DesignCrowd

DesignCrowd is a freelance design marketplace where businesses hire designers for logos, websites, branding, print work, packaging, and other creative projects.

Designers can earn money in two main ways. You can enter design contests where several designers compete for a project, or you can work directly with a client through a One Designer project.

For contests, the client provides a brief explaining what they need. You create a design based on that brief and submit it before the project deadline.

The client then chooses a winning design. DesignCrowd can also offer participation payments on some projects, so you may earn something even without taking first place.

One Designer projects work differently. A client can invite a particular designer to work on the project, or DesignCrowd can appoint a suitable designer. You then complete the work based on the client’s brief.

DesignCrowd covers many types of design work. Common categories include logo design, business cards, website design, advertising artwork, T-shirt designs, illustrations, flyers, and brochures.

You do not have to pay to create a designer account. DesignCrowd currently charges designers a 15% commission on payments received through the platform.

Your earnings depend on the project budget, your placement in a contest, participation payments, paid invitations, and tips. DesignCrowd shows the payment amount when you receive an award or payment.

Payments are made through PayPal or Payoneer. DesignCrowd says Payoneer is its preferred payout method, while payment availability and fees can vary by location.

The platform can give designers access to clients from many countries without requiring them to find every client themselves. It also lets you build a public portfolio that can help clients discover your work.

There is a major downside with contest-based work. You can spend hours creating a design and earn nothing if another designer wins the project.

DesignCrowd also reviews submitted designs against its minimum design standards. Your designs need to meet those rules before they can qualify for payment.

For experienced designers who enjoy creative briefs and competition, DesignCrowd can provide another source of freelance work. It is less suitable for beginners who want guaranteed payment for every design they create.