Meet :: scott :: – a designer who loves building brands. He is an active member of design community at 99designs, winning 48 contests in his first 7 months.
Scott Gladd – USA
99designs handle: :: scott ::
Projects won: 178
How did you get started in design?
I always knew I was going to go to a University and major in some form of art. I actually started out as an Animation Major, and quite honestly had no idea what graphic design was.
I quickly realized that I was not patient enough for animation, and after only one class, began to gravitate towards the order and structure of graphic design. When it came to the problem solving aspect, I relished any challenged. I loved how I was designing something that had an immediate impact on the viewer.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that if you are going above and beyond what is expected purely for the fun of it, then you’ve found your calling.
How do you get your design inspiration?
I pull inspiration from everything and anything that is designed well. There is something to be said for a well-designed house or a vintage sign from the ‘50s. I am kind of in love with anything mid-century. That era had some of the cleanest lines and type we have ever seen.
Design blogs and designer portfolios also inspire me. There are a lot of great designers out there, and I admire their work ethic and process.
My style is gravitating towards a more hand-drawn feel lately. There is something rewarding about seeing a design take shape from a rough sketch in a notebook. It’s a uniqueness that you can’t find anywhere else.
What led you to start using 99designs.com?
I started using 99designs as sort of an experiment to stoke my competitive fires. As I’m sure many of the designers on here can attest, it quickly became a bit of an obsession.
Anyone who is in freelance design knows that it is very hard to build a client base and 99designs helps bridge that gap. I’ve gained numerous great working relationships that to this day still remain in good standing.
99designs helps you solve problems on very minimal feedback and info up front. Discussing design concepts sharpens your communication skills as well as your power of persuasion, which helps you work more efficiently and expeditiously.
What are three things designers can do to have success at 99designs?
I’ve gotten a few emails, skype calls and chat questions from people asking me this very same question…
What can we do to win. Is there a secret… if so tell me. Ok here is what I think about this:
1.) Don’t be a jerk- Learn to take criticism on the chin and turn the other check. If it doesn’t seem to be working, walk away politely and cut your losses.
2.) Design a brand rather than a logo- How can this work in other areas of the business? What can I do to create tangents off of this logo and keep things cohesive? A great logo does this; a bad one is stagnant.
3.) Build a rapport early- We, as designers, know you only get one chance to make a first impression (yes, I know that phrase is cliché). You need to wow them immediately to keep them coming back for more and then they will compare everything else back to your original work.
What do you love most about being a designer?
Problem solving and creating something exciting and timeless from scratch. I love that a great font can do amazing things. I love that in this industry, if you work hard and produce beautiful work, it can snowball into great things. I get to create an identity for someone who is trying to start a business; it’s a good feeling that you played a big part in the success of that individual.
Holy Cow – he’s won another one. Make that 49 contests in his first 7 months ;)
Red bolt logo is awesome.
7 months of unstoppable work congrats : :: scott ::
Hey congratz mate, amazing logo, great style, keep the logos rolling ;-) Looking forward to see your 100th win.
All the best
Very nice stuff !
wow , great style i agree !!! love the Red Bolt , very creative !! keep up your amazing work!!!! all the best :)
Keep up the good work Scott.
Good jobs! Keep on coming!
hi… SCOTT…congrates… are you doing this as a full time job…just curious…awesome logos.. :)
Amazing work, mate. You serve as an inspiration to us all. :)
Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the kind words. Being a graphic designer is never a destination, always a learning experience. Good luck to all! :)
hi scott, you are very talented, i remember not to long ago ‘caleigh&mongiello’
http://99designs.com/logo-design/contests/logo-design-wanted-caleigh-mongiello-68908
first one to post, bang! nailed it!
‘fresco’ was a hard one also, i was hoping for you, oh well… :)
continue your nice work, and see you around :)
Nice job Scott! I am always impressed with your work and look forward to our next contest together…hopefully one day I can beat you ;). Congratulations!
Welcome aboard Scott!!! :)
I have launched a logo contest. i saw your profile but not a logo, unless I missed something. I’m not very computer savvy but I did like your stuff and would like it if you put in a submission. Thanks, logo contest is bronze and is under my name / brand Helen Victoria. By the way I do want to do a website in the future.
Hi Helen…I will love to get an invitation from you regarding your website design project in future.
49 over 409 participation? That’s really a big WOW!. More power!!!
Great Job Scott! I’m so happy to see this blog post. Congratulations!
Big thanks to everyone again for all the kind words. Look forward to seeing all your work in future contests. Good luck!
When i can win a contest? in 99designs.
totally awesome,.. nice work, keep goin’ bud..
________________
I challenge my self..
Hi Scott. congratulations!
Congrats Scott…keep it up friend :)
Congrats Scott………………:)
If you will participate in some contest I will not. Regards!!!
Keep it up Scott!
Scott
Wow what fantastic work. Could you kindly look at my brief:) Happy to guarantee prize:)
http://99designs.com/logo-design/contests/mybottomline-help-me-launch-company-77180/brief
Its logo design (bronze) under Mybottomline
Cheers
Mona
Scott is a visionary! For anyone looking to develop a brand, not just a logo, but also a strategy and true identity – Scott is your guy. Reliable, trustworthy, communicative, always delivers. I had a FANTASTIC experience with Scott and have deemed him the official designer for my company. I can’t wait to start the next phase. Thank you Scott.
Hi Sharon, would you be able to forward me Scott’s contact info? I would like to get in touch with him for some design work for my company. Thank you.
Red Bold like a game logo :)
So simple and looks good man :)
We saw his designs and are loving his work.
Awesome and inspiring story! Gives me thrive to keep on! I joined 99designs recently and already won a couple of contests :D.. It feels amazing when you get that congratulations email. Your work is awesome! keep it up mate!
Great work Scott…
Do you have some contact email or skype to be reached?
Thanks
A