The Freelance Hunger Games: Why Upwork, Fiverr, and 99Designs Are a Waste of Time

The so-called "freelance platforms"—Upwork, Fiverr, 99Designs, Dribbble, and the rest of that dumpster fire—have done nothing but turn the creative industry into a cutthroat, bottom-dollar bidding war. If you’ve ever tried to make a living off one of these sites, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

The Race to the Bottom

These platforms don’t reward talent, skill, or experience. They reward whoever is willing to work for the least amount of money. You could have years of experience, a killer portfolio, and a unique style that sets you apart—none of that matters when some amateur halfway across the world is willing to do the job for five bucks. Clients on these sites aren’t looking for quality; they’re looking for the cheapest possible option.

The Bullshit Application Process

Trying to get a gig on Upwork or Fiverr feels like begging at the feet of people who don’t even understand what they’re asking for. You spend time crafting a pitch, tailoring it to their project, and showcasing your best work—only for them to ghost you or choose someone offering the same job for pennies.

And let’s talk about Upwork’s "connects" system. You literally have to pay to apply for work. That’s right—before you can even earn a dime, you have to spend money to throw your name into the hat. And even if you manage to land a job, Upwork takes a huge cut. The whole thing is a glorified scam designed to keep freelancers desperate and clients spoiled.

Fiverr: A Marketplace for Cheap Crap

Fiverr is even worse. It built its reputation on the idea that you can get anything done for five bucks. What does that say about the quality of work expected? It’s a joke. The people posting on Fiverr aren’t looking for professionals; they’re looking for quick, cheap, and disposable. And the second you try to charge a fair rate, you’re priced out of their little "gig economy."

99Designs: A Free-Work Trap

Ah, 99Designs—the platform that tricks designers into working for free. They set up "contests" where dozens (sometimes hundreds) of designers submit work, and only one person gets paid. Imagine a restaurant asking 50 chefs to cook a full meal, then only paying for the one dish they like best. That’s exactly how 99Designs operates. If you value your time, don’t even think about touching that site.

What’s the Alternative?

If you actually want to make money as a freelancer, skip the middlemen. These platforms do nothing but drain your time and energy for a payout that isn’t worth the effort. Instead, try:

• Direct Outreach – Find businesses that need your services and pitch them directly. Cut out the competition and get real, fair-paying clients.
• Social Media Marketing – Build an audience, show off your work, and let clients come to you. LinkedIn, Instagram, and even Twitter (X) can bring in serious business.
• Networking Locally – Hit up local businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups. They need design work, and they’ll pay real money for someone they can trust.
• Industry-Specific Job Boards – Forget the flooded markets; look for design gigs in niche spaces like music, fashion, or tech where your work actually stands out.

Final Thoughts

If you want to make real money in design, run as far away as possible from these bullshit freelance platforms. They’re not designed to help you thrive; they’re designed to keep you locked in a cycle of undervaluation and exploitation. Take control of your business, set your own rates, and demand the respect (and paycheck) you deserve.