Support Internet Professionals: Say NO to Spec Work
July 27th, 2007 : Austin SmithI was out recently with a couple of freelancer friends of mine when they started talking about the near constant requests they get for spec[ulative] work, which is basically work done for something other than money. I didn’t really understand it since I’m not a freelancer anymore (and haven’t been for quite some time) but then I read this, I felt their pain.
August 2nd, 2007 at 5:08 pm
As a graphic designer I have been approached with these requests for years. I don’t know if people think creativity is a gift, or that its more fun than work, or what thir perception is. I assure you creativity does not come easy, it is stressful, and time intensive.
The American Institute of Graphic Arts (I am an AIGA member) not only promotes the industry but also provides support for its members with issues like these. They have a document which can be used as a response to this very request, available here: http://www.aiga.org//content.cfm/position-spec-work