FREE DESIGN WORK?
Some designers in the beginning of their career have a taboo of working for FREE. They believe it’s a negative thing to do and it’s a waste of time. I disagree. When I started out i did a lot of free work. I didn’t enjoy it most of the times, but it helped me build my portfolio and make new contacts that helped me get new clients, projects and jobs.
It all depends on how you perceive it. As with all things in life there are positives and negatives. I choose the positives.
I am not suggesting that you should always do work for free when a client, organization, charity asks you.
Start recognizing the people that they want to take advantage of a free design work. You must always be selective and make your research about them. Giving makes us feel happy. When people/designers are happy they can really be creative, motivated and inspired.
Studies by sociologists Brent Simpson and Robb Willer, have advised that when you give to others, your kindness is likely to be rewarded by others in the future and sometimes by the person you gave to, sometimes by someone else.
”We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
Winston Churchill
HOW designers can benefit from offering their services for FREE?
1. Build a good name
Designing for a good cause it will help you build a good reputation. You will have prove that you don’t care only for the money, but you also care for offering to the community. People like and appreciate good gestures and it is a genuine way to gain their trust.
2. Showcase your work
What a great way showcasing your work and get exposure. There are so many good designers out there. You have to find all possible ways to stand out and people can get to know you. Furthermore you will feel proud and satisfied with yourself when you see your work out there. You will gain more confidence, even if it’s done for free. Here is a recent example of a free design work I did for the Sirus Dog Sanctuary that I am really proud of.
3. Practice your design skills
Many designers might have been inactive for a long period of time. It is a great start and motivation refreshing your skills again.
4. Portfolio work
An opportunity to update your portfolio. Having an up to date portfolio it’s crucial for all creatives. You are showing that you are active and you have the skills. Use only work you are proud of. It must be shown through your work how much you really love what you do.
5. Contacts
Meeting new people and building new contacts it is very important in all fields. It’s a way of meeting new people and for other people to get to know you and your work. You might get some future clients or design work through those contacts.
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