Comments on: Need something designed? Crowdsource it.

By: Amit Gupta

Amit Gupta — Sun, 04 May 2008 11:19:03 +0000

Its actually from the guys behind SitePoint. Earlier it existed on SitePoint marketplace as a section where you could hold contests and as it increased in popularity they branched it out under a different name as a seperate entity!

By: Nathan Bowers

Nathan Bowers — Sat, 03 May 2008 04:13:33 +0000

99Designs and spec work in general is terrible. If you were a programmer would you build an application before agreeing on terms and payment? Would a carpenter build a house for someone on spec?

No professional works on spec, that’s why so many spec designs look like they were generated by an algorithm.

For more see graphicPush’s critique of 99designs.

By: Monika

Monika — Thu, 01 May 2008 07:20:43 +0000

beautiful… I create something and anybody can steel this…

no money but my time, my work,

I hate site like this one- good work-good money,

it is the best way to work and get poorer and poorer as designer

regards

By: drew3000

drew3000 — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:56:02 +0000

I like it, and some solid designs were around there. A great way form someone who has developed the skills but still needs a portfolio to get going. As a web manager for an organization that outsources quite a bit of work, I would give this a look for some of our micro site projects.

From a more experienced designer’s point of view I see how it could be a good exercise to stretch the creative muscles that sometimes atrophy from too many dull clients. The worst that happens is that you come up with a design that’s all your own. The best is that someone buys it. No losing.

By: tartan - webdesign

tartan - webdesign — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:49:57 +0000

hi, good idea, just one minus - is I were a designer I wouldn’t feel safe to pesent everyone mine design, something which takes you rather long time to prepare - too big possibility that someone will simply copy it and use without paying. that’s my oppinion

By: Megapixels

Megapixels — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:58:37 +0000

This kind of thing always seems to work well for the right demographic. Which is customers on a budget, and designers looking for a start. It’s kind of really like a dating/introduction service. There’s some risk involved, but there also potential for a long term relationship.

By: Nick Ohrn

Nick Ohrn — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:47:17 +0000

I just placed a contest on 99Designs.com last night and within 12 hours I have over 14 entries. I’d say about 60% of them are really high quality designs that I will seriously consider. Of course, this logo isn’t for my main business, or I’d probably contract with someone whose portfolio I could examine ahead of time. However, for the quick needs of a single website, I think this is a great way to go.

By: ajua

ajua — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:50:31 +0000

It is interesting from the client point of view because maybe one can save a few hundred dollars with something done well and fast. From a designer’s point of view maybe they can earn extra cash doing basic/easy stuff this way.

By: Todd Eastman

Todd Eastman — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:20:12 +0000

There are several cool things about 99Designs. It gives beginners an opportunity to practice their art and occasionally get feedback from potential buyers. It allows you to compare your work to that of others. It can help you become more creative by exposing you to different ideas and concepts. And, there is always the possibility that your design will win and you may have a new client, or at least something to add to your portfolio.

By: Michael Martin

Michael Martin — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:14:44 +0000

I’ve used the site before (As both as client and a designer), and I have mixed opinions on it.

As a client, it’s a great way to get a logo done for a relatively cheap price. With that number of people having a go at it, there are always some really creative ideas! And as a design, it doesn’t take as long to knock a logo together, so if you lose the contest, it’s not as much time lost.

But I wouldn’t use it for full web designs (Or top-notch logos, if you can afford it). For obvious reasons, people have to put less time into their designs there than they would otherwise. And designers that have built up a good portfolio/clientele don’t need to do Spec work like this, so they won’t bother. For the most part, you’re working with guys who are still looking to make that first leap (That’s why I used it once ).

You can certainly get lucky, and get some great work done! But no guarantees.

By: c2uk

c2uk — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:11:56 +0000

This has been around for some time, it only recently become 99designs though. Previously it was part of sitepoint.com but the guys decided to take it one step further.

By: Kaspars

Kaspars — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:38:52 +0000

First -- No Spec and here is why! Secondly, there is nothing protecting the designer in case the holder of the contest decides not to announce the winning entry, or simply disappear, in which case the contest will be simply left as "ended". Nothing.

By: Michael Garmahis

Michael Garmahis — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:07:19 +0000

The worst thing is when client (or your colleague which needs fresh look) steals your idea. Never provide mockup before any payment is made.

By: Tadd

Tadd — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:32:53 +0000

This is pretty much the same as bidding for a job - except the design is done. What really is keeping some of these people from stealing your logo/design without paying? Some of it of course can’t be - you can’t print a logo off the web … looks like crap. HOWEVER - what about otherwise? I’ve learned usually not to do work without seeing the green first - but who knows .. maybe this is the future of freelance.

I really hope not though.

I may throw a few designs out there and see if I can make any extra cash.

By: Cigar Inspector

Cigar Inspector — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:10:24 +0000

Interesting idea. I’m currently in need of a phpLD template, might be a good idea to try it out..

By: Shane

Shane — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:46:51 +0000

NO SPEC.