3. Design Outpost

Minimum Prize: $125 (also has a non-profit option which is considerably lower)
Popularity: Well known
Designer Protection: Good
Overview: The grandaddy of design contests, Design Outpost has been around for as long as I can remember. The site is quite exclusive, you will need to submit a portfolio and be accepted as a designer before you are able to compete. However if you’re able to get in, the contest selection is broad (ranging from Logos to Elements and even to Audio!). Contests trickle in at a steady rate and because of the pre-screening process, the designers you will be competing with tend to be friendly and know not to steal. Designer protection is good as well, with contests being prepaid clients can’t run off with the prize money.

4. Design Contest

Minimum Prize: $200 (Suggested Prizes are higher)
Popularity: Low
Designer Protection: Good
Overview: Another exclusive site which requires designers to go through a pre-screening process before they are able to design. What’s nice about this site is that the competition is pretty low – however not many projects are posted so there’s not a lot of contests you can participate in at any given time. While you are waiting to get accepted into the design team, you are free to participate in Non-profit competitions, which may or may not offer tangible prizes.
This site also runs using guaranteed prizes, where clients have pre-paid in advance.

5. Logo Tournament

Minimum Prize: $250
Popularity: Picking up Traction
Designer Protection: Decent
Overview: I haven’t heard about Logo Tournament until recently, although it looks like they’ve been around for at least two years. The high minimum prize amount is attractive, and indeed the contests being held on the site hover around the $500 prize range. Prizes are guaranteed only if a contest has over 30 entries – however most contests end up with much more so this is not something you’d probably need to worry about.

6. eLogo Contest

Minimum Prize: $100
Popularity: Decent
Designer Protection: Decent
Overview: eLogo Contest is another site I’ve just heard about recently. The minimum prize amount is lower compared to other sites, and with no suggested higher prize this is reflected in the contest listings. This site is open for all designers, however they will take a 10% cut out of your winnings (ouch!). Contests come in two flavours – prepaid and not. I would suggest only participating in prepaid contests!

And there you have it. Six websites to put your graphic design skills to the test. Spread out, compete, and make money – you have my blessing!

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