Designer Blog

Meet SBdesigns – a GURU in animation and logo design who gives credit to 99designs for challenging and strengthened his design skills.

Janak Desai – India
99designs handle: SBdesigns
Projects won: 44
Website: www.designstudiosb.com

How did you get started in design?

I started my career as an animator, VFX artist and composer. I was hired for 3D animation and VFX artist at one of the leading production studios in my city. After working for the studio for a few years, I started working independently on commercial and animation ads. I personally sketched and designed each animation, so it was a challenge for me. In the studio, I would get logo designs and graphics ready per the script and animation sequences.

Working independently and making logo designs was a challenge for me. I fell in love with logo designing and started working on more logo projects. With my animation skills, I was able to offer logo animation with logo designing at lucrative rates. Now, I am more into designing and I love it!

How do you get your design inspiration?

I get inspiration from everywhere, but music is the real GURU for me. I listen to different types of music to strengthen my visualization skills. Music makes my mind more focused and inspires me to think in the right direction. Other than music, I get inspired while at the gym. When I work out, it makes my mind clear and I am able to think positively for projects.

What led you to start using 99designs.com?

I saw 99designs when I was looking for inspiration for a design project. I really liked it and I started entering into contests. In my early stages, I found it more of a learning curve for my career. I took part in contests to learn and grow in the designing field.

It took almost 35 contests for my first WIN. The experience was delightful! I had more and more time for 99designs and started entering into more contests. It has been quite a joy and challenge!

What are three things designers can do to have success at 99designs?

1. Understanding the Client’s Mind: You must be able to read the client’s mind. Make sure to read the brief twice, view the client’s examples, and dont hesitate to ask questions. If the contest is open, see which designs have higher star ratings and think about what mood the client wants for their design.

2. Think Outside the Box: Never be afraid to design something that no other designer has submitted into the contest. Don’t be sad if the client ignores it… just keep trying something new while keeping the brief in mind. If you follow this, you will succeed 5 out of 10 times.

3. Never Give Up: Whatever the outcome, don’t lose hope and keep trying until the end of the contest. Even if your design is underrated… don’t stress. Keep making and uploading designs until the end. Uploading a design, on 99designs, does not cost money.

What do you love most about being a designer?

I love that there is no limit of visualization. It makes me more creative day by day.

The respect I get for being a designer is truly unique — I am enjoying it.

See more Designer Profiles

Based in San Francisco, Allison (Alli) Stuart works as Community Content Coordinator at 99designs. When she's not writing blogs and communicating with designers, she is working on her Children's Book. She also enjoys extreme sports, like sky diving and traveling to new places. Alli has a Fine Arts Degree with a concentration in Graphic Design from Louisiana State University, her home. Geaux Tigers!

Allison Stuart

View all posts by Allison Stuart
Allison's website