Sitepoint.com has a thriving community that backs it, with a powerful marketplace that does plenty of business for Sitepoint and it’s affiliates. One of the forums on the website allow businesses to hold a “design contest”. The design contest works in a typical auction format where a buyer will post a thread stating his budget and requirements, and designers (often beginners) will reply with work they feel suits the client. The client will go through the designs, comment, and request revisions as necessary.

This morning I was directed to a contest thread started by someone looking to buy a logo for their clothing store. What struck me was entry #1 (oddly enough). I quickly noticed this was directly ripped off of a (admittedly weak) logo design I’d done for a community last year, which can be found here.

See for yourself.
My original design:

Their entry in the Sitepoint contest:

Theirs overlapped with mine:

There were other entries using fonts that are free for non-commercial use only, etc. Think twice before you solicit a design from beginners. Consider the legal consequences of your choice. It may only cost you $300 today, but what if that clothing store were to accept my logo and I sued them next year?

It’s not news for so-called designers to rip off others, but if you are the one considering the purchase of a logo and one of these low-cost alternatives come to mind; think twice. Spend the extra money. Hire a professional who knows what he/she’s doing and has a proven track record. Your brand should be worth it to you.