Free Design Work? It Doesn’t Exist
It happens every day. Some jerk places a post somewhere looking for a free ride. They’re looking to take advantage of people’s hopes and dreams to meet their own selfish objectives. I’ve had enough of a lot of things lately, but on this particular day, I just couldn’t let it go. I was browsing a Graphic Design Facebook group, looking to see what’s new, to give advice when needed, etc. I came across a post asking designers to post a logo idea for their business and if they liked their ideas, they would hire them. Here is a screenshot of my response:
To my surprise, the one who posted the original message actually replied. To even more of my surprise, they tried to justify theirs actions, causing me to shut them down even further. Here is a continuation of the conversation:
In other words, they have designers in their “business” but they take too long, so they thought they might post a request here to get ideas they could rip off of some poor sap looking for an opportunity, only to be disappointed in the end.
Why Companies Look For Free Design Work
Because they can actually get it! That’s the said part. As long as we cater to these types of requests, and novice designers, who don’t know any better get swindled into these types of shady propositions, companies will still do it. It’s the job of group, forum, and community moderators, to remove posts like these, so they don’t have a chance.
Also, more designers, seasoned or not, need to stand up to companies and educate them on the value of our work. If you want a design solution, you pay. If you don’t want to pay, you do it yourself, or you do without. After you site down for a couple of hours and try to draw out your own logo and it looks like some 3rd grade cartoon, you’ll understand the value of great design concepts, as well as their execution.
Over to You
What do you think? Have you been solicited or seen solicitations for design work from people or businesses on social media, communities, and forums? Did anyone response or agree to it? I’d love to hear your thoughts, s please comment below.
