What services have you used for design work for your web site programming?

Question

As a programmer, I don't have the best design skills. I often find the need to have a single graphic or even an entire web site designed. What sites have you used to get the graphics you needed and would you use them again?

Answer 1

You could try this fairly new site called 99 designs, it lets you run a 'contest' (with a prize amount you set), people submit their entries and you choose and pay for the one you like most.

Answer 2

I've used TemplateMonster in the past, as well as Open Source Web Design. Another is Open Web Design. I would definitely consider 99 designs, though I have never used them.

Btw, you're not alone thinking you're not a good designer. Most programmers are terrible designers. The worst offenders tend to be the ones that think they're good designers because they've learned all the buttons in photoshop.

If you can, you should consider hiring a web designer to build you a design. For an open-source project, you may be able to find someone willing to contribute a design, which lets them bolster their own portfolio.

Answer 3

99 designs is more of what I was thinking. Are there others in this category?

CrowdSpring is another I've seen. Anyone use any of these?

Answer 4

You can contract a designer using Elance.

You can find designers (and developers) at excellent rates. The site provides both portfolios and reviews for designers. Check out the designer's portfolio to get a sense of their style.

When working with designers, be very explicit about what you want in order to keep the amount of rework to a minimum.

Answer 5

At work we contract out to a firm we've used numerous times in the past (the designer is very good and has been our go to for all our recent design work on our various sites).

When I'm looking for something non-work related I turn to sites that have been mentioned above (Open Source Web Design and Open Web Design are my favorites). I've also seen friends use TemplateMonster for good Flash components or designs.

I also try to keep in touch with design blogs and such to try to expand my horizons a little so I have a better understanding of what good design looks like. So while I may not be able to create the designs, I at least have some sense of what to look for in a "good design."