99Designs

What is 99Designs?

99Designs is a platform connecting businesses with designers through two models: design contests where multiple designers compete for a prize, and direct 1-to-1 projects with established designers. Clients post briefs, designers submit concepts, and winners get paid.

For designers seeking client access without marketing, 99Designs provides a steady stream of real projects from businesses worldwide.

How 99Designs Works

Contest Model

The signature 99Designs experience:

1. Client posts design brief with prize amount
2. Multiple designers submit concepts
3. Client provides feedback and ratings
4. Client selects winning design
5. Winner receives prize, client gets files

Only the winning designer gets paid. All other submissions are unpaid spec work.

Direct Projects

For established designers:

• Clients hire you directly based on portfolio
• No competition with other designers
• Negotiate scope and pricing
• Build ongoing client relationships

Requires strong 99Designs reputation and portfolio.

Designer Levels

Your level affects visibility and opportunities:

Build your level through quality work and client satisfaction.

Earning on 99Designs

Contest Prize Ranges

Typical prizes by project type:

Higher tiers attract more experienced clients and clearer briefs.

Platform Fees

99Designs takes a percentage:

• Contest wins: Platform keeps portion of prize
• Direct projects: Service fee applies
• Exact fees vary by designer level and project type

Your effective earnings are less than listed prize amounts.

Succeeding on 99Designs

Winning Contests

Increase your success rate:

Submit early. Get client feedback while time remains for iteration.

Follow the brief. Clients often have specific requirements. Meet them before getting creative.

Iterate actively. Respond to feedback quickly and thoroughly.

Show range. Submit varied concepts to demonstrate versatility.

Specialize. Focus on contest types where you excel.

Building Your Reputation

Long-term success strategies:

• Complete every contest you enter (builds stats)
• Respond professionally to all feedback
• Build a cohesive portfolio
• Specialize in profitable niches
• Transition to direct projects as reputation grows

99Designs for Digital Nomads

Location Independence

Design from anywhere:

• All work happens online
• No client meetings required
• Global client base in all timezones
• Flexible hours around contests

Contest Scheduling

Manage your time effectively:

• Contests run 3-7 days typically
• Enter contests matching your availability
• Batch contest participation during productive periods
• Direct projects offer more scheduling control

Income Considerations

Understand the financial reality:

• Contest income is unpredictable
• Many entries yield no payment
• Build towards direct projects for stability
• Supplement with other income sources initially

99Designs vs. Alternatives

Tips for 99Designs Success

Study winning designs. Understand what clients choose and why.

Build fast workflow. Contest timelines reward quick iteration.

Accept the model. Spec work frustrates some designers. Accept it or choose other platforms.

Track your ROI. Monitor time spent vs. wins to optimize your approach.

Transition to direct. Use contests to build reputation, then shift to guaranteed work.

The Bottom Line

99Designs offers designers access to clients without self-marketing, but the contest model means significant unpaid work. Success requires accepting spec work as investment in building reputation and skills.

For digital nomads willing to compete, 99Designs provides location-independent design income. Build your reputation through contests, then transition to direct projects for more predictable earnings. The platform works best as part of a broader freelance strategy rather than sole income source.