Introduction
In today’s digital age, having a visually appealing and professional design is crucial for any business or individual. However, only some possess the artistic talent to create stunning designs from scratch. That’s where design crowdsourcing platforms like 99designs and DesignCrowd come into play. These platforms connect businesses and individuals with a pool of talented designers who can bring their creative visions to life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between 99designs vs DesignCrowd to help you decide which platform suits your design requirements best.
Table of Contents
Understanding 99designs
What is 99designs?
Founded in 2008, 99designs is one of the pioneers of the design crowdsourcing industry. It operates on a simple concept: clients post their design briefs, and multiple designers compete to provide the best design worldwide. Clients can choose the format they like the most, and the winning designer is rewarded.

Features and Benefits
- Global Talent Pool: With designers from various countries, 99designs offers access to diverse artistic styles and perspectives.
- Contests and Options: Clients can launch design contests where multiple designers submit their ideas, or they can work directly with a single designer of their choice.
- Quality and Creativity: The competitive nature of the platform often results in a high level of creativity and quality in the designs submitted.
- Ease of Use: 99designs’ user-friendly interface makes it simple for clients to navigate the platform and manage their design projects efficiently.
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Understanding DesignCrowd
What is DesignCrowd?
Established in 2007, DesignCrowd is another leading player in the design crowdsourcing arena. Like 99designs, DesignCrowd connects clients with a community of skilled designers who can cater to their design needs.

Features and Benefits
- Design Proposal System: Instead of contests, DesignCrowd offers a proposal system where designers submit their ideas based on the client’s brief. Clients can then choose the proposal they prefer.
- Speed and Efficiency: DesignCrowd’s proposal system often yields quicker results, making it an ideal choice for clients with tight deadlines.
- Customization Options: The platform allows for direct collaboration with designers, enabling clients to fine-tune their designs according to their preferences.
- Versatility: DesignCrowd caters to various design categories, from logos and business cards to website layouts and promotional materials.
99designs vs DesignCrowd: Head-to-Head Comparison
- User Interface: Both 99designs and DesignCrowd boast intuitive interfaces, making them easy to use, even for those new to crowdsourcing platforms. However, some users may prefer one platform’s sleek design and layout over the other. Exploring both interfaces to see which aligns better with your preferences is recommended.
- Design Quality: As both platforms attract talented designers, the quality of design is generally high on 99designs and DesignCrowd. However, the creative approach may differ, with 99designs offering a broader range of design styles due to its larger designer pool.
- Collaboration Process: DesignCrowd’s proposal system allows for more direct and iterative collaboration between clients and designers, facilitating better customization and faster turnarounds. On the other hand, 99designs’ contest-based approach can generate a wider variety of designs, but it may involve less interaction with individual designers.
- Pricing Structure: Pricing can be a significant factor when choosing between the two platforms. While 99designs and DesignCrowd offer transparent pricing models, the costs may vary depending on the project complexity and the designer’s experience. It’s essential to compare pricing for your specific design requirements.
- Community and Support: Both platforms have active communities and support systems, including customer service and design assistance. However, some users may find that one platform offers better customer support or a more vibrant community, which can impact their overall experience.

Making the Decision
Choosing between 99designs and DesignCrowd depends on your unique design needs and preferences. To help you make the right decision, consider the following factors:
- Project Scope: Assess the complexity of your design project and whether you need multiple design options (99designs) or more direct collaboration (DesignCrowd).
- Design Style: Review the portfolios of designers on both platforms to determine which aligns better with your desired design style.
- Timeline: Consider your project’s timeline; if you need a design quickly, DesignCrowd’s proposal system may be more suitable.
- Budget: Compare the pricing structures of both platforms and choose the one that fits your budget while ensuring quality results.
- Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials from previous clients on both platforms to gauge their satisfaction and overall experience.
FAQ’s
Can I use both 99designs and DesignCrowd for different projects?
Yes, you are free to explore the offerings of both platforms and choose the one that suits each project’s unique requirements.
Which platform offers more budget-friendly options?
Both platforms boast competitive pricing options, allowing you to find designs that align with your budgetary constraints.
Are the designers on these platforms vetted for quality?
Absolutely! Both 99designs and DesignCrowd maintain rigorous vetting processes to ensure that only top-tier designers join their creative communities.
Can I provide feedback to designers during the design process?
Indeed, feedback is a crucial aspect of the creative journey on both platforms. You can collaborate with designers to refine and improve the designs until they meet your vision.
How long does it take to receive design submissions?
The timeframe for design submissions may vary depending on the complexity of the project and the speed of the designers. However, both platforms provide estimated timelines to help you plan your projects accordingly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 99designs and DesignCrowd are two prominent players in the design crowdsourcing industry, each offering unique features and benefits. By understanding their differences and evaluating your specific design requirements, you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect platform for your design needs. Remember to take your time, explore their respective interfaces, and review designer portfolios to ensure your final design vision becomes a reality. Happy designing!
This is my first time ever hearing of 99designs. Absolutely love the premise and it was a very thorough explanation.
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Thanks for the great information on 99designs.
Thank you for such useful information.