The Australian-founded crowdsourced graphic design business 99designs has launched in the UK and begun hiring staff in the region as part of its strategic growth plans.
The company, which was founded in Melbourne in 2008, said the UK will be its launch pad for European expansion.
CEO Patrick Llewellyn said the UK has been a significant market for 99designs from the start in terms of the design talent and customer base it’s attracted there.
“We’re looking forward to building a strong presence on the ground to help UK designers build their businesses, enable companies of all scope and size to source affordable high-quality graphic design work, and enhance and expand our services on all fronts,” he added.
99designs has seen a 120 percent year-on-year increase in monthly UK design contests, and expects accelerated growth as it ramps marketing and local outreach activities.
Michael Kirby, one of 99designs’ top graphic designers lives in the UK, and has made more than £19,000 in the last six months through a combination of designer payouts secured on the site and ongoing client work sourced through the marketplace.
“99designs offers the perfect solution for talented designers living in the north of England or less commercial areas to find work on a global stage without having to relocate, allowing them to grow and develop their business with little risk or overhead,” Kirby said.
“I now have a huge amount of content and glowing testimonials from clients to populate the new business website I’m launching,” he added.
