Designer Launches Dribbble Competitor After Ban

Dribbble Bans Designers Amid Marketplace Shift

A significant number of designers have been permanently removed from Dribbble as the platform transitions towards a marketplace model focused on revenue generation.

Among those affected is Gleb Kuznetsov, a prominent figure in the design community and the founder of Milkinside, a design studio located in San Francisco.

Account Deletion and Rule Violations

Kuznetsov’s account, boasting over 210,000 followers, was removed by Dribbble due to a breach of its recently implemented guidelines.

Specifically, he shared his contact details with potential clients directly through the platform, an action now prohibited.

Kuznetsov’s Response

In a statement posted on X, Kuznetsov expressed his frustration, stating, “I generated over 100,000 monthly users. Fifteen years of dedicated work, encompassing more than 12,000 shots, were all erased because a client requested my email address.”

He further noted that the action was taken with only one warning and without the possibility of appeal.

Plans for a Competitor

Disappointed with the direction Dribbble is taking, Kuznetsov revealed he is currently in discussions with investors to establish a competing platform.

This move comes as Dribbble aims to evolve from a portfolio showcase to a platform facilitating client acquisition for product, UX, web, and other digital designers.

Community Reaction

Following Kuznetsov’s announcement, Dribbble users voiced their dismay and disapproval of the decision.

Many acknowledged Kuznetsov’s influence as a source of inspiration and criticized the platform’s perceived misstep.

Dribbble’s Justification

Dribbble maintains that Kuznetsov had received several prior warnings regarding violations of the new rules.

The sharing of his email address was presented as the final infraction leading to the account’s termination.

Dribbble’s new policies are clearly impacting its user base as it attempts to become a more commercially driven platform.

Dribbble's Transition to a Marketplace Model

A recent policy shift, initially announced on March 17, 2025, is at the center of current discussions.

Dribbble communicated to its approximately 750,000 verified designers – those authorized to engage with potential clients – that sharing contact details was prohibited until client payment was processed through the platform.

The company framed this adjustment as a measure to safeguard designers against non-payment and to ensure the ongoing financial viability of Dribbble itself.

This announcement was also disseminated via social media channels and the official company blog.

Kuznetsov, however, contends that instances of non-payment are infrequent, suggesting the primary motivation behind the update is Dribbble’s pursuit of a greater share of designers’ earnings.

Dribbble does not refute this assertion.

Prior to the policy change, Dribbble generated revenue through two primary avenues. Beginning in September 2024, the platform initiated a transition towards a marketplace connecting designers and clients. Designers could freely communicate and then opt to share a 3.5% revenue cut on successful conversions, or subscribe to a Pro plan to bypass the revenue share. In March, the rules were further refined, mandating a platform cut for all clients sourced through Dribbble.

“The shift occurred from optional use of our transactional features to required use for non-advertisers utilizing Dribbble to secure clients,” explains Dribbble CEO Constantine Anastasakis, in a statement to TechCrunch. “Users on Dribbble for inspiration, feedback, or peer interaction remain unaffected,” he added.

The executive, previously with direct-to-consumer lender Lower, video marketplace Pond5 (acquired by Shutterstock), and freelancer platform Fiverr, was appointed last April to spearhead Dribbble’s transformation into a marketplace. The company is currently profitable under its parent company Tiny, operating with a lean team of 20 and not relying on venture capital despite attracting 7.5 to 10 million monthly unique visitors.

“Dribbble significantly boosted our business in the past,” Kuznetsov shared with TechCrunch. He notes that before Dribbble, a dedicated platform for designers to showcase their work was lacking. It facilitated peer feedback and enabled emerging designers to learn from industry leaders.

Kuznetsov now finds himself among those leading figures.

At Milkinside, Kuznetsov has collaborated with prominent organizations including Apple, Google, Amazon, Scandinavian Airlines, United Airlines, Honda, Mitsubishi, and Mercedes-Benz, among other major Bay Area companies.

Consequently, he may not have anticipated Dribbble would impose a ban for non-compliance with the new regulations.

Anastasakis largely corroborated this assessment.

He revealed to TechCrunch that Kuznetsov received 83 inquiries for work since the new terms were implemented in March, responding to 61 of them. The platform displays a warning with each message, reminding users against sharing contact information prior to payment. However, Kuznetsov provided his contact details in six responses, triggering a more prominent warning.

A follow-up warning email was sent on July 22 regarding repeated violations of the terms of service, notifying him of the risk of permanent suspension.

Kuznetsov stated he initially overlooked this email, but Dribbble confirms the email was opened three times before his account was suspended.

“I suspect Dribbble aimed to penalize me to serve as a cautionary tale for anyone contemplating circumventing the rules,” Kuznetsov suggests.

Anastasakis affirmed this perspective to TechCrunch.

“He was undoubtedly aware that his actions risked permanent account suspension,” Anastasakis stated. “We believed he underestimated our willingness to enforce the terms, even for a designer of his stature. Interestingly, he has inadvertently helped raise awareness about our commitment to upholding these terms.”

For Kuznetsov, or any designer facing a similar ban, reinstatement requires subscribing as an advertiser, necessitating a minimum monthly campaign budget of $1,500 for a minimum of three months.

A Potential New Rival to Dribbble is Taking Shape

Driven by dissatisfaction with recent changes at Dribbble, designer Kuznetsov is embarking on the creation of a new platform.

He asserts that his forthcoming startup will not simply replicate Dribbble’s functionality. Instead, it will function as a comprehensive resource for designers, incorporating the capabilities of AI.

Addressing Concerns and Exploring AI's Role

Despite widespread concerns regarding AI models being trained on creative work without appropriate remuneration, Kuznetsov envisions a positive application of the technology.

He believes AI can be a valuable tool for designers, assisting with inspiration, the creative process, and overall design quality.

Kuznetsov identifies a gap in the current market. “There’s a significant unmet need… Many startups are focusing on AI, but few are specifically tailored for designers,” he explains.

He further elaborates that AI has the potential to significantly enhance creative abilities, leading to higher quality work and new possibilities. This, in turn, could translate to increased earnings and growth for designers.

Development Timeline and Core Objectives

Kuznetsov anticipates having a minimum viable product (MVP) available within three to four months.

However, his intention is not to dismantle Dribbble, despite receiving offers from investors to do so.

“My aim is to contribute positively to the design community, as I am a designer myself. I understand the challenges designers face,” Kuznetsov states.

The Importance of Diversification

He emphasizes the need for designers to strategically allocate their time and effort.

“It’s crucial to consider diversifying where we invest our skills and dedication – essentially, spreading our investment across multiple platforms,” he suggests.

Note: A correction has been made regarding Kuznetsov’s follower count. He has over 210,000 followers, not 210 million. This error has been rectified.