I've been dipping my hand on spec work despite all the bad publicity it's been getting. I should have learned coz I still have no luck. My agent already sent me a cake to pacify me for my losses - nyahaha. And I'm limiting the time I spend on spec projects (not true because my brains sort of runs by itself when I have an idea). I have been hesitant to do it in the first place because it's designing blind and there is also the possibility that the client will use your work anyway without you knowing it. I've been watermarking my submitted projects. If they use it, they will have to do a helluva lot of editing.
I tried it for two reasons: First, I only take those jobs when it won't affect my paid jobs; and second, It's a great opportunity to practice website design with free criticisms to learn from. Sort of like the Photo Friday of Photography. Ok, NOT really but at least I can say I tried it before making a verdict. I love getting carried away designing for a project; BUT it's discouraging if I don't win. Sometimes I have a great idea and lose it to a really bad one. VERY frustrating.
I'm posting those sites that didn't win. I don't have any use for them now but I could always use then for future projects. Still it's no excuse. Design work should always be paid jobs. And those sites supporting spec works are just milking us amateurs for ideas. So I stand for No Spec.
Here is an article from
www.no-spec.com
What is “spec?
“Spec” has become the short form for any work done on a speculative basis. In other words, any requested work for which a fair and reasonable fee has not been agreed upon, preferably in writing.
What’s so wrong with that?
In a nutshell, spec requires the designer to invest time and resources with no guarantee of payment.
Isn’t it wise for a client to “try before they buy?”
On the surface it may seem so. But, digging a bit deeper, one realizes that professional graphic design is about creating custom solutions, not cookie-cutter concepts.
But, with today’s computers and software, how long could it take?
This is a common point-of-view for many who confuse the professional with his or her tools. The “process” is more than simply tapping at a keyboard or clicking a mouse. It’s about understanding the nature of a communication challenge and then using one’s brain to find the appropriate solution.
At the end of the day, there is a certain irony in spec work. A prospect requesting it is ultimately saying, “My project isn’t important enough to hire a professional who will take the time to understand my situation and goals and invest the time needed to create a suitable solution.”
So please do your research. Find artists that fit the style of what you want. Read the previous article about How to properly contact an artist and send the artist an email.
You may get a lot of work by getting artists to do spec but by contacting artists and paying them up front for work both parties will win and ultimately the designs will turn out better.
So Spec you too!
