While I am sure that everyone is enamored with the demonstration of my amazing graphic design and skillful Inkscape software abilities that are showcased in the logo on this site I was never quite happy with it. I played with Inkscape for hours, but at some point you really just need to throw in the towel and admit when you need to call in the pros. But the problem is I don’t have the budget for a big (or any) agency.
So that is when I turned to 99 Designs. For about $250 ($200 goes directly to the designer) you can have thousands of designers submit their ideas. It is very simple and I recommend you check out the site if you have any upcoming design needs. After drafting a simple brief with only five sections; project title, brand, about you, target and requirements, you sit back and wait for the designs to come rolling in. I also want to point out to my marketing friends out there, that three of the sections; about yourself, target and requirements are limited to 1,400 characters or 200 words each – forcing you to keep it single minded, no one likes a 5 page brief.
Also for my agency and design friends, this should be a little scary. 99designs estimates for a project like the one I am running we will get 20-30 unique designs. This equates to an average of $6-$10 average cost for each design submitted. Not sure how long these designs are taking to create but even if it is 30 minutes, that is less than $20/hr if you win an average number of contests. And even with that the designers are very responsive to feedback and really take great pride in their work. I have been really happy so far. The best part is the entire thing is completed in 7 days, talk about fast turnaround!
But now I need your help, we have had 34 submissions, which represent ~10 unique designs so far. Click here to see them all and leave your comments and favorites here. I look forward to your feedback.
Below is one of the front runners right now; but there still are 4 days remaining in the contest and more designs are being submitted all the time.
Image copyright of kj359; designer on 99designs.com
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi guys!!
I like the one yo uhave posted here along with Design #96
Can’t wait to see what the final decision is!
Kate
I like #98
I like the concept behind #99. The graphics depicts exactly Green around the Globe. It is smart. However, the text could use a better font and the “G” in the graphics could be improved/stylized. The graphics of the globe in #93 looks more refined and its font is more fluid. I believe that it will be better if you could combine them in your end design. Have fun travelling around the globe !
thanks for all the great feedback, Amy and I have narrowed it down further if anyone else has additional thoughts let us know.
Like: 98, 19 & 27
43: looks like fish, or water
I love the idea behind #73, but I’m not sure it’s “serious” enough for you, but it would be great for a more playful company. I don’t like the font on though. It’s too kitschy.
I like #98, but it doesn’t say much to me in the way of “green”. It’s a little more fun, though.
#87 wasn’t my favorite at first glance, and still isn’t but I think it says a lot of what you want to say with an image.
27 is nice, but looks very corporate. But that could be good depending on what kind of image you want to portray.
I like 88 cause it’s pretty, but doesn’t really do anything for identity.
Good luck!