99designs

I quickly realized I needed to describe my design needs more specifically. I wanted a book cover for a "Riddle Bestiary". I didn't make it clear in my initial specification that the "beasts" in my bestiary were actual, not imaginary and/or mythical and they covered a wide spectrum of animals, e.g. invertebrates, insects, reptiles, mammals, birds, etc. with an emphasis on fun animal facts.

We used the service for logos, with a half decent idea of what we want. We did provide a clear 5 pointer brief. We got some great designs. We then shortlisted designs; created polls and shared with colleagues and friends, request some changes based on feedback and got a logo that checked all boxes and more.

With this model, I think they have brought an abundance of creativity to their clients. I felt like we get stuck with other models, where we pick a designer and then ask for designs, by looking at thier previous work. But allowing us to view designs based on our requirements, before going for the designers, is just perfect.

This may be a very competitive space for designers. However, I feel there are so many talented designers, that do have time in thier hands but do not have active projects. With 99 designs, they can showcase their creativity before even being awarded the project. Thus, letting thier work speak for themselves.

I've been a full-time ad consultant for 32 years and I frequently use 99 Designs. The keys are (1.) to spend enough money to interest the highest levels of talent, and (2.) to write a brief that not only instructs your designers, but inspires them. I usually offer a prize of $1,500 or $2,000 and receive 1,250 to 1,400 designs in return. Sure, you have to wade through a lot of silly, crap designs from beginners hoping to win the lottery, but at least 50 of the designs will be notable. My biggest problem is choosing from the top 10 or 12 designs that are simply AMAZING. You can run with the big dogs or stay on the porch, but don't think you're going to see anything but the big dogs' butts if you toss minimum money at them.

I first signed up in 99designs in 2009 and after a 6 years break, I came on site in 2016 June Since then my business started to grow. Was able to win 12 contests within 5 months and have secured over $10,000 worth of 1 on 1 projects. If you are a designer with skill who is looking to make a decent living 99designs is the place. They respect designers, unlike other Freelance sites. Designers feel like their work is highly valued.

I recommend 99designs for all the designers out there!

This was my first time using 99designs and I was highly impressed. The process and website are very streamlined and easy to navigate. Once my contest began the submissions and messages were easy to manage. I was nervous about what level of work I would receive in only four days, however, I received numerous quality ideas. After narrowing my list of finalists, it was difficult to pick only one winner (you can pick more than one if your budget allows). My winning designer was talented and responsive and quickly worked out the last details before providing me with final design files. I will have no hesitation using 99designs again in the future.

The entire experience was easy to manage, professionally run and, in the end, completely successful. I couldn't be happier. I'll certainly do this again and will recommend this site to friends and colleagues looking for an affordable design or logo treatment.

I am seeing some really negative reviews here and I can only think that someone has a personal grievance or maybe the person just couldn't figure out how to do it properly. Our design requirements were well thought out and refined before I posted the request. I've only had one experience but I believe that's the key to a successful outcome. Also, I opted for the guaranteed payment which, I can only guess, appealed to the more professional designers. I received dozens of submissions which were all professionally presented and showed effort, imagination and skill. In the end, my only difficulty was picking a final design from the top contenders. There were several terrific choices.

Bottom line: my experience was 100% satisfying.

I have won several times as designer, and it's important for me to find clients that are easy to work with. Although you can't always win, even when you have provided designs that will work better than the ones chosen by the clients in the end, you can always learn and place the unused design to your portfolio. Also, there can be other opportunities from 1-to-1 projects and—as your skills grow and made it as a top level designer—offer your services without having to go through complex contest processes.

Just wrapped up a contest for a new company logo. Wasn't sure exactly what I was looking for, but would know one I saw it. After completing the best as thoroughly as possible, designers from all over submitted some really creative samples. When you get a lot of designs, it can seem daunting, but once you get into the flow, it starts coming together pretty quick. Would certainly give this a shot again.

I've had a wonderful experience both times using this service. I always recommend it to friends and colleagues who need design. It's so easy to use and so much FUN to see what these designers come up with. I get so many compliments on my past logo and now my current. 99 designs is truly the best!!!

Was skeptical at first using this process to generate my corporate identity, however, the designs and the process was incredible. I've paid a considerable sum in dollars for designs by large Marketing and Advertising firms only to be presented with 4 choices that were unacceptable. This process is excellent because it gives the designers the opportunity to reap the rewards of their work and it allows the buyer to navigate easily with those designers in real-time vs. waiting 7+ days every time you change or tweak a design with a large Design firm. Thank you again for an outstanding product that will be used across the nation.

