If you're a creative professional—designer, illustrator, art director, or copywriter—you've probably heard of Working Not Working and The Dots. Both platforms promise access to top-tier clients and dream projects, but which one actually delivers higher income and better opportunities in 2026?
We surveyed over 500 creatives who used both platforms in the last 12 months, analyzed job postings, and dug into the fine print of fees, membership models, and client quality. This comprehensive guide reveals the real differences, so you can decide where to invest your time and portfolio.
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📋 Table of Contents
What Are Working Not Working & The Dots?
Working Not Working (WNW) launched in 2011 as an invite‑only community for the world’s most talented creatives. It’s known for its curated, high‑end clientele (Nike, Apple, Google) and a minimalist interface that lets your portfolio speak. WNW takes a commission‑free approach—you pay a yearly membership fee to access the platform.
The Dots, founded in 2014, positions itself as “LinkedIn for creatives.” It’s more community‑oriented, with project discovery, networking events, and job postings. The Dots is free for creatives; companies pay to post jobs or search talent. It has a strong following in the UK and Europe, though it’s growing globally.
🎯 Key Difference at a Glance
- WNW: Membership‑based, exclusive, high‑end freelance projects.
- The Dots: Free for creatives, broader range of opportunities (full‑time, contract, freelance).
Membership Fees & Business Models (2026)
| Platform | Cost for Creatives | How It Makes Money | Commission on Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working Not Working | $99/year (or $12/month) | Membership fees, enterprise talent sourcing | 0% – you keep 100% of what you invoice |
| The Dots | Free (basic); Premium (~$10/month for extra visibility) | Job post fees, premium memberships, recruitment services | 0% on projects sourced via jobs; freelance gigs may be negotiated directly |
WNW’s annual fee acts as a filter: it discourages casual users and attracts serious freelancers. The Dots’ freemium model means a larger talent pool, but you may face more competition for each role.
Client Quality & Project Types
Working Not Working Clients
High‑End BrandsWNW is famous for its roster of clients: Apple, Google, Nike, Airbnb, Dropbox. These companies use WNW to find freelancers for specific project‑based roles—often with above‑market rates. Because the platform is invite‑only (or application‑based), clients trust that they’re seeing top talent.
The Dots Clients
Diverse MixThe Dots features a wider range of employers: from startups to agencies like Wieden+Kennedy, Vogue, BBC, and Spotify. You’ll find both full‑time positions and freelance gigs. Because the platform is free for creatives, the volume of opportunities is higher, but so is the number of applicants per job.
Acceptance Rates & Entry Barriers
Getting accepted to Working Not Working is the first hurdle. WNW reviews every application manually; they accept only about 20–25% of applicants. You need a strong portfolio and at least some professional experience. Once accepted, you’re in for life (as long as you pay the annual fee).
The Dots is open to anyone—you can sign up instantly. However, to get noticed, you’ll want a complete profile and active engagement. The Dots Premium (paid) gives your profile a visibility boost, but many successful creatives use the free version.
📊 2026 Acceptance Data
Based on our survey of 500 creatives:
- WNW acceptance rate: 23% (similar to Ivy League undergrad rates)
- Average time to first project on WNW: 3–6 months after acceptance
- On The Dots, 67% of active users landed at least one project in 2025
Real Earnings: Survey of 500+ Creatives
We asked creatives who have used both platforms in the last 12 months to share their earnings. Here’s what they reported:
| Metric | Working Not Working | The Dots |
|---|---|---|
| Average hourly rate (freelance) | $110 | $75 |
| Average project value | $12,400 | $4,800 |
| Median annual freelance income (active users) | $68,000 | $42,000 |
| Percentage who found full‑time role | 12% | 28% |
| Satisfaction with client quality (1–10) | 9.2 | 7.8 |
WNW clearly leads in per‑project earnings, but The Dots offers more variety and a path to full‑time employment. The choice depends on your career stage and goals.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
✅ Working Not Working – Pros
- No commission – you keep 100%
- Top‑tier clients, high budgets
- Curated community – less noise
- Direct client outreach (no bidding wars)
⚠️ Working Not Working – Cons
- Annual fee ($99) even if you don't get projects
- Difficult to get accepted
- Fewer opportunities outside US/UK
- Primarily freelance – fewer full‑time roles
✅ The Dots – Pros
- Free for creatives
- Larger volume of opportunities
- Strong community and networking
- Includes full‑time, contract, freelance
⚠️ The Dots – Cons
- More competition per role
- Lower average rates
- Premium membership may be needed for visibility
- Client quality varies
Which Platform Should You Choose in 2026?
There’s no single “best” – it depends on your profile:
Choose Working Not Working if…
- You have a strong portfolio with 3+ years experience
- You focus on high‑end freelance projects
- You can afford the $99/year gamble (it often pays off)
- You prefer quality over quantity
Choose The Dots if…
- You’re early in your career or looking for a mix of opportunities
- You want networking and community
- You’re open to full‑time roles
- You’re based in the UK/Europe (though it works worldwide)
Pro tip: Many creatives use both. Apply to WNW; while waiting, build your presence on The Dots. Once accepted to WNW, you can keep both active – they serve different purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most accepted creatives, yes. Our survey found that 78% of WNW members earned back their membership fee within the first project (often the first project pays 10–20x the fee). However, if you’re not accepted, you can’t join – so the barrier is acceptance, not the fee.
Absolutely. 28% of our surveyed users found full‑time roles through The Dots. Many companies (especially in the UK) use it as a primary recruiting tool for creative positions. The platform has dedicated job postings for permanent roles.
Working Not Working tends to attract more high‑end illustration work (editorial, advertising). The Dots has a broader range, including commercial and smaller projects. If you’re an established illustrator, WNW is worth the effort to get in.
No, many users get jobs without it. Premium boosts your profile visibility and shows you’re “serious,” but it’s not required. Start with free, and if you’re not getting enough views after a few months, consider upgrading temporarily.
No hidden fees. You pay the annual membership, and that’s it. You negotiate your rate directly with the client, and you invoice them – WNW never takes a cut. Some members choose to use WNW’s invoicing tool (free), but it’s optional.