Top Designer Banned From Dribbble Launches New Competitor
▼ Summary
– Dribbble permanently banned prominent designer Gleb Kuznetsov for sharing contact info with clients, violating new monetization rules, deleting his account with 210M+ followers.
– Kuznetsov criticized Dribbble’s policy changes, claiming they prioritize revenue (a 3% cut) over community, and is now exploring a competitor platform.
– Dribbble’s new March 2025 policy requires clients to pay through its platform before contact info is shared, aiming to protect designers and sustain business.
– Dribbble’s CEO stated Kuznetsov was warned multiple times before suspension, emphasizing strict enforcement to deter rule-breaking by high-profile users.
– Kuznetsov plans to launch an AI-powered design platform, focusing on innovation rather than competing directly with Dribbble, with an MVP expected in months.
The design community is buzzing after Dribbble banned one of its most prominent members, sparking controversy and potentially creating space for a new competitor. Gleb Kuznetsov, founder of San Francisco design studio Milkinside, saw his account with 210 million followers abruptly removed after violating the platform’s updated policies. The incident highlights growing tensions as Dribbble shifts toward becoming a monetized marketplace.
Kuznetsov expressed frustration on social media, stating his 15-year contribution to the platform, including 12,000 design submissions and driving substantial traffic, was erased without negotiation. “They deleted everything because a client asked for my email,” he wrote, criticizing what he sees as Dribbble prioritizing profits over its creative community.
The conflict stems from policy changes implemented earlier this year. Dribbble now requires all client transactions to occur through its platform before contact details can be exchanged. While the company claims this protects designers from unpaid work, Kuznetsov argues it’s primarily about securing revenue shares. Dribbble’s CEO confirmed the platform now mandates a percentage cut from all client engagements originating on the site.
Industry veterans are taking notice of the dispute, with many designers expressing support for Kuznetsov. His reputation includes collaborations with tech giants like Apple and Google through Milkinside, making the ban particularly surprising to the community. Dribbble maintains Kuznetsov received multiple warnings before termination, though he contests this version of events.
Rather than attempting to return under Dribbble’s new advertiser terms, which require significant financial commitments, Kuznetsov is developing an alternative platform. His vision incorporates AI tools specifically tailored for designers, addressing what he sees as an underserved niche. “AI can elevate creative potential beyond current limitations,” he explained, while emphasizing his goal isn’t to compete directly but to fill gaps in the market.
The situation reflects broader debates about platform ownership and creator rights in digital spaces. As established communities implement monetization strategies, professionals like Kuznetsov are reconsidering where to invest their work and audiences. His upcoming project, expected within months, could reshape how designers connect with opportunities while maintaining control over their client relationships.
(Source: TechCrunch)
