99designs Web Design Contests

Alright, gather 'round, folks! Let me tell you about this thing called 99designs web design contests. It’s like “American Idol,” but for pixels and code. And instead of Simon Cowell, you've got… well, you've got yourself judging. Because you're the client, the king (or queen!) of your domain, and you get to pick the winner!

So, imagine you need a website. Maybe you’re launching a business that sells artisanal cat sweaters (because, why not?). Or perhaps you’re finally ready to unleash your interpretive dance school, “Twinkle Toes Academy.” You could hire one designer. But what if their 'artistic vision' involves Comic Sans and blinking GIFs? (Shudders). That’s where the contest comes in!

How it Works (The Hilariously Simplified Version)

Basically, you post a brief describing your dream website. You tell the world (or, at least, the design-inclined corners of the internet) what you’re all about. "We need a site that screams 'cozy feline fashion'!" or "Our dance school needs to convey the grace of a swan mixed with the energy of a caffeinated squirrel!" The more descriptive, the better… and the more hilarious for the designers trying to interpret your… unique vision.

Then, the magic happens. Designers from all over the globe (seriously, all over – I once saw a designer from a remote yak-herding village compete… I’m only slightly exaggerating) start submitting their designs. It’s like a design free-for-all! A glorious, pixel-powered battle royale!

You get to browse through dozens, sometimes hundreds, of designs. Some will be brilliant. Some will be… less so. You might find a design that looks like it was created by a toddler armed with a crayon and a dial-up modem. But fear not! That's the beauty of choice. You get to eliminate the… questionable ones and provide feedback on the ones you like. Think of yourself as a design guru, gently guiding these digital Picassos toward your perfect vision.

Then, you narrow it down, give feedback, and eventually, you pick a winner! The winning designer gets the prize money (which you set beforehand, so no surprises there). You get an amazing website design. And everyone goes home (or back to their yak-herding village) happy. Well, maybe not everyone. There will be some disgruntled designers, probably muttering about your questionable taste in fonts. But hey, that's showbiz!

The Good, The Bad, and The Slightly Silly

The Good: Massive choice. Seriously, you'll be swimming in design concepts. It's a great way to get inspiration, even if you don't ultimately pick a design. Plus, it’s often more affordable than hiring a top-tier agency. You get to see different perspectives and find a design that truly reflects your brand.

The Bad: You have to be really clear in your brief. If you're vague, you'll get vague designs. And nobody wants a website that looks like it was designed by a robot programmed to generate generic clip art. Be specific! Give examples! Embrace your inner art director! Also, be prepared to spend some time giving feedback. It's not a "set it and forget it" situation. You're actively involved in shaping the final product.

The Slightly Silly: Some designers will try to win you over with… unconventional tactics. I once saw a designer who included a picture of their adorable puppy in their entry. It almost worked. Almost. I mean, who can resist a puppy? (Don't tell my cat I said that).

Is it Right for You?

So, is a 99designs contest the right move for your web design needs? Well, ask yourself these questions:

• Are you comfortable providing feedback and making design decisions?
• Do you have a clear idea of what you want, even if you can't articulate it perfectly?
• Are you okay with potentially hurting a few designers' feelings in the name of getting an awesome website? (Hey, tough love!)

If you answered yes to most of those, then give it a shot! You might just end up with a website that's not only beautiful but also perfectly captures the essence of your artisanal cat sweater empire or your caffeinated squirrel-inspired dance academy.

Just remember to bring your sense of humor. And maybe a picture of your own adorable pet. Just in case. You never know when you might need to unleash the power of the puppy (or kitten) to sway a designer in your favor. (Okay, I'm kidding… mostly). But seriously, have fun with it! Designing a website should be an exciting adventure, not a chore. So go forth and conquer the digital world, one pixel at a time!

And if all else fails, there's always Comic Sans. (Just kidding! Please don't use Comic Sans.)