No Spec Work - Who wants to work for free?!
On the search for freelance work, I have been checking Craigslist.org. I have noticed some posts requesting finished designs and they will only pay for it if they like it, which usually gets a response warning other designers not to apply. This is called Spec work – work done in speculation that the designer may or may get paid. Any other professional that provides a service would not do work not knowing if they were going to get paid. Take a mechanic for example, you would not ask a mechanic to fix your car and only pay them if you like it.
Spec work not only hurts the designer, but also the quality of the work. Design is meant to be a collaborative effort between the designer and the client which is essential in communicating the right message. I like HOW’s suggestion to ask the client for a paid brainstorming session instead of a free ideas and suggestions. And even if the client does not hire you, you will at least be paid for your ideas.
On my search to learn more about spec work, I found on aiga.org two insightful downloadable sample letters on how to educate clients on why spec work is dishonorable. Another website on spec work is www.no-spec.com who’s mission is to educate the public about spec work. Hopefully the all of the public will start to see why spec work is wrong and unethical.
Tags: AIGA