In the competitive world of design, finding the right freelancer or design service can be overwhelming. 99designs aims to bridge the gap between skilled designers and businesses in need of high-quality branding, logos, and graphics. But is it the best platform for freelancers and small businesses?
In this detailed 99designs review, we’ll break down its features, pricing, pros, cons, and alternatives, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your design needs.
What Is 99designs?
99designs is a freelance design marketplace connecting businesses with graphic designers worldwide. Founded in 2008, it offers two primary ways to hire designers:
- Design Contests: Businesses submit a brief, and multiple designers submit their work. The business picks the best design and pays the winner.
- Direct Hiring: Businesses can browse designer profiles, review portfolios, and work with a designer one-on-one.
It is widely used for logo design, web design, branding, packaging, and marketing materials, making it a popular choice among startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
How Does 99designs Work?
99designs offers a user-friendly process, making it simple for both clients and designers. Here’s how it works:
For Businesses & Clients:
- Create a Brief: Describe your project, style preferences, and budget.
- Choose a Hiring Method: Start a contest or hire a designer directly.
- Review Submissions: For contests, multiple designers submit their work. For direct hire, you’ll receive initial drafts.
- Provide Feedback: Refine designs with the chosen designer.
- Select the Best Design: Finalize and receive the files.
For Freelancers & Designers:
- Create a Profile: Showcase your work and expertise.
- Join Design Contests: Compete against other designers to win projects.
- Get Hired Directly: Businesses can contact and hire you for one-on-one projects.
- Deliver Work & Get Paid: Once a client approves your work, you receive payment.
99designs Pricing: How Much Does It Cost?
99designs offers four pricing tiers based on the complexity and quality of work required.
| Package | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | $299 | Small businesses on a budget |
| Silver | $499 | Better quality designs and more designer engagement |
| Gold | $899 | Access to top-tier designers and more revisions |
| Platinum | $1,299 | Premium designs with hand-vetted, experienced designers |
💡 Note: Prices vary depending on project type (logo, website, branding, etc.).
For direct hiring, designers set their own rates, which can range from $100 to $5,000+, depending on experience and project scope.
Pros & Cons of 99designs
✅ Pros
- Access to a Global Talent Pool – Thousands of designers with varying styles and expertise.
- High-Quality Designs – Many top-tier designers participate in contests.
- Great for Startups & Small Businesses – Affordable entry-level pricing for basic design needs.
- Money-Back Guarantee – If you don’t like any designs in a contest, you can request a refund.
- Intuitive Platform – Easy-to-use interface for both clients and designers.
❌ Cons
- Expensive for Premium Designs – High-quality work can be costly.
- No Guaranteed Winning for Designers – Designers in contests may not get paid if their work isn’t selected.
- Limited Customization in Contests – Hard to develop long-term collaboration through contests.
- Service Fees for Designers – 99designs takes a cut from designer earnings (5%-15%).
Who Should Use 99designs?
- Small businesses & startups – Need affordable, professional-quality branding.
- Entrepreneurs – Require a logo, website, or packaging design quickly.
- Marketing agencies – Want access to a diverse range of designers for different projects.
- Freelancers – Looking for a platform to showcase their skills and attract clients.
However, if you need long-term design work, platforms like Upwork or Fiverr might be better options.
Alternatives to 99designs
If 99designs isn’t the perfect fit, here are some great alternatives:
| Platform | Best For | Pricing | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiverr | Affordable design work | $5 – $500 | One-on-one hiring, budget-friendly |
| Upwork | Long-term designer relationships | Varies per freelancer | Hourly or fixed-price projects |
| DesignCrowd | Contests & direct hires | $150+ | Budget-friendly design contests |
| Toptal | Elite designers for premium projects | $$$$ | Hand-vetted, high-quality talent |
| Canva (Pro) | DIY design for non-designers | $12.99/mo | Templates & easy customization |
Each platform has its own strengths, depending on your budget, design needs, and project complexity.
Final Verdict: Is 99designs Worth It?
99designs is a solid platform for businesses looking for professional designs and freelancers seeking creative projects. It’s especially valuable for logo design, branding, and packaging work, thanks to its high-quality designer community and easy-to-use interface.
✅ 99designs is worth it if:
- You want multiple design options via contests.
- You need high-quality, unique designs.
- You’re willing to pay a premium for top designers.
❌ You may want to skip 99designs if:
- You prefer working with the same designer long-term.
- You’re on a tight budget and need low-cost designs.
- You don’t want to risk paying for a contest and not liking any designs.
Ultimately, 99designs is one of the best platforms for businesses needing professional graphic design, but alternatives like Fiverr or Upwork may be better for budget-conscious users or long-term projects.
FAQs About 99designs
1. Is 99designs good for freelancers?
Yes! 99designs is great for skilled designers looking for exposure and high-paying projects. However, contest-based work can be risky, as you might not get paid if your design isn’t chosen.
2. How much does 99designs take from freelancers?
99designs charges a service fee ranging from 5% to 15% on designer earnings, depending on the designer’s experience level.
3. Can I get a refund?
Yes, 99designs offers a money-back guarantee for contests if you’re unsatisfied with the submissions. However, some higher-tier packages may have restrictions.
4. How long does a 99designs contest take?
Most contests last 7 days, but you can extend or fast-track the process if needed.
5. Is 99designs better than Fiverr?
It depends! 99designs offers high-quality designs through contests, while Fiverr is more budget-friendly for one-on-one projects.
🚀 Looking for professional designs? Visit 99designs and start your project today!
