FAQs for MycroBurst Clients

• Design Contest
• How do I run a successful design project ?
  Here's how to get the most out of your MycroBurst design contest
  
  Visit our "How To Run a Successful Project" page!
  This page will outline 5 key tips in text and video instruction to help your project reach its highest potential!
  
• What is a "Guaranteed" project? Why should I guarantee my project?
  "Guarantee" is an upgrade that you can add to your contest, it tells designers that you are promising to pick a winner.
  
  Designers are more likely to participate in a guaranteed project because they are assured an ultimate winner will be awarded. Thus, guaranteed projects typically receive about 50% more designs than those of not guaranteed.
  
  
• How do I unveil my contest and what is the cost of doing it?
  You can unveil your contest by logging-in to your account, head to "My Projects," click "Upgrade" and choose "Unveiled Project." To unveil your project costs $19. For more detailed information, head to our Veiled Projects Help section
• What is the "Top Blog Advertising and Email Blast"?
  Your project will be featured on our company blog and other graphic design blogs, and will be included in an email alert which is sent to our community of thousands of designers.
• Why would I need to make my contest Private?
  Some project holders do not want their contest to be indexed in search engine listings. Choosing this option ensures that clients and competitors who use search engines do not discover the source of their designs. Don't worry, making a project private does not affect designer participation or the number of drafts submitted in any way.
• How do I make a contest Private?
  Simply log-in to your account, head to "My Projects," click on upgrades and choose "Make Project Private." It is only $25 to ensure this project is not indexed. Alternatively, you may contact support.
• Can I make my project private after it is already launched / closed?
  Yes! All you need to do is log into your MycroBurst.com account, click on Upgrades and choose "Make Project Private." Please note that it may take some time for your contest to be removed from search engine listings if you choose to make it private after it is already launched.
  
• What if I need my designs right away?
  Contest holders who need quicker results can choose to speed up their project by selecting the "Expedite" upgrade on MycroBurst.com. This will enable them to limit the duration of the project to 2, 3 or 4 days and encourage designers to start submitting their drafts immediately.
• How do I "Expedite" a contest?
  When you are creating your project and selecting a project length, you can choose an expedited contest here. For a small fee of $29 you can choose your project length to be between 3-6 days. When your project is listed, there will be a expedite button next to your project's name informing designers. The image below shows how your project will be listed.
  
• How long does a project last?
  You choose how long you'd like your contest to run! 7-10 days is the norm and doesn't cost extra. Projects can have an expedited (3-6 days) or an extended length (11-14 days) for a small fee of $29.
• Can I extend my project?
  Certainly! MycroBurst has made the process of extending a project very easy. Simply log into your account, click on Upgrades and choose "Contest Extended". This feature is currently priced at only $29 and will extend your project for an additional 3 days.
  
• What if I want to change my creative brief after I start my contest?
  You can simply email support@mycroburst.com or call us at (877) 525-5646 with the changes you require within 24/48 hours of your project initiation
  
• How many designs will I be able to choose from?
  Statistically speaking, the average number of entries for a MycroBurst project is more than 80 designs. Most contests will get at least 30, and can even get as many as 1000. The more you communicate and provide feedback to the designers, the more drafts you will get.
• How can I increase the number of drafts I receive?
  Here are a few proven strategies that contest holders can use:
  
  Offer a Large Prize – Money is a key factor in designer participation. The more money you offer designers, the more design drafts you will get.
  
  Guarantee Your Project – Designers like to know that there will be a contest winner who will be rewarded for their hard work. Results have shown a 50% increase in designs when a project is guaranteed.
  
  Write A Very Detailed Creative Brief – The creative brief should be precise and informative enough for designers to clearly understand your design requirements. The better they understand, the more likely they are to participate.
  
  Provide Feedback – Give constructive feedback to designers on their designs. Always rate the designs using the star ratings and eliminate the designs you really don’t like.
  
  Communicate With the Designers –Designers live all over the world, so if you provide feedback in the evening, you may find new entries when you wake up in the morning.
  
  Invite Designers To Participate – Invite other designers to your project. You can do this either by browsing active contests or by clicking on the Designer tab on MycroBurst.com.
  
  
• How can I select additional winners?
  After logging-in, go to your "My Projects" section. You'll notice the "Add Winner(s)" option next to the upload area. Click here. You will fill out the "Winners Information" area to tell MycroBurst how many additional winners you would like and how much you will be awarding each of them. Once at the project area you'll notice your "Winners?" number has increased. Once your project has ended and you've selected your ultimate winner, you will be prompted to choose your additional winners.
  
