NO MEANS NO! ..there is no such thing as a 5 dollar logo or a free design! - GoFuckYourself.com

itto · 09-08-2009, 08:47 PM

here's why design costs money (or: why design contests are bad, mmmkay):

LOOKEE HERE

..a short excerpt:

Quote:

Before I get onto comparing cheap VS professional logo design I want to talk to you a bit about SPEC work. ?Spec? has become the short form for any work done on a speculative basis.

ie. You design this for me, and I will pay you if I like it. - This is not right.

To clarify, let?s create a scenario in another industry where SPEC work does NOT exist.

?I went for a dental check-up yesterday. After the dentist inspected my teeth, she suggested some work to prevent further tooth decay. I told her to go ahead, and if the dental work was satisfactory, I?d be more than happy to pay. She responded that she wouldn?t be able to do that, because she normally provides a service when a fee is agreed upon up-front. I said I?d let her know after I checked in with other local dentists.?

This scenario happens in the design industry every day and is seen as very unethical as it is ruining the design industry. A designer should not have to invest time and resources with no guarantee of payment much alike a dentist or any other professional.

I do not want to go into this any further as much has been written about it but I would like to say please avoid design contests and spec work at all costs. Logo Design Contests are bad for your business. Period.

For further reading on the damage of spec work I have written an in depth article ..

more HERE

Ron Bennett · 09-08-2009, 09:59 PM

Trying to protect an old business model?

With that said, $5 logos most often are crap; a bait and switch situation.

However, design contests can be worthwhile and very cost effective.

Very good designers, those who've proven themselves, such as through spec work / design contests, can often progress to getting hired for steady in-house design work.

Many companies are too small to hire a designer so they contract out work and can't afford / won't pay unless totally satisfied.

As long as there are numerous designers seeking work, including many offshore, especially in this lousy economy, spec work / design contests are here to stay.

Ron

Iron Fist · 09-08-2009, 11:02 PM

09-08-2009, 09:59 PM	#2
Ron Bennett Confirmed User Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,653	Trying to protect an old business model? With that said, $5 logos most often are crap; a bait and switch situation. However, design contests can be worthwhile and very cost effective. Very good designers, those who've proven themselves, such as through spec work / design contests, can often progress to getting hired for steady in-house design work. Many companies are too small to hire a designer so they contract out work and can't afford / won't pay unless totally satisfied. As long as there are numerous designers seeking work, including many offshore, especially in this lousy economy, spec work / design contests are here to stay. Ron __________________ Domagon - Website Management and Domain Name Sales

09-08-2009, 11:02 PM	#3
Iron Fist Too lazy to set a custom title Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 23,400	__________________ i like waffles