Dribbble, a popular platform for designers to showcase their work and connect with clients, has recently made significant changes that have resulted in the permanent ban of dozens of designers, including one of its most prominent members, Gleb Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov, the founder of the San Francisco-based design studio Milkinside, had his account deleted with over 210 million followers after sharing his contact information with prospective clients in violation of Dribbble’s new rules.
In a post on X, Kuznetsov expressed his frustration, stating, “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.” Disillusioned with the changes at Dribbble, Kuznetsov has revealed plans to launch a competitor and has been in talks with investors to make this a reality.
Following Kuznetsov’s social media post, many Dribbble users voiced their shock and disappointment over the decision, citing Kuznetsov as a major inspiration and criticizing the platform for its actions. However, Dribbble maintains that Kuznetsov was warned multiple times about violating the new rules before his account was ultimately banned.
The root of the issue lies in Dribbble’s pivot to a marketplace model, which was announced in March 2025. The company introduced a policy prohibiting designers from sharing their contact information with clients until after payment had been made through the platform. This change was framed as a measure to protect designers from non-payment and to support Dribbble’s business model.
Kuznetsov argues that the real motivation behind this policy change is for Dribbble to increase its revenue by taking a larger cut of designers’ earnings. Dribbble CEO Constantine Anastasakis acknowledged this, explaining that the company now requires designers to share a portion of their revenue with the platform if they find clients through Dribbble.
Despite the controversy surrounding these changes, Dribbble remains profitable under its parent company Tiny and continues to attract millions of monthly visitors. Kuznetsov, who has worked with major companies like Apple, Google, and Amazon through Milkinside, was surprised by his ban from Dribbble but remains determined to navigate this setback as he explores new opportunities in the design industry.
The entrepreneur received a warning email from Dribbble regarding his terms-of-service violations before facing a suspension. Despite claims of not seeing the email initially, the company tracked multiple openings before taking action.
In response to the situation, Kuznetsov believes that Dribbble’s actions were intended to set an example for rule-breakers. Anastasakis from Dribbble confirmed the severity of the violations and the necessity for consequences.
To regain access to Dribbble, designers like Kuznetsov must consider joining as advertisers with a significant monthly campaign budget.
A new competitor in the design industry
Kuznetsov has chosen to embark on a new venture in response to his experience with Dribbble. His upcoming platform aims to provide resources for designers while incorporating AI technology.
Despite concerns about AI models using creatives’ work without compensation, Kuznetsov sees potential in using AI for inspiration and design enhancement.
Kuznetsov anticipates launching a minimum viable product for his platform within a few months, emphasizing the potential for AI to revolutionize the design industry.
Despite receiving offers to undermine Dribbble, Kuznetsov aims to create a platform that benefits the design community. His focus is on empowering designers and exploring new possibilities through technology.
As the design landscape evolves, Kuznetsov emphasizes the importance of strategic investments and diversification in supporting designers’ growth and creativity.
Do you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands of everyday life? From work deadlines to family obligations, it can be easy to feel stressed and stretched thin. However, it’s important to remember that self-care is not selfish – it’s necessary for maintaining our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
One simple way to prioritize self-care is by incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. It allows us to slow down, tune into our thoughts and feelings, and cultivate a sense of calm and clarity.
There are many ways to practice mindfulness, from meditation to deep breathing exercises. One popular technique is to simply focus on your breath – close your eyes, take a deep breath in, and exhale slowly. Notice how the air feels as it enters and leaves your body, and let go of any tension or stress you may be holding onto.
Another effective mindfulness practice is to engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This could be anything from going for a walk in nature, to enjoying a hot bath, to spending time with loved ones. The key is to fully immerse yourself in the experience, savoring each moment and letting go of any worries or distractions.
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. Studies have shown that mindfulness practices can reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and enhance feelings of happiness and contentment. By taking the time to care for yourself and prioritize your mental health, you can better cope with the challenges of everyday life and lead a more fulfilling and balanced existence.
So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember to take a moment for yourself and practice mindfulness. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you for it.
