A top designer was banned from Dribbble. Now he’s building his own competitor.

In a significant move that has sent shockwaves through the design community, Dribbble, a popular platform for showcasing creative work, has permanently banned numerous designers, including renowned designer Gleb Kuznetsov, for violating its new marketplace policies. Kuznetsov, the founder of the San Francisco-based design studio Milkinside, saw his account, boasting over 210 million followers, deleted after he shared his contact information with potential clients, a breach of Dribbble's updated regulations. Expressing his frustration on social media, Kuznetsov stated, "I brought 100,000+ monthly users. 15 years of work. 12,000+ shots. All instantly deleted because a client asked for my email. One warning. No appeal." Fed up with the platform’s direction, he is now in discussions with investors to launch a competitor that aims to better serve designers. The backlash from fellow Dribbble users was swift, with many expressing outrage over Kuznetsov's ban, viewing him as a source of inspiration. In defense of their decision, Dribbble asserted that Kuznetsov had received multiple warnings regarding his rule violations before the permanent suspension. The policy in question, introduced in March 2025, prohibits designers from sharing contact details until after a client has made payment through the platform. Dribbble claims this change is intended to safeguard designers against non-payment issues while ensuring the platform's sustainability. However, Kuznetsov disputes this reasoning, suggesting that the true motive is to increase Dribbble's revenue share from designers. Prior to this shift, Dribbble allowed designers to communicate freely and either pay a subscription or share a small percentage of their earnings as commission. The tightening of rules means that any designer seeking clients through Dribbble must now provide the platform with a cut of their income. Dribbble’s CEO, Constantine Anastasakis, emphasized that the policy changes were necessary to maintain operational viability, stating that the platform is dedicated to supporting creative professionals. However, Kuznetsov believes that the company's actions reflect a disregard for the community it serves. As he prepares to launch his new initiative, Kuznetsov is committed to creating a platform that not only respects the rights of designers but also leverages AI to enhance creativity and workflow. He envisions a space where designers can find inspiration and create without the constraints imposed by existing platforms. With plans to have a minimum viable product ready in just a few months, Kuznetsov is focused on building a resource that prioritizes the needs of designers rather than competing directly with Dribbble. "I'm trying to do something good for the community because I’m a designer," he remarked, underscoring the importance of fostering a supportive environment for creative professionals in a rapidly evolving landscape.