Welcome my people! Today, we go yan about how to start your journey with 99designs, especially for all our Naija graphic designers wey dey hustle for online. This article go cover wetin you need to know as beginner, wetin you fit do to stand out, and how to make your first dollar from the platform.
Wetin Be 99designs?
99designs na one platform wey dey connect designers with clients wey need design work. E dey allow clients post their design needs, and designers fit enter competition to submit their work. If the client like your design, dem go pay you. Simple, abi? This platform fit help you gain exposure and build your portfolio, especially if you dey start fresh.
How to Set Up Your 99designs Account
To start, you need to create your account. Follow these steps:
- Visit 99designs website: Go to 99designs.com.
- Sign up: Click on "Sign Up" button and fill your details. Make sure say you use your real name, because you go need am for verification.
- Choose a plan: 99designs get different plans. As beginner, you fit start with the basic plan. E no too cost, and e go help you learn the ropes.
- Verify your account: Dem go ask for your NIN (National Identification Number) for verification. E dey important to get this one, so make sure say you don register your NIN before you start.
Building Your Profile and Portfolio
Your profile na your first impression, so make e shine well well. Here na how you go do am:
- Add your bio: Write small bio wey go tell people who you be. Talk about your experience, your design style, and wetin you fit do.
- Upload your best work: Choose designs wey show your skills pass. If you never get any work, try do some personal projects or volunteer to design for friends and family. Use am build your portfolio.
- Get testimonials: If you don work with clients before, ask dem to give you small testimonials. E go boost your credibility.
How to Win Design Contests
Winning contest na the main way to earn money for 99designs. Here be some strategies:
- Read the brief well: Before you start to design, make sure say you understand wetin the client want. Dem go give you brief, and e dey important to follow am closely.
- Sketch your ideas: Before you jump into your design software, do some quick sketches of your ideas. Dis one go help you organize your thoughts.
- Use the right tools: Make sure say you dey use good software like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW. If you no get money to buy software, you fit try free ones like Canva or Gravit Designer.
- Submit early: No wait till last minute to submit your design. If you submit early, you fit get feedback from the client and make improvements.
- Engage with the community: 99designs get community forums. Join dem, share ideas, and learn from other designers. Na so you go sabi the latest trends.
Getting Paid and Cashing Out
After you don win contest and do your work, wetin remain be payment. Here na how e go work:
- Choose your payment method: Since PayPal no dey work for Nigeria, you fit use Payoneer, Grey.co, or Wise. These platforms dey allow you receive your money without wahala.
- Set up your payment details: Go your account settings on 99designs and enter your payment info. Make sure say you follow the steps well so that you no go miss your cash.
- Cashing out: Once your money don enter your account, you fit withdraw am to your local bank like GTBank, Access Bank, or UBA. Just follow the withdrawal process for the platform wey you choose.
Conclusion
As you don see, starting with 99designs no hard at all. Just follow these steps, dey consistent, and always look for ways to improve your skills. Freelancing fit be tough sometimes, but with the right attitude and dedication, you fit make sense money. So, go ahead, start your journey today, and make Naija proud!
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