99designs Success Guide: Win Design Contests, Maximize Payouts, and Boost Your Designer Level

  

A graphical image of the 99designs platform  

99designs is a major global platform designed for graphic design talent. It mainly operates on a contest-based model, where clients submit a project brief and a guaranteed prize. Designers from all over the world then submit their concepts. The client chooses one winning design, and only that designer gets paid. The platform also offers guaranteed one-on-one projects for top designers.

The Two Avenues for Work  

Design Contests (Primary Focus): Clients create contests for different needs, like logo design, website layouts, packaging, or T-shirt graphics. This is a high-risk, high-reward model, where winning is the only way to earn payment.  

1-on-1 Direct Projects: After demonstrating skill in contests, clients can invite designers to work on guaranteed projects. This option has much lower commission fees and removes the risk of not getting paid.  

Range of Disciplines: The platform includes a wide range of creative work, such as Brand Identity, Web & App UI, and Merchandise Design.  

Strategic Advantages for Designers  

99designs works best for designers who:  

• Need Portfolio Velocity: Participating in live contests, whether winning or losing, quickly gives designers real-world practice and portfolio pieces.  
• Are Competitive and Confident: Designers who can consistently produce excellent work and thrive under competitive pressure are best set up for big prize wins.  
• Aim for Higher Tiers: The platform has designer levels (Entry, Mid, Top). Moving up these levels lowers commission rates and boosts visibility for direct work.  

Understanding the Income and Commission Structure  

The commission system on 99designs is unique. It encourages loyalty and success:  

1. Designer Fees and Commission  

• Service Fee (Commission): A percentage is taken from your winnings, usually between 10% and 15%, depending on your current designer level. Top-level designers pay the lowest fee.  
• Introduction Fee (One-Time): A fee (up to ~$100) is charged the first time a designer works with a new client, whether through a contest win or a direct project. This fee disappears with repeat business from that client.  
• Earning Incentives: As your total earnings and level go up, the service fee drops, motivating designers to focus on the platform for their work.  

2. Payout Methods and Timelines  

Payment Clearing: Funds usually appear in the designer's 99designs account within 3 to 5 business days after the contest ends or the direct project is done.  

Withdrawal Options: Secure and reliable payment methods available include:  

• Payoneer: Popular for fast, low-fee international bank transfers.  
• PayPal: The standard global digital wallet.  
• Skrill: An alternative e-wallet option.  
• Direct Bank/Wire Transfer: Available for direct deposits into your local bank account.  

Winning Strategies for 99designs  

Focus on Quality and Feedback: Instead of rushing to submit many designs, concentrate on creating high-quality submissions. Use client feedback during the contest to quickly refine and improve your work.  

Curate Your Portfolio: Only display your very best and most successful designs on your 99designs profile. Treat it like your online design studio.  

Target Tiered Contests: Aim for Gold or Platinum contests, which offer higher prizes. This ensures your effort matches the potential return, especially as you gain experience.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)  

1. How is 99designs different from platforms like Upwork?  

Answer: 99designs mainly uses a contest model to get work, where designers compete for a set prize. In contrast, platforms like Upwork rely on bidding for guaranteed contracts.  

2. What happens if I participate but do not win the contest?  

Answer: If you do not win, you do not get paid. However, you can still use the submitted designs to sharpen your skills and build your public portfolio.  

3. How does 99designs determine its commission rate?  

Answer: The commission rate (Service Fee) is tiered and depends on your Designer Level and lifetime earnings on the platform. It ranges from 10% to 15%.