  For additional assistance, please feel free to contact our support team.
• What is a Donation?
  A donation is a monetary award that you can give to designers to show them how much you appreciate them! You can choose from 3 standard amounts to thank them for their time and hard work. For detailed instruction please see our video, here
• How can I award a donation to a designer?
  Award designers for their hard work with a donation! To do so, click on the design in your project that you want to award. Once you do that, you'll be taken to a second page that will show a black bar that reads "Donate." Click there to donate either $25, $50 or $100! For more information, click here for full donation details.
• How can I Cancel a Project?
  If you are not satisfied with your project and is NOT "Guaranteed" you may cancel your project. Please note, if you have received over 30 entries, we will retain $50 from your prize amount. If you have less, your project's full prize amount is refunded. Transaction and any upgrade charges are nonrefundable.
  
  Please note that guaranteed projects cannot be cancelled under any circumstances.
• What is the Refund Policy?
  MycroBurst maintains that all projects will receive a minimum of 30 design entries for all projects. If you have not received 30 entries, you are entitled to claim a refund of your prize money.
  
  If you want a refund for a project in which you did not add the "guaranteed" upgrade but you have received over 30 entries, we will retain $50 from the prize amount for the top designer. Please be aware that guaranteed projects are not entitled for a refund under any circumstances.
  
  Lastly, please be advised that the listing, processing and upgrade fees will not be refunded.
• How much do different types of design contests cost on MycroBurst?
  The minimum prize amount depends on the type of contest being hosted.
  
  Contests start at:
  Logo/Monogram Design – $199.00
  Business Card and Stationery - $99.00
  Web site Template Design – $350.00
  Blog Template Design - $250.00
  Marketing Materials – $250.00
  Banner Ads – $250.00
  Other - $150.00
  
  In addition, there is a 20% fee. This includes all listing and processing fees.
  
  Note: The more you offer as a prize, the more high-quality, creative designs you will get.
• Are there any additional services or upgrades that I can use to improve/promote my design contest?
  Absolutely! MycroBurst offers the following optional upgrades to improve contest results.
  
  Featured Listing ($39.00) – Highlight your contest by listing it first, ahead of non-featured contests
  
  Guaranteed Project ($15.00) – Guarantees there will be a winner will be selected after a contest ends. Designers are much more likely to submit designs to Guaranteed contests.
  
  Expedite Project ($29.00) – Enables and encourages designers to start submitting drafts immediately
  
  Private Project ($25.00) – Project is not indexed by search engines and requires designers to login to see contest details
  
  Top Blog Advertising and Email Blast ($69.00) – Your project will be featured on top graphic design blog with our email alert to thousands of designers. Get great results!
• What are the advantages of buying a package?
  MycroBurst's design packages offer companies the chance to save money when running multiple design projects for their business. In combo package, client only pays upgrade charges for one project and all projects attached in the package avail same upgrade benefits free of cost.
  
  Please note: All contest in combo package except logo project will not run simultaneously. Projects such as stationery or web will be initiated by the client after logo has been finalized. This allows you the opportunity to upload your finished logo and use it for the other projects.
• What does a website design contest include?
  A web design contest includes the unique, original design of a one page website or template. You will receive a .psd file. Coding of any kind is not included.
  
  MycroBurst also offers the Complete Web Design Solution. This option offers the custom design, along with 5 pages of coding. For more information and to get started, click here!
• What will my total cost be?
  Your total cost = Total Prize Money + 20% (which includes all fees) + Upgrades. Have a Coupon code discount? Subtract that from your total cost as well!
• What methods of payments are accepted at MycroBurst.com?
  Contest holders can pay for their contest via Paypal or credit card. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted.
• What is the money back guarantee and how does it work?
  MycroBurst.com offers a money back guarantee on all non-guaranteed design contests.
  
  If your project is not guaranteed and you receive less than 30 concepts and you are not satisfied, you may request a refund of your prize money. If your project is not guaranteed and you received more than 30 concepts, you may request a refund of your prize money. However, we will deduct $50 from prize amount to reward the top designer and remaining prize amount will be refunded.
  
  Please note:Any processing fees (including upgrades) are not refunded. All refunds must be requested within 90 days of the end of the contest. Please see our terms and conditions for more information.
• What if I am dissatisfied with the design entries submitted to my project?
  If you are dissatisfied with the designs submitted for your contest, you can start by providing more specific feedback to the designers about what you are looking for and need. You can also invite specific designers with attractive portfolios to submit to your contest. For more information about how to run a successful design project, click here!
  
