So you’ve decided to invest in a new logo or website design but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Graphic design can seem like a daunting world to navigate, especially if you’re not familiar with the different styles, options, and platforms out there. This guide will walk you through the basics and get you up to speed on leveraging the skills of talented designers. We’ll explore the popular design styles you can choose from, how to find and work with freelance designers, and how to make the most of online design platforms like 99designs. By the end of this, you’ll feel equipped to launch your next design project with confidence. Let’s dive in!
Choosing the Right Graphic Design Style for Your Project
Choosing a graphic design style that aligns with your brand and project objectives is key. On 99designs, you’ll find designers proficient in various styles from minimalist and modern to fun and quirky.
For a polished, timeless look, consider a minimalist style. Using negative space and a limited color palette, minimalist designs are simple yet sophisticated. This style works well for corporate brands or tech companies. If you want to appear innovative and forward-thinking, a modern style with vibrant colors and geometric shapes may be perfect. popular with brands targeting younger audiences. For a friendly, approachable feel, choose a fun and quirky style. Whimsical illustrations and hand-drawn elements give off a casual, playful vibe. This style is great for lifestyle brands. Once you determine the right style, review designer profiles and portfolios on 99designs to find those adept in your chosen style. When posting your design contest, be very specific about the style, colors, and elements you want to include.
Provide examples and a design brief outlining your vision. Work closely with the designers during the contest, giving feedback and direction to help them achieve your desired look and feel. If needed, 99designs’ design experts can offer guidance to ensure you end up with graphics that align perfectly with your needs.
With some time invested upfront in determining your style and vision, you’ll get custom graphics that capture your brand essence. And that, after all, is the goal of great design.
How to Effectively Communicate Your Vision to Designers on 99designs
So you’ve decided to give 99designs a go for your graphic design needs. Great choice! To get the most out of the platform and end up with designs you’ll love, here are some tips for communicating effectively with designers:
Share examples of styles you like
Provide 3-5 examples of logos, websites, or other designs that you find visually appealing. This gives designers insight into your tastes and the overall look and feel you’re going for.
Be specific about your vision
Explain the message or experience you want to convey. Do you want a modern minimalist look or something more traditional? Casual or corporate? The more details the better.
Give constructive feedback
Comment on specific parts of designs you like and don’t like. Saying a design “isn’t quite right” doesn’t help the designer improve. Be polite and focus on how to better achieve your vision.
Ask questions
Don’t hesitate to ask designers questions about their concepts, color choices, or anything else. The back-and-forth will lead to a better final design.
Provide examples of competitors
Share 3-5 examples of competitors’ logos and websites. This helps designers see what’s already out there and propose something distinctive.
Using 99designs for your graphic design needs means getting dozens of concepts from talented designers. Follow these tips to guide them toward a winning design that exceeds your expectations! With an open mind and clear communication, you’ll end up with visuals that convey your vision and resonate with your audience.
Tips for Running a Successful Graphic Design Contest on 99designs
Once you’ve decided on the style of logo or graphic design you want, it’s time to launch your contest on 99designs. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the experience:
Focus on your brief. Provide designers with a clear overview of your company or project and the look and feel you’re aiming for. Be specific about colors, themes, imagery, and competitors’ logos you like. The more details the better. Set a reasonable budget. 99designs has options at a range of price points. As a general rule, the higher your budget, the more concepts you’ll receive and the more experienced the designers who participate. For a logo contest, $299 to $499 is a good place to start. Give feedback. Engage with designers by rating entries, commenting on concepts you like, and suggesting improvements. The more input you provide, the more tailored the designs will become.
Choose finalists. Once the contest duration ends, select at least two finalists from the entries. Provide feedback for refinements and then choose your winner. You’ll receive the final design files to download and use right away. Promote your contest. The more designers who participate in your contest, the more choices you’ll have.
Social Media Templates
99designs offers free social media templates and images to help spread the word about your contest on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Share with your networks to increase entries.
Keep an open mind. Some of the best design concepts come from unexpected places. While you should provide clear guidance to designers, be willing to consider innovative ideas that you may not have envisioned initially. An outside perspective can lead to a memorable and impactful result.
Leverage 99designs’ experience. With over a decade of experience and more than 700,000 designers on the platform, 99designs has a proven process for running design contests and getting great results. Follow their recommendations and contest checklist to maximize your chance of success.
Conclusion
So now you know the basics of getting started with graphic design on 99designs. With the right mindset, an openness to feedback, and a willingness to collaborate, you’ll be creating amazing designs in no time. Remember, focus on the visuals and aesthetics, not just the words. Think about how shapes, colors, fonts, and layouts can strengthen your message. And don’t be afraid to take risks – some of the most memorable designs are also the most unique. If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a visual brand identity you can be proud of. Time to unleash your inner design genius!
