"Speculative work is where a client wants to see the [final art piece] before they decide whether or not they want to pay you. It is bad, bad, bad. Very bad. It works because there are many fresh design/illustration graduates who don't know better and think this is the way things work, or think that it is worth the "exposure". It isn't.

Here is some advice which is golden:

DO NOT DO SPEC WORK!

Just don't.

It makes you look unprofessional and it makes clients think it is a business model they can use in the future. I've been asked to do spec work many times, and I have always politely explained why spec work is bad for designers and for the industry and then, depending on the client's response, have either negotiated some actual terms for the work or just walked the hell away."

--Quote from a professional designer on the concept of "speculative work".

What is Spec?

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What is ‘working on speculation?’

By Elisabetta Bruno of ThinkCreation

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.”

If you have questions or suggestions, contact [link]

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DO NOT DO SPEC WORK!

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