Your brand’s visual identity is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re launching a new startup or rebranding an established business, a standout design can make all the difference. Enter 99designs—a platform that connects you with talented designers worldwide, helping you bring your brand vision to life. Here’s your ultimate guide to navigating 99designs and securing the best design for your brand.
1. Understanding 99designs
99designs is a global design marketplace where you can collaborate with professional designers to create custom logos, websites, packaging, and more. The platform offers various services, including:
- Design Contests: Launch a contest to receive multiple design submissions from different designers.
- 1-to-1 Projects: Work directly with a designer on a specific project.
- Design Services: Get design work done on demand for various needs.
2. Setting Up Your Project
To get the best design for your brand, start by clearly defining your project. Here’s how:
- Define Your Needs: Determine what type of design you need—logo, website, app, etc. Be specific about your requirements.
- Create a Design Brief: This is crucial. Detail your brand’s personality, target audience, color preferences, and any other specifics. The more information you provide, the better the designs you’ll receive.
- Set Your Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to invest. 99designs offers various pricing tiers, so choose one that fits your needs and budget.
3. Launching Your Design Contest
If you choose the design contest route, follow these steps to maximize its success:
- Craft a Compelling Brief: Use the design brief you created earlier to guide designers. Be detailed and clear about your expectations.
- Engage with Designers: As submissions start coming in, give feedback to designers. This interaction helps refine the designs and ensures they align with your vision.
- Provide Timely Feedback: Quick responses to design submissions can help keep the project on track and lead to better results.
4. Evaluating Design Submissions
When evaluating design submissions, consider the following:
- Alignment with Brand Identity: Does the design reflect your brand’s personality and values?
- Creativity and Originality: Look for designs that stand out and offer a fresh perspective.
- Versatility: Ensure the design works well across various mediums—business cards, websites, social media, etc.
5. Working with a Designer
If you opt for a 1-to-1 project, here’s how to work effectively with your chosen designer:
- Communicate Clearly: Share your ideas, inspirations, and feedback openly. Clear communication is key to a successful collaboration.
- Set Milestones: Establish milestones for the project to keep it on track. This helps manage expectations and ensures timely delivery.
- Review and Revise: Be prepared for several rounds of revisions. It’s normal to refine the design to get it just right.
6. Finalizing and Using Your Design
Once you’ve selected your design, ensure that you:
- Get All Necessary Files: Obtain all relevant files, including vector formats, high-resolution images, and any other assets you may need.
- Check Copyrights: Confirm that you have the right to use the design across all intended platforms.
- Implement Consistently: Use the design consistently across all your branding materials to maintain a cohesive brand identity.
7. Additional Tips for Success
- Research Designers: Look at designers’ portfolios and past work to find someone whose style aligns with your vision.
- Be Open-Minded: Sometimes the best designs come from unexpected places. Stay open to new ideas and suggestions.
- Engage in the Community: Participate in the 99designs community forums and discussions to gain insights and tips from other clients and designers.
Conclusion
99designs offers a dynamic platform for bringing your brand’s visual identity to life. By following these tips and best practices, you’ll be well on your way to getting a design that not only looks great but also resonates with your audience. So, get ready to embark on your design journey and watch your brand shine!
Happy designing!
