Why I will never work on spec
Once in a while, someone will ask me to come up with some ideas for a logo. Or a website. Or a whatever. “If you have the time, or the inspiration. I’d love to see what you can come up with.” Now, I’m not one to make assumptions, but let’s face it. That someone wanted me to work on spec. They didn’t mean any harm. I’m sure of it. They just didn’t realize what they were doing.
Working on spec is short for working on speculation. Or, doing work before terms and conditions are agreed upon.
Back in the day, when I didn’t know any better, I worked on spec. I got all excited about tackling a new design challenge, the possibility of a new client relationship, and adding another brilliant piece to my portfolio. I spent countless hours on an idea, only to discover that another designer was awarded the project. Or, that the project was no longer a project. I’ve even heard stories of how designers had their work rejected, and then stolen! By the prospect!
And that’s how it would all go down, each and every time. The project went nowhere. I never got paid. I felt degraded. I worried about theft. And interestingly enough, my spec work wasn’t as good as my paid work.
I soon discovered why. You see, graphic design is a process. It’s about “understanding the nature of the communication challenge, and using one’s brain to find the appropriate solution” {Elisabetta Bruno, ThinkCreation}. When you hire the right designer, you’re not just hiring someone with access to CS4. You’re hiring someone with a great eye, and intense focus. Someone who’s willing to understand you, your needs, your goals, and then channeling that information towards an effective, creative solution.
Sure. You may think that you can get the same expertise with spec work. But trust me. You won’t. The best design processes are intense and involved, which just doesn’t happen with work done on spec.
Long story short, spec work is highly unethical {imagine someone deciding whether or not to pay you, AFTER you’ve done the work}. Spec work produces low quality, cookie-cutter designs. Spec work is a bad deal for everyone involved.
And that, my friend, is why I will never work on spec, and neither should you.
For more information, please visit:
AIGAs position on spec work
NO!SPEC
Spec work can damage your business, by David Airey