A company’s logo is more than just a symbol—it’s the face of the brand, an identifier that customers recognize, and a crucial part of building trust and credibility. Whether you’re starting a new business or rebranding an existing one, having a professional, high-quality logo is essential. But how do you get the perfect logo without breaking the bank? One effective approach is to run a design contest. A design contest allows multiple designers to compete by submitting their best work, giving you access to a variety of creative concepts. Platforms like 99designs and 48hourslogo have made it easier than ever to launch a contest and receive professional logo designs from talented designers worldwide. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of a logo contest, how to set one up, and how to choose the best design for your brand.

Why Run a Logo Design Contest?

There are several reasons why a logo contest might be the best option for your brand:
1. Access to a Wide Range of Designers
Unlike hiring a single designer, a contest allows you to receive multiple concepts from different designers, giving you a broader selection of ideas. This is particularly beneficial if you are unsure about your brand’s aesthetic and want to explore different creative directions.
2. Cost-Effective Solution
Hiring an experienced designer can be expensive, especially for startups and small businesses. A contest provides a budget-friendly way to get high-quality work while allowing you to set the price. Additionally, you get multiple designs to choose from, often for the same price you would pay for a single design from an individual designer.
3. Variety of Design Styles
Each designer has a unique perspective and artistic style. A contest ensures you have a diverse range of styles to choose from, increasing the likelihood of finding the perfect logo. This variety is useful if you’re unsure about whether you want a minimalist, illustrative, or corporate-style logo.
4. Fast Turnaround
Instead of waiting weeks for a single designer to develop multiple concepts, a contest allows you to receive dozens of designs within a few days. This is particularly useful if you’re working on a tight deadline and need a professional logo quickly.
5. Collaboration and Feedback
Many platforms allow you to communicate directly with designers, providing feedback to refine submissions before selecting a winner. This means you can guide the creative process to ensure the final logo matches your vision.

Choosing the Right Platform

There are several online platforms where you can run a logo design contest. The two most popular ones are 99designs and 48hourslogo.
99designs
99designs is one of the largest design contest platforms. It offers high-quality designers and a structured process that allows you to review submissions, give feedback, and refine designs before making a final decision. Pros:
  • Large pool of experienced designers
  • Multiple pricing tiers to fit different budgets
  • Ability to work with designers 1-on-1 after the contest
  • Money-back guarantee if you don’t find a suitable design
Cons:
  • Higher cost compared to other platforms
  • Can be overwhelming due to the large number of submissions
48hourslogo
48hourslogo is a more budget-friendly option that still provides quality results. It’s best for smaller businesses or projects with limited budgets. Pros:
  • Affordable pricing
  • Quick turnaround (as the name suggests)
  • Good balance between price and quality
Cons:
  • Fewer high-end designers compared to 99designs
  • Less structured revision process

How to Set Up a Logo Design Contest

Step 1: Define Your Brand and Design Preferences
Before launching a contest, take some time to clarify your brand’s identity. Ask yourself:
  • What message do you want your logo to convey?
  • What colors and styles best represent your brand?
  • Do you want a modern, minimalist, classic, or playful look?
  • Are there any specific symbols or elements you’d like to include?
The clearer you are about your preferences, the better the results will be. Take inspiration from competitors and successful brands in your industry.
Step 2: Choose the Right Platform and Package
Pick the platform that best suits your needs and budget. Most platforms offer different pricing tiers—higher tiers typically attract more experienced designers and better-quality submissions.
Step 3: Write a Detailed Design Brief
Your design brief is crucial to getting the best results. Be as specific as possible about:
  • Your business and industry
  • Preferred colors and styles
  • Any text or slogans to include
  • Design inspirations (you can attach sample logos you like)
A well-written brief will help designers understand your vision and create relevant, high-quality submissions.
Step 4: Launch the Contest
Once your brief is ready, submit it and set the contest duration (usually 3-7 days). Designers will start submitting their ideas within hours. To maximize participation, promote your contest on social media or relevant forums.
Step 5: Provide Feedback and Refine Designs
Engage with designers by leaving comments and rating designs. Constructive feedback helps refine submissions and improves the quality of entries. The more specific your feedback, the better the revisions will be.
Step 6: Select a Winner and Finalize the Design
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, work with the finalist to make final adjustments. After approving the design, you’ll receive the necessary files (vector, PNG, JPG, etc.) for your branding needs. Make sure to request different file formats for web and print use.

Additional Considerations

  • Legal Rights: Ensure that you get full ownership of the winning logo and verify that it is original work.
  • Future Branding Needs: Consider hiring the winning designer for additional brand assets like business cards or social media graphics.
  • Testing Your Logo: Before finalizing, test your logo by placing it on a mock website, merchandise, or packaging to see how it looks in real-world applications.

Running a logo design contest is an excellent way to get a high-quality, professional logo without the high costs of hiring a top-tier designer. By using platforms like 99designs or 48hourslogo, you can tap into a pool of talented designers, explore multiple creative concepts, and refine your chosen design until it perfectly represents your brand. With clear instructions, active engagement, and careful selection, you can end up with a stunning logo that strengthens your brand identity and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.