I am not a creative type so when it came time to create a logo I was panicked! A friend of mine recommended 99designs and said "I'd love it." I was skeptical at first but wow, as each design came in they were better than the next. They even give you the option to "email friends" and ask them for opinions of the designs submitted. Wow, that is extra special service.
If you need something creative made, this is the place! And it's all online. What could be better than that!

They treat designers with total contempt, put your account on hold for no reason (probably a decision made by their algorithms), take forever to reply you and, when/if they do, all you'll get will be a generic email that has nothing to do with what you have asked.

I used this service for book cover design. Great way to get a variety of submissions and narrow down the goal as the contest goes along. Designer suggestions made my original concept better, for sure. Great customer service, too.

I was in need of a great design for the cover of my ebook. I not only got 158 designs, most of them were very high quality. I was blown away! The cost was about 25% of the quotes I received on another site. So not too expensive! I am so glad I took my time and worked with 99designs, it was a great process from beginning to end. I am so pleased with the professional-looking publisher-worthy cover design I chose. I will definitely use 99designs again.

These "contests" are ridiculous. Just a bunch of clowns sending mindless crap with tiny variations. The logo contest was $400 so we even increased the prize a couple hundred dollars and still received a bunch of junk even after revision notes.

I think the major problem is that most of the "contestants" dont speak or understand ENGLISH and we're not understanding our revision notes at all...

As a professional graphic designer of many years, I have to say that 99designs is one of the most unethical businesses around. It's like going to a restaurant, ordering 50 meals, and then AFTER the chefs have cooked them, only paying for one. Not only is the premise bad, but 99designs doesn't pay. They scam designers and clients out of money often. Hire a real designer if you want quality design.

99 Designs did an awesome job! I needed Interior book design that keeps readers engaged and when I contacted them, they were quick to reply and very knowledgeable too.The work is still in process and the design is almost ready but so far I am quite happy with their work!

I love the contest approach to design. You feel 'spoiled' by all the designers who hop onto your contest and share their best concepts and talents with you. I'm humbled that the almost 90 submissions I received came from designers who could've been designing for other brands. But they chose mine and I was so happy. The final design captures our vision and mission perfectly. I will definitely work with 99designs again and refer them to others.

To be honest, the bad reviews on this page almost made me stay away from 99designs.com

I decided to go through with a $499 contest anyway & trust their refund policy. I received a lot of nice designs & very good ideas (along with a bunch of bad ones, but you can just delete them with a click). I didn't get anything that I wanted to pay for. So I called them for a refund. It literally took about 30 seconds for them to process my refund. If they had issues with refunds in the past, they seem to be gone now.

I think if I ran a contest for anything other than this current project, I'd probably have a logo I love. If I took my favorite designs & went to the next round to refine them, I might of come up with something great too. I just didn't want to risk it.

I will definitely be back to run some contests for my other projects.

This service is GROSSLY overpriced. The designers don't appear read to read anything about your business and submit substandard designs. To this end, I received lots of designs but 95% of them were garbage. The type of files received at the end, with the exception of the logo are not necessarily usable. To send PDF letterhead in the 21st Century is patently absurd. Who sends letterhead to the printer in 2018? Overall this was a complete waste of hundreds of dollars. If you're going to spend close to $1000, I recommend finding someone else for the job. I wish I had read actual reviews BEFORE I made the purchase. Shame on me! Dont waste your money!

Almost 10 years following the contest at 99designs. Have won many contests there and got regular clients, but only because the ip and payment address are the same as my wife's, my wife's account was deleted because it was considered a double account. And I sent a message to support only in reply the system they have like that. The automated system which they say is sophisticated but looks stupid and they are not responsible for my loss. From my lost projects and clients. And no awards have been received for almost 10 years of working there. Like your time is wasted there

If your business needs any corporate branding, from logo design to website design I doubt that you'd get the variety of choice you get on 99designs. As a designer, I get excited about the work I get to do on this site.
Besides helping customers it creates an environment that causes designers to 'go the extra mile' and hone our craft due to the competitive nature of the way in which the work is carried out... besides, who would you rather have doing your work when it comes to creativity, a designer working for a company who has no choice in the assignments they are given, or a designer who has selected your project by choice because it excites them?
Think about that and then give 99designs a try. When you do, I hope I see your contest... who knows, we may find ourselves working together soon.

I held a logo design contest and received over 70 entries from designers all over the world. It was great to have so many options and ended up with a logo that I absolutely love.
I'll definitely use this again for any future design needs.