If you’re a freelance designer or a client looking to hire creative talent, chances are you’ve come across 99designs. It’s one of the most popular platforms for design contests and freelance graphic work globally. But one question that gets asked a lot, especially by newcomers, is this: Is 99designs free to use?
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this platform — including how much it costs, how it works, how to get clients, and what it really pays. Whether you’re a budding designer in Kenya or an agency like Rather Digitals exploring client collaboration, this guide breaks it down in a clear and conversational way.
Is 99designs Free to Use?
The short answer is: Yes and No — it depends on who you are on the platform.
If you’re a designer, joining 99designs is free. You can create a profile, submit your portfolio, and apply to participate in contests or be hired directly. However, once you start earning, 99designs takes a commission from your payouts. This ranges between 5% to 15%, depending on your designer level (entry, mid, or top).
If you’re a client, you’ll need to pay upfront for most services. 99designs offers two main ways to hire:
- Design Contests – You post a project, and multiple designers submit entries. You pick the one you like most and award the prize.
- One-on-One Projects – You hire a specific designer directly based on their portfolio.
There is no free trial or sample work for clients. Every project must be paid upfront, with prices starting from around $199 for logo design contests.
How Does 99designs Work?
Understanding how the platform operates is essential, especially if you plan to work there or use it to source design talent.
Here’s how it works for both designers and clients:
For Designers:
- You create a free account and submit your portfolio.
- 99designs reviews and approves your account, assigning you a skill level (entry, mid, or top).
- Once approved, you can start joining design contests or get invited to one-on-one projects.
- When a client picks your work, you get paid — minus the service fee.
- Payments are made via Payoneer or PayPal once you request a payout.
For Clients:
- You sign up and launch a design contest or find a designer you like.
- You choose a package (Basic, Standard, Premium, or Platinum).
- After receiving design submissions, you give feedback and choose a winner.
- Alternatively, you can skip the contest and hire a designer directly through their profile.
The platform also has a project management dashboard where both parties can communicate, send files, and approve milestones.
How Much Does 99designs Pay?
If you’re a designer, this is one of the most important questions: How much does 99designs pay?
The pay depends on the type of project and your level. Here’s a breakdown:
- Logo design contests pay between $199 to $1,299, depending on the package selected by the client.
- As a designer, your take-home pay varies depending on your designer tier:
- Entry-Level Designers: Get around $100 to $200 for a winning logo.
- Mid-Level Designers: Can earn $200 to $500+ per project.
- Top-Level Designers: Often secure $500 to $1,000+, especially in one-on-one collaborations.
Designers also keep 85–95% of their earnings, depending on their level and how long they’ve been on the platform.
So while 99designs doesn’t pay a fixed salary, you can make consistent income if you build a strong portfolio and client base.
Is It Hard to Get Into 99designs?
To be honest — yes, it’s a bit competitive. But it’s not impossible.
When you apply to 99designs as a designer, you go through a manual vetting process. You’ll need to:
- Submit a complete profile with high-quality samples.
- Select your design specializations (logos, web, packaging, etc.).
- Get assigned a skill level (entry, mid, top) based on your experience and quality of work.
Most beginners are admitted as Entry-Level, and only a small percentage are approved as Top-Level right away.
The trick to standing out? Upload a polished portfolio, follow the guidelines strictly, and avoid uploading copied work. Consistency and originality are key.
Once accepted, you’ll need to compete with others in design contests, so it can take time to win your first few jobs. But once you’ve proven yourself and collected some good reviews, opportunities increase.
How to Get Clients on 99designs?
As a designer, the big goal is to attract clients and build long-term relationships. Here’s how you can do that on 99designs:
1. Participate in Contests
When you’re new, contests are your best shot. You may have to submit several designs before winning one, but every submission helps you build visibility.
2. Optimize Your Profile
Make sure your portfolio is stunning and your bio is clear. Clients often browse designer profiles before making direct hires.
3. Follow Up After Contests
If you don’t win a contest but a client likes your style, they may reach out for a one-on-one project. Always maintain professionalism and communication.
4. Collect Positive Reviews
Once you start working with clients, encourage them to leave you a review. This boosts your credibility and search ranking on the platform.
5. Respond Quickly
Fast, professional communication shows clients that you’re reliable. This increases your chances of being hired again or referred to others.
Rather Digitals, for example, uses platforms like 99designs to collaborate with freelance designers. Agencies like this often look for top-rated designers with consistent reviews and great portfolios.
Is 99designs Real or Fake?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Is 99designs legit?
The answer is a resounding YES. 99designs is a real, well-established platform launched in 2008. It has facilitated millions of design projects worldwide and connects clients to skilled freelancers every day.
Here are some key points to note:
- It is owned by Vistaprint (a global design and printing company).
- The platform holds client funds in escrow and releases them only after project approval — protecting both sides.
- Designers have access to dispute resolution and platform support.
- Clients get refunds in certain cases if they aren’t satisfied with the designs.
That said, not every experience is perfect. Some clients or designers may misuse the platform, but 99designs has systems in place to handle disputes and ban unethical users.
If you’re serious about building a freelance design career or finding quality talent, 99designs is very much real and reliable — especially if you’re cautious and follow the rules.
Is 99designs Worth It?
So, is 99designs free to use? As we’ve seen, it’s free to join as a designer, but you’ll pay commissions on what you earn. Clients must pay upfront to launch projects, with clear pricing depending on the service they need.
If you’re a designer with good skills, the platform offers genuine income opportunities — but you need patience, quality work, and a professional attitude. If you’re a client or agency like Rather Digitals, 99designs is a smart way to find reliable, talented creatives for your design projects.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your design career or brand identity, 99designs is a platform that rewards effort, creativity, and consistency.
