#nospec

These things get complicated, so let’s break it down to 2 categories:

1) Doing work on a project until a client knows they want to go with your direction. Many “art contests” fall under this category too. This is bullshit. It’s called “working on spec” and feel free to forward them this website: https://www.nospec.com

2) Doing work on a fictional project that definitely is not going to be used by the company in order to show your ability. This is called an “Art Test” and is frequently used in many industries — but for long-term projects or staff jobs, not for single project freelance. For that, a client should be able to tell from your portfolio how you will work and to what quality. That’s what a portfolio is for. If they’re asking you to do as much work to get the job as you will be doing ON the job then that’s also bullshit. You can definitely push back. Start politely, of course, but say you stand by your portfolio work. If they want to hire you just for sketch/idea stage first, they can do that, and then decide whether to go further past that, but you must prioritize paying work.

Protect yourself!

—Agent Negative Space

Hey y’all. Just wanted to take a quick sec to bring up a subject that I think is super important for artists: Contests and Spec work. This contest is offering some free shirts and “exposure” to one artist in exchange for maybe thousands of design submissions. In their contest rules they specify that they will become soul owner of any design you submit. What does that mean? That means that even if you don’t win the contest, they can still sell and use your art without crediting you and you lose all rights to the work. I personally believe artists should stay away from contests in general but specifically contests like this where a for-profit venture is not willing to compensate an artist for their time and talent.

It is the art/design/illustration community’s responsibility to let these contests know that this is not an acceptable way to solicit design work. Artists deserve to make a living making art. Period. 

Here is the contest’s facebook page if you want to pop over there an let them know spec work ain’t cool: My Handmaid’s Tale T-shirt Challenge

And here is some more information about why contests are bad for artist:

When a “Contest” is Not a Contest  7 Reasons to Not Enter an Art Contest

The Myth of the Starving Artist  No!Spec

I think you don’t understand what “spec work” means. Here, check this out: (ignore the fact that they use the term “designer” - It applies to all creatives:

https://www.nospec.com

What you are talking about is barter, or 2 creatives helping each other out to build their portfolio. This is a time-honored tradition in many industries, especially in advertising (copy & design team up) and photography (models & photographers build their books together). Try using those terms instead, and you might have more luck. “Spec” is a dirty word and no surprise no one is lining up to work with you.

Here’s another tip: Be very specific about exactly what you are offering and what you want. That will help you sound professional and trustworthy.

—Agent KillFee