99 Designs

Review of 99designs: A Platform for Creative Sourcing

99designs presents itself as a leading online marketplace for connecting businesses with freelance graphic designers. The platform primarily utilizes a crowdsourcing model for design projects, though it also supports direct hire. This review examines the key aspects of 99designs, evaluating its effectiveness as a tool for obtaining design services.

The primary mechanism for sourcing design on 99designs is through 'Contests'. Clients launch a contest by providing a detailed brief outlining their design needs. Designers on the platform then submit conceptual designs based on this brief. This approach can be particularly appealing as it provides the client with a diverse range of initial ideas and styles from multiple designers, allowing for a broader exploration of creative possibilities. However, it's important to note that designers invest time without guarantee of payment unless their design is selected as the winner. This model can be highly beneficial for the client seeking varied options upfront but may be less predictable for designers.

Alternatively, clients can opt for 'One-on-One Projects'. This involves browsing designer profiles, reviewing their portfolios, and directly hiring a specific designer for a project. This method offers more control and a potentially more collaborative relationship with a chosen designer. It's suitable for clients who have a clear understanding of the style and expertise they are seeking and prefer to work with a single individual throughout the process. The availability of designer portfolios is a key element here, allowing clients to assess prior work and determine if a designer's style aligns with their project needs.

The platform supports a wide spectrum of design categories, extending beyond typical logo and web design to encompass specialized areas like packaging, apparel, and illustration. This breadth of service is a significant advantage, making 99designs a potentially single source for various creative requirements. The categorisation of designers by experience level aims to assist clients in selecting professionals whose skill set and pricing aligns with their budget and project complexity.

Communication and revision tools integrated within the platform are essential for the design process. Clients can provide feedback on submitted designs, request revisions, and communicate directly with designers. This iterative approach is crucial for refining initial concepts into final deliverables that meet client expectations. The platform's escrow service for payments, where funds are held until the client approves the final design, offers a layer of financial security for both parties.

A key benefit of 99designs is the access it provides to a global pool of design talent. This diversity in location often translates to a diversity in design styles and perspectives, which can be highly valuable for clients seeking unique and innovative solutions. The crowdsourced model, in particular, leverages this global talent pool to present a wide array of initial concepts.

However, the contest model, while offering variety, can also present challenges. Sifting through numerous submissions to find the right direction can be time-consuming. The quality of submissions can vary, and clearly articulating a brief that resonates with a broad designer base is critical for success. For designers, the competitive nature of contests means there's no guarantee of payment for their work, which can be a disincentive for some experienced professionals.

The one-on-one project option mitigates some of the drawbacks of the contest model by allowing for a more focused relationship. However, selecting the right designer from the many available profiles requires careful review and consideration of portfolios and reviews. The platform's search and filtering tools are helpful in narrowing down options, but the ultimate decision rests with the client.

In conclusion, 99designs provides a functional and accessible platform for sourcing design services from a global network of freelance professionals. The contest model offers a unique approach to generating multiple initial design concepts, while the one-on-one option caters to clients seeking a more direct and collaborative relationship. The platform's features, including diverse design categories, designer portfolios, communication tools, and payment protection, contribute to its utility. While the contest model has inherent trade-offs, and selecting the right designer requires diligence, 99designs remains a viable option for businesses seeking a range of design solutions.