Make Money on 99Designs

99Designs

If you’re a designer looking to make money online, 99designs can be a great platform to showcase your skills and connect with clients from all over the world. This article will guide you through the process of making money on 99designs, answering key questions such as how designers get paid, the profitability of the platform, whether it’s worth it, and what you can expect to earn. Let’s dive in and explore the ins and outs of earning on 99designs.

What Is 99designs?

99designs is a popular online marketplace that connects freelance designers with clients who need design work. It covers a wide range of design categories, including logos, websites, merchandise, and more. Clients can launch design contests where multiple designers submit their work, or they can work directly with a designer for a one-on-one project.

How Does 99designs Work?

The Design Contest Model

The design contest model is one of the unique features of 99designs. Here’s how it works:

Client Launches a Contest: A client starts a contest by providing a brief, describing what they need, and setting a budget.
Designers Submit Entries: Designers from around the world submit their designs based on the client’s brief.
Client Provides Feedback: The client can rate and provide feedback on the submissions to guide designers in refining their work.
Final Round: The client narrows down the submissions to a select few, and these finalists refine their designs further.
Winner is Chosen: The client selects the winning design, and the designer gets paid.

One-on-One Projects

Apart from contests, 99designs also allows for one-on-one projects, where clients directly hire a designer for a specific task. This option is ideal for clients who prefer working with a designer they’ve already collaborated with or who find a designer’s portfolio appealing.

How Do Designers Get Paid on 99designs?

Payment Process

Designers on 99designs get paid through the platform once the client approves the final design. The payment process is straightforward:

Design Submission: After submitting the final design files, the client reviews and approves them.
Payment Release: Once approved, the payment is released to the designer’s 99designs account.
Withdrawal: Designers can withdraw their earnings via PayPal or Payoneer, depending on their location.

Payment Structure

99designs operates on a tiered pricing system, where designers can earn different amounts based on their experience level and the complexity of the project. Here’s a breakdown:

Entry Level: Typically, designers at this level earn between $150 to $500 per project.
Mid-Level: More experienced designers can expect to earn between $500 to $1,500 per project.
Top Level: Highly skilled and established designers may earn anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000 or more per project.

Transaction Fees

99designs charges a platform fee for each transaction, which varies based on the designer’s tier:

Entry Level: 40% platform fee
Mid-Level: 20% platform fee
Top Level: 10% platform fee

These fees are deducted from the total amount paid by the client, so it’s essential to factor them in when pricing your services.

Is 99designs Profitable?

Factors Influencing Profitability

The profitability of 99designs depends on several factors:

Design Quality: The better your designs, the more likely you are to win contests and secure one-on-one projects.
Consistency: Regularly participating in contests and building a strong portfolio increases your chances of attracting clients.
Client Relationships: Building long-term relationships with clients can lead to repeat work and more one-on-one projects.
Time Management: Efficiently managing your time allows you to participate in more contests and complete projects faster, leading to higher earnings.

Average Earnings

While earnings can vary widely, many designers on 99designs report making a decent income, especially those who have reached the mid-level or top-level tiers. Some designers use 99designs as a full-time job, while others treat it as a side hustle to supplement their income.

Is 99designs Worth It?

Pros of Using 99designs

Global Exposure: 99designs provides a platform to showcase your work to a global audience, increasing your chances of getting hired.
Diverse Opportunities: With a wide range of design categories, you can work on various types of projects, keeping your work interesting and varied.
Portfolio Building: Winning contests and completing projects help you build a strong portfolio, which can attract more clients both on and off the platform.
Learning and Growth: The feedback you receive from clients can help you improve your skills and become a better designer.

Cons of Using 99designs

Competition: The platform is highly competitive, with designers from all over the world vying for the same projects.
Time Investment: Participating in contests can be time-consuming, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll win, which means you could end up working for free.
Platform Fees: The platform fees can take a significant portion of your earnings, especially at the entry-level tier.

Is It Worth Your Time?

Whether 99designs is worth it depends on your goals and circumstances. If you’re a new designer looking to gain experience and build a portfolio, it can be a valuable platform. However, if you’re an established designer with a steady stream of clients, the time investment and competition might not be as appealing.

What Is the Salary of 99designs Designers?

Salary Overview

The salary of a 99designs designer varies greatly depending on their skill level, the number of projects they take on, and their ability to win contests. Here’s a general overview of what designers can expect to earn:

Level	Average Earnings Per Project	Potential Annual Earnings
Entry Level	$150 – $500	$5,000 – $20,000
Mid-Level	$500 – $1,500	$20,000 – $60,000
Top Level	$1,500 – $10,000+	$60,000 – $150,000+

Factors Affecting Earnings

Experience: More experienced designers with a robust portfolio tend to earn more.
Client Relationships: Designers who cultivate strong relationships with clients often secure higher-paying one-on-one projects.
Volume of Work: The more contests you enter and the more projects you complete, the higher your earnings potential.
Specialization: Designers who specialize in high-demand areas, such as logo design or website design, may command higher rates.

Conclusion

Making money on 99designs is entirely possible, but it requires dedication, skill, and strategic thinking. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your freelance design business, 99designs offers numerous opportunities to earn. By understanding how the platform works, participating in contests, and building strong client relationships, you can maximize your earnings and make 99designs a profitable part of your career. Remember, success on 99designs is a journey that involves continuous learning, adapting, and improving your craft.

You can also read: Can I Make Money on SimplyHired in 2024?

How Do I Make Money on 99Designs?