In a design contest, illustrators from all over the world submit concepts unique to your brief. You choose finalists, give feedback to hone the designs and ultimately award your favorite graphic illustration as the winner. If ideation and seeing a variety of different design styles is important to you, we’d recommend a design contest. On the other hand, if you have a clear idea of the style and direction you’d like to take with your illustration, or if you have a more complex design project (e.g. a complete book of custom illustrations), it’s best to start a project with a freelance artist.