This guide to the best freelance graphic design sites to find designers will make your designer hunt smooth and stress-free.
Struggling to find the perfect graphic designer for your project? We know the feeling.
But fear not, friend! In this list, we scoured the interwebs to find some of the best places to find amazing design talent.
You’ll also learn the pros, cons, and unique quirks of each platform to help you pick the one that fits your needs.
So, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to find your design soulmate.
What are the Best Freelance Graphic Design Sites to Find Designers?
Kimp
- Request unlimited revisions and edits for one flat monthly fee
- Fast turnaround times, perfect for projects with tight deadlines
- Get assigned a dedicated design team
- Project management platform is familiar and easy to use
- Curated selection of design styles potentially limits creative freedom.
- Communication is a bit slower since there is no direct line to designers
Kimp is a great design platform that boasts an unlimited request and revision subscription model.
When you subscribe, you get assigned a dedicated team of designers headed by a project manager.
The project manager acts as the bridge between you and the team, with all communications and instructions going through them.
The team can work on multiple concurrent requests at the same time, which is perfect if you have a higher volume of requests.
Design Pickle
- Direct communication to designers via Slack
- Priority support for urgent requests
- Dedicated project manager
- Only one project is worked on at a time
- The dashboard UI needs a little getting used to
Design Pickle offers a subscription-based unlimited design request, much like Kimp.
You get assigned a dedicated project manager who coordinates with the designers on your behalf.
Most of the communication is through Slack for efficiency.
Revisions on the platform are surprisingly intuitive in a way that works for the asynchronous work setup.
Only one request is done at a time per subscription. You can increase this by adding subscriptions.
The queue-based project management platform might need some getting used to.
99designs
- The contest-based system may yield better results
- Access a vast pool of designers with diverse styles and experience levels
- Flexible costs – choose the budget that fits your needs
- Design quality can vary depending on the chosen contest package
- Limited communication with designers during contests
99designs adds a different twist to your standard design project.
It’s one of the sites that popularized the design contest model.
As the client, you first post a project brief and set a prize.
Then, designers on the platform get to join in with their entries, and you pick the one you like that matches your needs.
Just be aware that contests can be time-consuming, and the design quality can vary.
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Upwork
- Massive pool of freelance designers across various specializations
- Choose between hourly, fixed-price, or project-based contracts
- Review designer portfolios, experience, and client reviews before hiring
- The client does the project management themselves
- The client has to screen and vet the designers themselves
Upwork is a well-established platform for finding all types of freelancers, including graphic designers.
They sport a vast talent pool and flexible engagement options.
You get to personally screen the designer that you like based on their experience and portfolio.
However, the talent quality can vary widely, and it may factor into how quickly you can find a suitable creative for your project.
Freelancer
- Competitive rates compared to some platforms
- Offers a user-friendly interface for easy project posting and communication
- Escrow services ensure secure payment after project completion
- Sports a vast pool of talents
- Search options for finding specific design skills might be limited
- Might lack robust project management tools compared to other platforms
As the name suggests, Freelancer is another freelance platform, similar to Upwork.
Freelancer has been a household name in the design community as many designers have started their careers here.
Although its talent pool is smaller than Upwork’s, the quality of freelancers remains high. It’s a solid choice if you’re working with a smaller budget.
Keep in mind, though, that as a freelancing platform, project management will fall under your responsibility as the client.
Fiverr
- Pre-defined design packages with clear pricing and deliverables
- Wide range of pricing options to fit various project needs
- Quick turnaround times for smaller design projects
- Pre-packaged services make projects less flexible
- Freelancer quality can vary greatly
Fiverr is another popular freelancing platform, known for its smaller, more defined projects.
Its name refers to the original US$5 price per task when the company launched in the 2010s.
The platform’s pre-packaged services provide both the designer and the client with a clear scope of work.
However, some may find this structure inflexible and limiting for more complex or custom projects.
Dribbble
- Pre-vetted portfolios from top-tier freelance and agency designers
- Highly curated pool of talented designers
- Connect directly with designers to discuss project specifics before hiring
- Searching for specific design skills might be less precise compared to other platforms
- Might command premium rates due to their reputation
If you’re looking for a more curated talent pool, Dribbble is the one for you.
Dribbble as a platform boasts very high quality and talented designers around the globe.
They have some of the industry’s best designers and creatives on their roster.
However, higher work quality can mean higher fees. But if quality matters more than the price, it’s definitely worth checking Dribbble out.
Draftss
- Flat monthly fee for access to a dedicated designer for unlimited revisions
- The platform facilitates a smooth design request and revision process
- Multiple team members can collaborate on projects with the assigned designer
- Limited design complexity might not be ideal for highly intricate design projects
- Relatively new platform with a smaller designer pool
Finally, Draftss offers a service that is much more in line with Kimp and Design Pickle.
The platform offers a subscription wherein you get assigned a dedicated designer for your projects.
Draftss focuses on streamlining your workflow while encouraging collaboration for everyone.
This makes revisions and feedback smoother and more seamless.
The smaller talent pool might be a challenge especially if you require a specific skill set.
But, for a constant and smaller stream of projects, Draftss might fit your needs.
How To Find a Freelance Graphic Designer?
Finding the right designer for the job can be quite a challenge even for seasoned veterans.
For inexperienced entrepreneurs, even more so!
Thankfully though, keeping a few things in mind and with a bit of preparation, this process can be stress-free and even quite rewarding.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a freelance graphic designer:
Know Exactly What You Need
Before diving into the platform pool, take a moment to map out your project.
What kind of design work do you need? Logos? Social media graphics? And what style are you looking for?
Think of it as crafting a dating profile for your project – the more details, the better matches you’ll attract.
Budget Like a Boss
Be realistic about your budget. Freelance designers come in all shapes and sizes (and price tags!).
Knowing your budget upfront will help narrow your platform search and avoid any awkward “sticker shock” moments later.
Prioritize Portfolios Over Promises
The proof is in the pudding, as they say.
When choosing a designer, their portfolio will tell you more about their skills than they ever can with an interview.
See if their past works align with your project’s tone and style.
You can almost always see if a design professional “gets” your vision via their portfolio alone.
Communication is Key
Great design is a two-way street.
Look for designers who are responsive and easy to communicate with.
It’s supposed to be a collaboration of minds, after all.
Ask questions about their process and ensure they understand your vision.
Clear communication is the bridge between “meh” design and a visual masterpiece.
FAQs About the Best Freelance Graphic Design Sites
Is it expensive to hire a freelance graphic designer?
Costs vary depending on the platform, designer experience, and project complexity.
However, this guide equips you to find freelance designers that fit your budget.
What are the benefits of using a freelance graphic designer?
Freelancers offer flexibility, diverse skill sets, and potentially lower costs compared to design agencies.
Can I find freelance designers for specific design needs (e.g., logos, web design)?
Absolutely! Most freelance platforms allow filtering designers by specialization to find someone with the perfect skill set for your project.
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