I’ve been struggling with what my first blog post should be, so today I finally landed on a subject I feel pretty passionate about.
Since I’ve started full-time freelancing the topic of crowd-sourcing design sites have come up a few times. I prefer to call these “Big Box Designer Sites.” As I work hard to grow my client base these sites bother me more and more.
The basic concept is that clients post briefs and many designers submit their options. Clients can go in and pick which designs they want and buy them generally for next to nothing.
The sad thing is, most people do not understand what these sites are doing to their local freelancing community. Just like going to a “big box” store (you know which one I’m talking about) puts locals out of business. By going down this rabbit hole of crowdsourcing designers and other freelancers, we begin to forget the value that marketing has for businesses.
One of the best parts about my job is the relationships. When working with a client I make sure I completely understand their business and their goals. We form a valuable relationship and I feel personally invested in the success of my clients. Crowdsourcing sites treat design as a product continually spit out of a factory, and forgets the true nature of design— a service that requires understanding and a creative process.
I implore you, please do not hire a freelancer from a crowdsourcing site. These sites devalue my work and the work of other creatives. Businesses must support each other to stay successful.
Check out the American Institute of Graphic Arts stance on crowdsourcing design
This is also a fantastic read: Logo Warehouses, Crowdsourcing, and a Lack of Understanding