What is 99designs Websites freelance

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Here’s a detailed and comprehensive description of 99designs, covering its structure, operations, features, pricing, pros and cons for both clients and designers, and comparison with competitors.

Overview of 99designs

99designs is an online marketplace focused on connecting freelance designers with clients who need design work done. Founded in 2008, it has become one of the most popular design-specific platforms, providing opportunities for clients to get various creative services such as logo design, website design, product packaging, and more. The platform operates under a unique "crowd-sourcing" model, where designers compete to submit the best designs based on client briefs, and the client selects the winning design.

Type: Freelance platform for designers and clients
Founded: 2008
Founders: Matt Mickiewicz and Mark Harbottle
Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia
Specialization: Design services, including graphic design, logos, websites, branding, print materials, and illustrations.

How 99designs Works:

99designs offers two primary ways to connect clients and designers: Design Contests and 1-to-1 Projects. Both systems offer flexibility depending on what a client is looking for.

1. Design Contests:

This is one of the key features of 99designs that makes it stand out. Clients run contests to get multiple design options.

· How It Works:

A client starts by creating a design brief, outlining the details of their project (such as what kind of logo, website, or design they want).
The client then chooses a budget, usually selecting from Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum packages, which vary by price and the number of design submissions expected.
Once the contest is launched, designers from all over the world submit their designs according to the client’s brief.
The client provides feedback on designs, asking for revisions or changes.
After several rounds of submissions, the client selects a winner and awards them the prize.
The designer then delivers the final files in the required formats.

· Benefits of Design Contests for Clients:

Multiple Options: Clients receive many design concepts from different designers, offering a broad variety of styles and ideas.
Flexibility in Pricing: Clients can choose packages based on their budget.
High Engagement: Clients can give feedback to tweak designs and ensure the final product meets their expectations.

· Challenges for Designers:

Speculative Work: Designers submit their work without a guarantee of payment unless they win the contest.
High Competition: Contests often attract many designers, making it difficult to stand out.

2. 1-to-1 Projects:

Clients who don’t want to run a contest or prefer to work with a specific designer can hire a designer directly.

· How It Works:

Clients browse designer profiles and portfolios, which include examples of past work, ratings, and reviews.
Once a client finds a designer whose work they like, they can invite the designer to work on a custom project.
The client and designer negotiate the project’s scope, timeline, and pricing.
This method is more collaborative and often preferred for clients looking for ongoing design work or specialized projects.

· Benefits of 1-to-1 Projects for Clients:

Direct Collaboration: Clients work directly with a designer, allowing for more detailed input and communication.
Ongoing Relationships: Clients can build long-term working relationships with designers for future projects.

· Benefits for Designers:

Guaranteed Payment: In 1-to-1 projects, designers are paid upfront for their work without competition from other designers.
Freedom to Negotiate Rates: Designers have the flexibility to set their own rates and scope.

Key Features of 99designs:

1. Designer Profiles: Designers on the platform have detailed profiles that display their portfolio, ratings, client reviews, and skills. Clients can explore these profiles to find the perfect match for their project.

2. Client Dashboard: Clients have access to a project management dashboard where they can keep track of submissions, offer feedback, and communicate with designers.

3. Customizable Design Briefs: The platform helps clients craft detailed design briefs, which provide designers with all the necessary information to complete the project.

4. Escrow Payment System: Payments are held in escrow to protect both the client and the designer. Designers are paid only after the client approves the final design.

5. Revision Rounds: Clients can request revisions during contests or 1-to-1 projects, ensuring the final design meets their needs.

6. File Transfer System: Designers deliver high-resolution files in multiple formats (AI, EPS, JPG, PNG) through the platform’s secure system.

Pricing Structure on 99designs:

Design Contests:

Clients pay based on the package they select. Each package offers different levels of service and attracts different types of designers.

Bronze Package: Basic service with fewer entries and lower-cost designers.
Silver Package: Mid-range package that attracts a larger pool of designers.
Gold Package: Professional-grade designs with more experienced designers.
Platinum Package: Top-level designers with extensive experience and guaranteed top-quality submissions.

Price Range for Logo Contests:

Bronze: ~$299
Silver: ~$499
Gold: ~$899
Platinum: ~$1,299

The cost can vary depending on the design category (web design, illustration, etc.).

1-to-1 Projects:

Pricing for direct projects varies as designers set their own rates. Clients and designers negotiate a price depending on the project’s complexity and the designer’s experience.

Pros and Cons of 99designs:

For Clients:

Pros:

Wide Variety: Access to a diverse global pool of designers.
Creative Input: Clients can run contests and get multiple design options to choose from.
Flexible Budgeting: Multiple pricing tiers allow clients to choose a package based on their needs and budget.
Satisfaction Guaranteed: Clients only pay for designs they like in contests, and they can request revisions to meet their needs.

Cons:

Spec Work: Some critics argue that the crowd-sourcing model promotes speculative work, where designers work without pay unless selected.
Platform Fees: 99designs charges fees on top of the contest prize or 1-to-1 project payments.
Time-Consuming: The design contest process can be lengthy, with multiple rounds of submissions and feedback.

For Designers:

Pros:

Portfolio Building: Contests offer new designers opportunities to build a portfolio and gain experience.
Global Exposure: Designers can work for clients worldwide.
Flexibility: Designers can choose which contests to participate in and when they want to work.
Long-Term Relationships: Successful designers may be hired for future 1-to-1 projects.

Cons:

No Guaranteed Payment (Contests): Designers may spend time creating designs without winning the contest or being paid.
High Competition: Competing with other designers can be tough, especially in popular contest categories.
Fees: Designers also pay a service fee to 99designs for platform use.

Alternatives to 99designs:

There are several platforms that offer similar services:

1. Upwork: A general freelance marketplace where clients can hire freelancers for design work or other services.

2. Fiverr: Allows freelancers to offer design services for as little as $5, but also includes more advanced options.

3. DesignCrowd: Similar to 99designs, offering design contests and crowdsourcing options.

4. Toptal: A premium freelance marketplace that connects clients with top-tier designers but is more expensive.

Conclusion:

99designs is a powerful platform for both clients looking for creative design solutions and freelance designers seeking work. While its contest model offers clients access to many design ideas, it can also be challenging for designers because of speculative work. However, the 1-to-1 project system provides a solid alternative for those looking to hire or be hired directly.

Ultimately, 99designs is ideal for clients seeking creative, competitive design services and for designers wanting to gain exposure and access to a global market, but both must weigh the pros and cons of the platform’s pricing, competition, and speculative work structure.