Why Unpaid Work Is a No-Go for Freelance Designers
Recently, I’ve noticed a growing trend of companies asking freelance designers to work a “trial period” for no pay. As freelancers, we bring a high level of skill, creativity, and experience to every project – so why should our efforts come without fair compensation?
It’s time we, as designers, start valuing ourselves more. Working for free or accepting less than what our time is worth just to “bag a contract” or out of desperation undervalues not only our own work but our entire industry. Our time, skills, and ideas have real value. Working without compensation only sets a precedent that creative work is optional or worth less than other professional services.
Instead, let’s advocate for fair practices:
• Paid test projects – small, compensated tasks that assess fit and quality while respecting our time.
• Portfolio reviews – allowing potential clients to see what we’re capable of without free labor.
• Transparent expectations – open communication so both parties know it’s a match from day one.
Freelancers, remember: We bring valuable skills and insights to each project. Clients, consider the difference in engagement and quality when you treat freelance partnerships as mutually beneficial from the start.
Let’s respect our time, advocate for fair pay, and raise the standards for our industry.
#freelancedesign #valuingyourwork #creativeindustry #fairpay
Recruiting Estates, Facilities, Health & Safety & Capital Projects across the Public Sector (MHFA)
2moHi Andreas, commenting for any of my reach that have lighting professionals interested in collaborating with the Royal Albert Hall 😀