Spec Work sucks!

[pencilsauce]

I'm a graphic designer and illustrator. Spec work is rampant in my profession. It's almost like blackmail sometimes. Spec or starve! The reasoning in most cases is that we haven't worked with you before, or it's a risk that we may have to take... etc.

Isn't my portfolio good enough to showcase my skill. In any case by Spec working, I'm being called to invest in the client's project . What a strange notion.

In the advertising world spec work has been institutionalised as a Pitch. It probably works in advertising where crores of rupees are involved, and the stakes are reasonable. In an area like graphic design or illustration however it drives down the quality of the industry in general.

See http://www.no-spec.com/. Am I being crazy in refusing to do spec work?

[pixelfiesta]

No. Stick to your policy.
I support 'No Spec'

[Ek Kanya]

no spec work, pencilsauce. you have already proven your talent.

unfortntaley very often you will meet people who beg and request you, saying there's really no budget etc. You will have to play it by the ear and see how things work out.

[Desh Premi]

NO SPEC WORK. its unethical.

[vikas]

say no to spec work!

[Allen Mathews]

dont ever encourage spec work! At least I dont do it!

[vikram sharma]

i think spec work FOR a cilent is bad. you should refuse is the agency is getting paid for it. but if its for awards, patli gali, or some social service organisation, where you KNOW there is no money, you can perhaps agree.

also i feel if you DO agree t work for free, you should have your credit in the ad as a keynumber 'illustration by pencilsauce.com' kind of a thing. just my two bits.

[Vigyapan Sipahi]

i think everyone has to do it at some point! one must be prepared for it...