99Designs is an online platform that connects freelance designers with clients who need high-quality design work. It was founded in 2008 and is now owned by Vista (formerly Vistaprint).
It specializes in creative design contests and one-on-one projects.
👩🎨 Who is 99Designs For?
It’s ideal for:
- Logo Designers
- Branding Experts
- Business Card & Stationery Designers
- Website/UI Designers
- T-shirt & Merchandise Designers
- Book Cover & Packaging Designers
- Illustration Artists
🛠️ How Does 99Designs Work?
There are two main ways to earn:
1. 🔥 Design Contests
- Clients post a brief and budget
- Multiple designers submit concepts
- Client picks the best design and pays the winner
- Great for exposure, but only winner gets paid
2. 🤝 1-to-1 Projects
- Direct hire model (no contest)
- Clients find you or invite you
- You set the price and terms
💡 After winning contests, you can be hired directly by the client in the future.
💰 Earning Potential
| Design Type | Typical Payout |
|---|---|
| Logo Design | $150 – $1,000+ |
| Website Design | $600 – $2,500+ |
| Book Cover Design | $200 – $800 |
| T-shirt Design | $100 – $400 |
| Product Packaging | $350 – $1,500 |
✅ Top designers can earn $3,000 – $10,000+/month.
🧾 Payment & Fees
- 💳 Payment Methods: Payoneer, PayPal, Skrill
- ⏱️ Payout Frequency: 1–3 business days (after approval)
- 💸 Fees (Tiered):
- Entry Level: 15%
- Mid Level: 10%
- Top Level: 5%
You can level up by consistently delivering high-quality work and gaining good reviews.
🪜 How to Get Started on 99Designs
- 🔗 Visit: www.99designs.com
- Click on “Become a Designer”
- Fill out your application:
- Portfolio
- Design categories
- Experience level
- Wait for approval (1–7 days)
- Once approved:
- Join contests
- Get invited to 1-on-1 jobs
- Build your designer profile
🧠 Designer Levels
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Entry | New freelancers with good potential |
| Mid-Level | Skilled designers with consistent quality |
| Top-Level | Expert designers (fast, premium work) |
Your level affects how visible you are to clients and how much you earn.
📈 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- High-paying clients
- Lots of global exposure
- Great for portfolio-building
- Possibility for recurring clients
❌ Cons:
- Only winners get paid in contests
- High competition
- Entry process is selective
- Fees apply to each job
🧩 Tips for Success on 99Designs
- 🎯 Choose contests wisely (where your skills fit best)
- 💼 Focus on quality over quantity
- 🧰 Build a strong, niche-specific portfolio
- ⭐ Get client reviews and maintain great communication
- 🔝 Level up to Mid/Top tier to increase earnings