  Or, you can contact support team to ask for help throughout the contest. They can answer any questions and provide you with tips for a successful project. Give us a call at 877-525-5646 or send an email to support@MycroBurst.com.
  
  Another option is to extend your contest. You can extend it for 3 more days for only $29.
  
  In the rare event that you have exhausted all options and are still not satisfied, please contact us within 90 days to request a refund. See the above FAQ, "What is the Refund Policy?" for more info.
• What happens to the designs if I do not pick a winner?
  If you received fewer than 30 design concepts, you‘re eligible for our money-back guarantee. If you have received more than 30 design concepts, you can cancel your project but we will retain a $50 design fee from your prize amount.
  
  Please note: Transaction and upgrade charges are never refundable. Guaranteed projects cannot be refunded under any circumstances.
  
• Is there a limit to the number of drafts I can receive?
  MycroBurst.com allows contests holders to receive an unlimited number of design drafts throughout the duration of the project. On occasion, contests have received more than 1000 drafts. Professional designers like to participate in contests with higher prizes.
• What if I like more than one design?
  That's no problem! If you know before your contest starts that you'll want more than one winner, you can use our "additional winners" to notate this. Once your contest has ended, you will also have the chance to choose an additional winner. You will be prompted to do so.
  
  The ultimate winner of your contest will receive your prize amount. Additional winners will receive what you offer them for their design, if they accept. A 20% processing fee with be applicable for the additional design.
  
  For questions on using either of these new options, please contact our support team. You can reach them at Support@MycroBurst.com or (877) 525-5646.
  
  
• Can I increase the prize amount after I start a contest?
  Yes, you can! Log-in to your MycroBurst account, click on "My Projects." Next to your project, select "Upgrades," check the "Increase Prize Money" option and continue through the prompts. Increasing the prize money will significantly boost designer participation and the quality of design drafts.
  
  Please note: The 20% transaction fee will be charged on the differential amount.
• How do I select a Winner?
  One you have reviewed the designs and are ready to select a winner, you can click on finalize link which is located at left bottom of each design on your contest page. Clicking this link will redirect you to the next page where you will have to reconfirm your selection before it gets officially announced. Once confirmed, you can expect your final artwork via email in 3 - 5 business days.
  
  This is a multi-step process to ensure that the right design is chosen as the winner. For more information, click here!
• How much time do I have to select a winner?
  Starting from the day the project ends, you have 7 days to select a winner. If you need more time, please contact MycroBurst support. If your project is guaranteed and you have neither selected a winner nor contacted us, MycroBurst will reach out to you to be sure you select a winner in the right amount of time. In some instances, MycroBurst may choose a winner on your behalf and we reserve the right do so.
• Can I make revisions to a logo after the project is complete?
  After the finalization of your contest, revisions are up to discretion of the designer. You must contact the designer directly, through private messaging, to request any revisions you may need.
• How do I start the revision process, when a project is complete?
  There are no revisions allowed after finalization, unless the designer has agreed to complete your revisions before sending the final files. If extra revisions are needed after the files have been sent from the designer MycroBurst is able to do them, however there is a minimum charge of $40 per revision. Revision cost would be decided on basis of amount of work and time required.
• How do I get my design files?
  Once you finalize a design, the winning designer will be notified. We will receive all of the source files (editable, final artwork files) from the designer and then email them to you.
• What type of files will I receive?
  The types of files you will receive from the winning designer are listed below. If you have any additional requirements, please notify our Support Staff immediately after you select the winner. We cannot guarantee that the designer will provide additional logo files once you have received the final files from them.
  
  Final Files Formats logo/monogram design project:
  .AI and/or .FH: Adobe Illustrator and FreeHand – PMS/CMYK
  .EPS: Encapsulated Postscript – CMYK
  .PDF: Portable Document File – CMYK
  .PSD: Photoshop Document – RGB
  .PNG: Portable Network Graphics – RGB
  .JPG: Joint Photographic Experts Group – RGB
  .GIF: Graphic Interchange Format – RGB
  .TIF: Tagged Image File Format – CMYK
  
  Final Files Formats for a stationery project:
  For Commercial Printing:
  1. .AI and/or .FH: Adobe Illustrator and FreeHand – PMS/CMYK
  2. .EPS: Encapsulated Postscript - CMYK
  3. .PDF: Portable Document File - CMYK
  
  For Computer Use:
  1. .JPG: Joint Photographic Experts Group - RGB
  2. .PDF: Portable Document File – RGB
  
