There are plenty of reasons designers withdraw entries, but it’s quite easy for them to unwithdraw an entry if they change their mind.

Asking the designer in question to unwithdraw their entry via private message is usually the best way to get a designer to reinstate the design.

Feel free to tell the designer they’re in the running for your prize, but please don’t misrepresent their chances of winning the contest. If you promise the designer a prize and don’t award it to them, they’re likely to report your contest, force us to investigate your conduct, and possibly suspend your account—it’s a drag for everyone involved.