Chances are if you are on the lookout to hire a freelance designer, you are already aware of the myriad of online platforms that can help you do just that. With the freelance economy on the rise, freelance sites today are commonplace, and at times can seem oversaturated. The increase in self-employment and available resources can initially seem overwhelming for employers. For those who have never worked with a designer before, it’s necessary to know which resources are out there.
It doesn’t matter if you are in the market for a designer to take on a simple short term project, or working towards a long term goal, there are plenty of platforms out there where you can find a talented designer.
If you are in the market for a new logo, illustration or banner, 99Designs has got designers for just about everything. The platform is contest-based, so instead of combing through portfolios, you simply post your project and watch the entries roll in. For those who aren’t sure exactly what they want the final product to look like, the contest option offered on 99Designs can be a good route to take. Those who are on the fence about the design they want will have wealth of options to choose from once the contest is complete.
2.Toptal
Toptal, which stands for “Top Talent”, only take the most highly skilled freelancers in tech, design, finance, and more. Founded by engineers, Toptal works with some seriously big clients, think NASA, and only accepts around 3% of the thousands of applications that they receive each month. The rigorous screening process and high standards leave little room for error and makes it an excellent choice if you are taking on a big project.
3. Squarespace
This drag and drop website builder has earned quite a name for themselves in recent years. Design focused, users can build a website without any knowledge of code, and customize as much as they like. Not just an excellent product, Squarespace is also an excellent place to find top freelance designers from all over the world. Specialists may be design-centric, but many offer other services such as website setup, coding, photography, etc.
4. Fiverr
Like 99Designs, Fiverr is a great platform for small projects and also for sparking new inspiration. Instead of pitching your project, freelancers can meet you in the middle, placing the type of project they want to work on and what they specialize in. The platform allows you to focus on your business’s specific needs, so you can hire a freelancer based on your specific project goals and deadlines. Whether you are looking for a personal logo for your portfolio or hoping to breath new life into a project, Fiverr is an affordable option that gets the job done quickly without compromising quality.
5. Guru.com
In recent years Guru has expanded their services from beyond North America, subsequently developing into a global network of freelancers, or “Gurus” as they like to call them. Registered designers specialize in everything from logos to branding, illustration and animation, and then some. Once you’ve connected with the designer that you want to work with, Guru.com then provides a “work room”. This spaces allows employers to easily collaborate with other team members, while also outlining project goals tracking progress.
6. Behance
One of the largest creative networks online today, Behance doesn’t mess around when it comes to fine lines and good design. With over 5 million designers using the platform, it may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but Behance helps you along the way, offering custom recommendations, helping you find a great fit.
Clients also have the option to save profiles of designers that you want to work with now or in the future. This process allows Behance to know what you are looking for, which is a great resource for future projects.