99designs: A Complete Guide for Freelancers

There are more chances than ever for creative people to display their skills and make a fortune online in the rapidly growing digital economy. 99designs is one of the most well-known websites that empowers designers globally; it is a marketplace where business and creativity coexist. 99designs provides a distinctive environment that rewards talent and perseverance, regardless of your level of expertise. This is true whether you're a novice designer wishing to expand your portfolio or an accomplished professional seeking new clients.

This essay examines the advantages and difficulties of using 99designs for freelancers, as well as professional tactics for thriving in the cutthroat field of freelance design.

What is 99designs?

99designs is a global online marketplace that connects freelance designers with clients in need of design services. Founded in 2008 in Melbourne, Australia, it was inspired by a simple idea: designers could compete in online “design contests” to win paid projects. Over time, 99designs evolved from a contest-based model into a full-service creative platform offering one-on-one projects, direct client collaborations, and even long-term partnerships.

Today, the site is home to hundreds of thousands of designers from around the world, offering services such as:

• Logo design
  

• Website and app design
  

• Packaging and label design
  

• Branding and identity
  

• Illustration
  

• Business card and stationery design
  

The platform’s mission is straightforward: to democratize design opportunities by giving freelancers from anywhere access to a global client base.

How 99designs Works for Freelancers

99designs offers two main ways for freelancers to get work: design contests and 1-to-1 projects.

1. Design Contests

This is the signature feature of 99designs. Clients post a design brief describing what they need—such as a logo, book cover, or product packaging—along with a prize amount. Freelancers submit their designs, and the client provides feedback and eventually selects a winner who receives the payment.

The process typically goes through several stages:

1. Brief submission by the client.
   

2. Open round, where multiple designers submit ideas.
   

3. Feedback round, where clients comment and request revisions.
   

4. Final round, where selected finalists refine their designs.
   

5. Winner selection and payment release.
   

For new designers, contests can be a great way to build a portfolio, gain experience, and get visibility. However, it can also be competitive—many contests attract dozens or even hundreds of entries.

2. 1-to-1 Projects

Once you’ve built a good reputation, clients can hire you directly. These private projects usually offer higher earnings, more creative control, and better client relationships. Designers can set their own rates, negotiate terms, and even collaborate on multiple projects over time.

99designs encourages this transition from contest-based work to personalized partnerships because it promotes higher-quality work and stronger professional connections.

Getting Started on 99designs

To join 99designs as a freelancer, you must create a profile showcasing your skills, style, and experience. Here’s how to begin:

Step 1: Create an Account

Sign up as a designer and complete your profile. Include a professional photo, a short bio, and a compelling portfolio that reflects your design style.

Step 2: Portfolio Review

Before you can participate in contests or accept work, your portfolio must be reviewed by the 99designs team. They assess your design quality, originality, and technical ability. This process helps maintain high standards on the platform.

Step 3: Start with Contests

New designers often start by entering contests. This allows you to practice interpreting briefs, understanding client needs, and testing your creative approach in a competitive environment.

Step 4: Build a Reputation

Consistency and professionalism are key. The more positive reviews, successful projects, and contest wins you achieve, the higher your visibility on the platform. Over time, you can earn badges, level up your designer rank, and attract direct clients.

Designer Levels on 99designs

99designs classifies freelancers into three tiers based on skill, consistency, and client satisfaction:

1. Entry Level – For beginners who are new to the platform and still learning.
   

2. Mid Level – For experienced designers who have shown creativity, reliability, and professional communication.
   

3. Top Level – For highly skilled designers who consistently deliver outstanding work and client service.
   

Advancing through these levels not only improves your reputation but also increases your earning potential. Top-level designers get access to premium contests, faster payouts, and more personalized client referrals.

Payment System

99designs handles all payments securely. Designers are paid through PayPal, Payoneer, or Skrill, depending on location. For contests, payment is released once the client selects a winner. For 1-to-1 projects, funds are typically held in escrow until the client approves the final design.

99designs charges a platform fee ranging from 5% to 15%, depending on your designer level. Top-level designers pay the lowest fees.

Benefits of Working on 99designs

1. Global Exposure

99designs allows freelancers to connect with clients from around the world. You can design a logo for a startup in New York one week and a wine label for a company in Italy the next.

2. Portfolio Growth

Each contest entry and completed project adds to your portfolio. This public display of work helps attract more clients, even outside the platform.

3. Skill Development

Contests challenge you to interpret diverse design briefs and compete with talented peers. This helps sharpen your creativity, adaptability, and communication skills.

4. Safe Payment System

The escrow and review process ensure freelancers are protected and paid fairly for their work.

5. Opportunities for Long-Term Work

Many designers start in contests but eventually develop lasting client relationships, leading to steady, recurring income.

Challenges of Freelancing on 99designs

While 99designs offers great opportunities, it’s not without challenges:

1. High Competition

With thousands of talented designers on the platform, standing out can be difficult—especially in popular categories like logo or branding design.

2. Unpaid Work in Contests

In design contests, only the winning design gets paid. This means freelancers may invest time and effort without guaranteed compensation.

3. Platform Fees

While 99designs provides a valuable service, the commission can reduce your earnings, especially at the entry level.

4. Limited Control at First

Until you build a strong profile, you may not have much control over project selection, pricing, or client communication.

Despite these challenges, many successful freelancers consider 99designs a rewarding platform for growing both skills and income—especially if approached strategically.

Tips for Succeeding on 99designs

1. Read Briefs Carefully

Most contest failures occur because designers overlook client instructions. Take time to understand what the client truly wants before designing.

2. Develop a Signature Style

Having a recognizable design style helps clients remember you. It also makes your work stand out among hundreds of entries.

3. Communicate Professionally

Be polite, responsive, and open to feedback. Clients value professionalism as much as creativity.

4. Learn from Others

Observe what top designers submit in contests. Analyze their color choices, typography, and composition to refine your own approach.

5. Keep Improving

Participate regularly, experiment with new ideas, and update your portfolio. Consistent activity increases your visibility and credibility.

6. Move Toward 1-to-1 Projects

Once you have regular clients, focus on direct collaborations rather than contests. This ensures stable income and less wasted effort.

99designs vs. Other Freelance Platforms

Unlike platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer, which cover all kinds of freelance work, 99designs is exclusively dedicated to design. This focus makes it more appealing for serious creative professionals.

• 99designs emphasizes quality over quantity, offering curated contests and high client expectations.
  

• Upwork offers broader opportunities but often requires bidding and proposal writing.
  

• Fiverr caters to quick-turnaround, low-cost projects, while 99designs tends to attract clients seeking higher-quality design work.
  

In short, 99designs is ideal for designers who want to showcase their artistic talent, compete creatively, and work with clients who value design excellence.

Final Thoughts

One of the most reputable and active websites for independent designers is still 99designs. It provides chances to develop, learn, and make money—all from the comfort of your own home—by bridging the gap between creative individuals and companies around the globe.

It's a great location for new freelancers to meet clients, develop a portfolio, and get experience. It provides seasoned designers with a platform to broaden their audience, build a brand identity, and become financially independent over the long run.

Perseverance, enthusiasm, and patience are necessary for success on 99designs. However, the platform might serve as a springboard for a rewarding freelancing career in the design industry with persistent work and inventiveness.