An online marketplace for graphic design, 99designs (www.99designs.com) uses “crowd-sourcing” to get your graphic design needs met, whether it’s a logo, website design, or branded T-shirt. It’s a simple three-step process (and fairly affordable, with logo design starting at $299). First, you launch a design “contest,” by submitting a brief explanation of what you’re looking for and designers from all over the world submit their ideas. Next, you give feedback over the course of a week, and finally, you pick your favorite design.

The advantages are many, according to the company:

> Contests allow clients to see work from many different designers at once.

> Clients see finished designs custom-made for their business, rather than committing to work with a designer based on her past work.

> Design contests are quick; the average contest lasts for one week.

> If clients aren’t satisfied with the designs submitted to their contests, the company offers a money-back guarantee.

 

 

 

 

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