  Final Files Formats for a Brochure/Other project:
  Editable Files:
  1. .AI and/or .FH: Adobe Illustrator and FreeHand – CMYK
  
  Printable Files:
  2. .TIF: Tagged Image File Format – CMYK – 300 DPI
  
  Final Files Formats for a web project:
  1. .PSD File
  2. Images
  3. Any other file used
  
• What do these different file formats mean? When do I use them?
  You will receive your artwork as two main types of files, Vector and Raster. Vector files, (.ai .eps and .pdf) have different uses but can easily be resized without sacrificing resolution or print quality. Raster files (.jpg .psd .gif .tif and .png) are used for websites and other specific printing uses.
• How can I contact a designer?
  Contest holders can contact the designer by sending private messages through MycroBurst website. To send a private message, go to the specific designer's profile. Once you are there, click "contact" on the left side bar.
  
  For more information about private messaging designers, please click here!
• Can I work with a designer after a project is complete?
  We encourage that you host additional projects at MycroBurst.com for several reasons. Working with one designer means you will receive limited design concepts, you will not be protected by MycroBurst.com if there are any issues (ex: payment or files delivery problems) and you will not you have access to our support team for help and guidance.
  
  The great thing about MycroBurst is that you can invite the designers that you like to participate in your contest!
• Will I have trademark rights?
  Yes, you will have complete trademark rights of your logo once you select the winning design. Our designers agree to our Terms and Conditions which includes that they will relinquish the rights of the logo if it is chosen as the winner.
  
  However, trademark registration is project holder's responsibility.
• How do I report a trademark issue or a copied design?
  To report a design, click "Report" on the designer's page for the project in question. If you're reporting a trademark issue, make sure you include (1) The URL of the copyrighted image in its original context and (2) The number of the design that is in violation of copyright. At MycroBurst, we take copyright and trademark issues very seriously. Please contact us at report@mycroburst.com and we will take appropriate action immediately.
• Will I be able to Trademark the design?
  Absolutely! The contest holder will receive the ability to trademark the winning design, once they have paid in full. Under the MycroBurst Terms and Conditions, a designer will relinquish the rights to the design if they are chosen as the winner. It is your responsibility, however, to trademark your design on your own. MycroBurst.com does not guarantee that your design will receive a trademark.
• How can I use ClientShare?
  ClientShare is a free feature that allows project holders to privately share their design contests with others. To create a ClientShare link, after logging-in to your account head to "My Projects" area. In the left sidebar, click "ClientShare," from here follow the prompts to create your un-branded ClientShare link!
  
  For more information on ClientShare, click here.

• Upgrade
• Upgrades are add-ons that you can purchase to help your project's success. Some are aimed at designers, thus helping to increase the number of designs you receive, and some are here to help protect your project‘s privacy. Here is the full list of upgrades that you can add to your project:
• What happens if I do not "Guarantee" my project?
  If you don't guarantee your project, you do not have to select a winner at the end if you are not satisfied with the designs.
  
  If you are happy with your contest results, you should pick a winner and get the final design files.
  
  If you are not satisfied, you are eligible to receive your full reward money back if you received less than 30 concepts. If your contest received more than 30 design concepts, you can receive a refund of your prize money, muinus a $50 “Designer Fee”. Listing and processing fees are not refunded.
• How do I make a contest "Guaranteed" after I start a contest?
  Log-in to your MycroBurst account, click on "My Projects" Next to your project, select "Upgrades" check the "Guaranteed" option and continue through the prompts. This feature only costs $15!
• What is a "Private" project?
  A private project cannot be viewed by the general public, only by users who are logged in to the MycroBurst website. Designers will be unable to add their winning entries to their portfolios. Also, private projects will not indexed by search engines.
• What is a Veiled Project?
  All projects at MycroBurst & LDG are by default "Veiled Projects". This means that only the Project Holder can see the entire project. Each designer sees only their own drafts, all other designs are hidden. This ensures that each design concept submitted has not duplicated another designer's work, but that it is creative and original.See more about Veiled Projects here
• What is a "Featured Listing"?
  The Featured Listing option allows a project to stay in the first few pages of the "Browse Contests" tab on our website, ahead of the non-featured contests. This gives your project maximum visibility.
• How do I "Feature" a project? Why should I feature my project?
  Simply log into your MycroBurst account, click on Upgrades and choose "Featured Listing." This service is $39.
  
  Featured projects are highlighted and listed above regular projects on MycroBurst.com. Featured contests also receive extra publicity and are emailed directly to community of thousands of designers.

How It Works

FAQs for MycroBurst Designers