Design Contests as a Designer's Peril?
In the world of freelance design, platforms like 99Designs and Freelancer.com offer a unique opportunity for designers to showcase their talents and grow their portfolios. These platforms host design competitions that provide exposure to a large client base and the chance to build a portfolio quickly by submitting multiple design entries 2.
However, these design competitions come with their own set of challenges. The contest model means payment only if the design wins, which can lead to many hours of unpaid work and financial instability for freelancers. It also fosters a crowded marketplace with high competition, making consistent income unpredictable 2.
This model can result in a "race to the bottom" on pricing and effort, potentially undervaluing design expertise. A freelancer's time is valuable, and spending it on minimal returns from competitions may not be the best use of their resources 2.
Despite these challenges, many designers choose to compete on these platforms. Some may be afraid to sell their products directly, opting for the safety net of design competitions instead. Others may find the potential for exposure and the opportunity to build their reputation worth the risk 2.
Successful designers often use design competitions as a small but substantial part of their business strategy. They carefully select the competitions that play to their strengths, choose those with very few entrants, and ensure the pay-outs are at or above market rates 2.
In summary, design competitions provide visibility and opportunities, but they also come with financial risks and competitive pressures. Freelancers often find these platforms beneficial as a supplement or for building credibility, but less reliable as primary income sources 2.
It's important for freelancers to remember that competitions should never be the sole focus of their work. Cold calling, door knocking, and marketing can also be effective strategies for finding clients and securing paid work 2. However, these methods are often feared by freelancers.
| Pros | Cons | | --- | --- | | Access to many clients via contests and direct projects | Payment only for winning designs; many submissions unpaid | | Portfolio growth through diverse design challenges | High competition with many unpaid efforts | | Potential to be hired directly based on contest exposure | Inconsistent and uncertain income flow | | Flexible project selection based on interests | Risk of undervaluing design skills due to contest pricing |
- A freelancer might avoid selling their designs directly, instead choosing to participate in design competitions for the safety net they offer and the potential to gain more clients and visibility through these contests.
- While UI design competitions can offer unique business opportunities and visibility, they also carry financial risks and high competition, making it crucial for freelancers to carefully evaluate each contest and consider other strategies like cold calling and direct marketing to secure more stable income.
