Toptal (Design) is a freelance talent network that connects experienced designers with companies looking for high-level creative talent.
The Design track covers several areas, including UI and UX design, product design, visual design, interaction design, brand design, and other specialist design work. Toptal works with clients that need designers for short projects, part-time work, or longer engagements.
Joining Toptal is very different from creating a profile on an open freelance marketplace. Every applicant must pass Toptal’s screening process before joining its talent network.
The screening checks your design skills, communication, professionalism, and ability to handle real client work. Toptal says fewer than 3% of applicants make it through its screening process.
The process can take several weeks. Toptal says the typical screening period is around two to five weeks before an accepted designer can begin working with clients.
Once you pass, Toptal’s team helps match you with suitable projects. You can work with clients on an hourly, part-time, or full-time basis, depending on the project.
One useful feature is that designers set their own rates. Toptal says freelancers can choose their rate and work with clients who are willing to pay it.
Your earning potential depends on your experience, design specialty, rate, and the type of client project you receive. Toptal does not publish one fixed hourly rate for all designers.
The platform also handles much of the client side of the relationship. This can include matching, contracts, billing, and project support, which lets designers focus more on the actual design work.
Toptal is aimed at experienced professionals rather than beginners. A strong portfolio, solid design knowledge, good communication, and real project experience are important if you want to pass the screening.
The high entry bar is also one of its main drawbacks. You can spend time completing the screening process and still be rejected.
For designers who already have strong skills and want access to serious client work, Toptal can be a strong option. It is not the platform I would point a complete beginner toward.
Pay
Designers set their own rates. Earnings depend on experience, specialty, client demand, and the type of engagement. Toptal does not publish one standard rate for all designers.
How You Make Money
You apply to Toptal's Design track, complete the screening process, and join the talent network if accepted. Toptal then matches you with suitable client projects, where you earn based on the rate and engagement terms you agree to.
Withdrawal Speed
Bi-weekly or monthly based on contract structure
Skill Level
Advanced (portfolio-level work required, acceptance rate around 3%)
Pros
• You can set your own rate instead of accepting a fixed platform price.
• Toptal connects accepted designers with clients looking for professional design work.
• You can take on hourly, part time, or full time design engagements.
• The platform handles much of the client and payment process for its talent network.
• Designers can work with clients from different industries and on different types of projects.
• A strong Toptal profile can add credibility to an experienced designer's freelance career.
Cons
• The screening process is difficult, and Toptal accepts fewer than 3% of applicants.
• You can spend several weeks completing the screening before knowing if you have been accepted.
• The platform is not a good fit for beginners without a strong design portfolio.
• Passing the screening does not guarantee a constant flow of projects.
• Your earnings depend on finding suitable client engagements and maintaining strong work quality.
Best For
Experienced UI, UX, product, visual, interaction, and brand designers with a strong portfolio and professional work history.
