved and personalized experience. It’s about co-creation, where your input as a client plays a crucial role in shaping the outcome.

For instance, when I used 99designs for a new service packaging design, the ability to customize the content and interact with various designers was invaluable. I could refine my ideas through feedback and revisions, something that a static, one-way design process wouldn’t have allowed.

This not only resulted in a design that was more aligned with my product’s identity but also gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation of the design process. It’s a collaborative journey that brings a project to life in a way that truly reflects your vision and goals.

Secure Payment System

99designs has a secure payment system between customers and designers. The platform uses advanced security protocols to ensure your financial transactions are safe. You pay for your design contest upfront, but the funds are held securely by 99designs and only released to the designer once you’re completely satisfied with their work.

This feature is special because it adds an extra layer of protection for you. It ensures that your money is safe and you get what you pay for. This level of security is especially crucial when dealing with online transactions and gives you peace of mind throughout the design process.

In my case, the secure payment system significantly enhanced my trust in 99designs. Knowing that my money was safe and would only go to the designer after I approved their work made me feel secure. It eliminated any worries about online fraud or paying for substandard work, allowing me to focus solely on the creative process.

Direct Hire Option

The Direct Hire option allows you to directly hire a designer whose style you admire or have previously worked with. By browsing through the vast directory of designers, you can view their portfolios, learn about their specialties, and engage them directly for your project.

This feature stands out because it offers you a more personalized approach to getting your design work done. Instead of launching a contest, you can cut straight to the chase and work with a designer whose work you already admire. This saves time and ensures you work with someone who fits your design aesthetic.

I had the opportunity to work with a designer whose work I had admired during a past contest. Working directly with this designer not only streamlined the design process but also resulted in a final product that perfectly matched my vision. The direct hire option made the whole process efficient and enjoyable, making 99designs a platform I would undoubtedly return to for future design needs.

Designer Portfolios

The Designer Portfolios are comprehensive profiles where designers showcase their past work and specific skill sets. These portfolios provide a detailed look at each designer’s style, creativity, and range of capabilities. They include various works, from logo designs and branding to web and app design, giving you a clear insight into what each designer can offer.

What sets these portfolios apart is their positioning as a window into each designer’s unique artistic world. They allow you to gauge compatibility with your vision before even initiating a project. This feature is particularly valuable for ensuring that the designer you choose aligns perfectly with the style and quality you’re seeking.

When I needed a designer for a niche project, browsing through these portfolios helped me identify the perfect candidate. I could view their previous work on similar projects, which gave me confidence in their ability to meet my specific needs.

This direct insight into their past work saved me time and provided a level of assurance and clarity that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. The Designer Portfolios feature turned what could have been a daunting search into a straightforward and reassuring process, significantly impacting my project’s success.

FAQs about 99designs

Is 99designs Legitimate?

Yes, 99designs is a legitimate platform that connects you with graphic designers from around the globe. With a strong track record and countless satisfied clients, it offers a range of crowdsourced services, including logo design, web design, and more.

How Original are the Designs on 99designs?

While there are concerns about originality in any design platform, 99designs has mechanisms in place to encourage original work and discourage plagiarism. It’s always recommended to communicate openly with your chosen designer about your expectations regarding originality.

How Long Does a 99designs Contest Last?

A typical contest on 99designs lasts for one week. However, depending on your needs, you can extend the contest or expedite it.

How Many Design Entries Can I Expect in My Contest?

The number of entries varies based on the contest. On average, you can expect around 30-40 designs per contest. However, this number can fluctuate based on the prize amount, the type of contest, and how engaging your brief is.

Does 99designs Offer Any Other Services Besides Graphic Design?

Yes, besides graphic design, 99designs also offers services like web design, app design, book cover design, and even product packaging design. The platform hosts a diverse community of designers who specialize in various fields.

Final Verdict – to Buy 99designs or Not to Buy 99designs?

After thoroughly examining and using the platform for the current TPH logo, I wholeheartedly recommend 99designs to anyone seeking design services!

Whether you’re a small business owner needing a logo, an author looking for a captivating book cover, or a startup aiming to make your mark with a unique web design, this platform is a goldmine of talent and creativity.

The proof lies in the array of features that 99designs offers. From hosting a vast community of skilled designers to providing comprehensive designer portfolios, the platform ensures that you get high-quality designs tailor-made to your specifications. The contest feature adds a unique twist, offering a variety of design perspectives for your project. My personal experience with 99designs has been nothing short of remarkable, with the platform exceeding my expectations in terms of quality, efficiency, and customer service.

However, it’s essential to note that while 99designs offers considerable value, there may be better choices if you’re on a tight budget. High-quality designs come at a price, and while 99designs is worth every penny, it may not be feasible for everyone.

So, if you’re ready to elevate your brand or project with exceptional designs, head over to 99designs now! Your journey towards finding the perfect design starts there.

But what if 99designs isn’t suitable for your needs or budget? Don’t worry; up next, we’ll explore some worthy alternatives before ending this 99designs review. Stay tuned!

99designs Alternatives

If the range of 99designs’ prices is too much for you to stomach right now or you need a different solution, you might like one of these alternatives.

#1) DesignCrowd

DesignCrowd operates similarly to 99designs with its crowdsourcing model, but often at a lower price point. It offers a wide range of design services, much like 99designs. However, the key difference lies in its pricing structure, making it a more budget-friendly option. 

While it offers a similar variety of design options, my experience showed that the overall quality and expertise of multiple designers can be more variable compared to 99designs. DesignCrowd is ideal for those who are price-sensitive but still want a variety of design options to choose from.

#2) Toptal

Toptal takes a different approach by positioning itself as a network of highly vetted freelancers, not just limited to designers but also including software developers, finance experts, and more. This platform is known for its stringent vetting process, ensuring only top-tier professionals are available for hire.

This results in generally higher pricing and a focus on long-term, in-depth projects. From my experience, Toptal is best suited for businesses seeking to invest in high-level expertise for comprehensive projects. It’s less about quick design solutions and more about integrated, expert-level collaboration.

#3) Fiverr

Fiverr offers a more diverse and accessible range of freelance services, including design. The key difference is its gig-based model, where services are offered at a fixed price. This makes Fiverr an affordable and straightforward option for smaller, more defined tasks.

In my experience, the trade-off is that while you can find some excellent designers, the overall quality and level of expertise can be more inconsistent compared to a specialized design platform like 99designs. Fiverr is an excellent fit for individuals or small businesses needing quick, specific tasks done on a tight budget.

#4) Upwork

Upwork is a platform that connects clients with freelancers worldwide, offering a wide range of services from web development to copywriting. If you have a project that needs to be completed, Upwork can help you find the right freelancer to get the job done.

On the other hand, 99designs is a platform specifically designed for graphic design projects. While both platforms offer online freelance services, their scope of focus is quite different. So, if you need a logo or business card designed, 99designs might be the way to go, but if you need anything from content writing to video editing, Upwork is the more versatile choice.