Maybe you’re just starting out as a designer or maybe you have some extra time on your hands. Getting in on crowdsourcing could not only put some extra cash in the bank, but it could also help you diversify your portfolio, challenge you to try new things, and even wind up getting you the job you’ve been searching for. What is creative crowdsourcing, you might be asking. Well, basically it’s when an individual or company outsources a task to a large group of people in an open call for contributions. It’s a unique ideation approach where designers compete by contributing their design based on a given brief, and if their design is chosen, receive compensation and recognition. The crowdsourcer gains great design from a professional community, in a timely manner – it’s a win-win.
According to Skillshare, there are at least 6 different crowd design platforms that you will want to be aware of:
While all of these are viable ways to start your creative crowdsourcing contribution, not all options are always going to be accepting new designers. I recommend looking into at least a few of these to sign up and get started, not to mention the more you’re involved with, the more opportunities to be selected for your design. What should happen if you put in the time and effort to create an awesome design, but yours isn’t selected? Guess what, you have an awesome new piece to showcase in your portfolio and even create a case study for using the brief you were given and showing your process. Remember when I said you might get that job you’ve been searching for? Maybe it’s because when you applied, the interviewer with the company went to your website and saw this amazing work you did and was thoroughly impressed. Either way, creative crowdsourcing is a great avenue, especially for new, professional designers.
Additionally, each brief you choose to accept will present you with a chance to hone in on those problem-solving skills, refine your software knowledge and even help you learn something new. Companies love to crowd-source creative problems because they are able to diversify their creativity, save money, realize an opportunity for genuine innovation, meet demands for video content, and build their brand affinity. I think we can expect this free-lance option for designers to work to be around for a very long time, so take advantage and sign up for some today!
Resources:
Creativepool: https://creativepool.com/magazine/inspiration/creative-crowdsourcing-from-creative-communities.18415
Skillshare: https://www.skillshare.com/en/blog/the-7-best-crowdsourcing-design-platforms/
Read Between the Designs 