I came across a thread over at Digital Point regarding a “$60 Logo Contest.” Seems another great title could be “Getting Work for Next to Nothing.” Amazingly there were several entries for the contest but there was also some rancor. There were complaints about theft, deception and under-handedness. I find this sort of thing more than irritating; in fact it pisses me off. This is why the No!Spec movement is so important.

The NO!SPEC campaign: Serves as a vehicle to unite those who support the notion that spec work devalues the potential of design and ultimately does a disservice to the client.

Our mission: To educate the public about speculative, or ’spec’ work.

Our target: Those who use creative services, as well as creative professionals (designers, photographers, illustrators, typographers, writers and those in marketing, branding and advertising).

Requirements: The only requirement for participation is putting the appropriate value on your profession.

So what is spec work? It’s basically agreeing to create work for free—sort-of a “try before you buy.” As a designer do you go to any retail outlet and ask them, “Can I take this home and try it out before I pay?” The answer is most likely no and even if you did do this sort of thing, what do you think the answer would be?

Shoemoney suggested watermarking the images but that doesn’t keep an enterprising person from stealing the image idea anyway. Part of what people pay for in graphic design is the concept, the idea. I think lack of knowledge is where a large amount of the issue comes into play—lack of knowledge on the part of the client and by amateur designers. Watermarking doesn’t make up for the lack of knowledge though it is a smart first step.

Another issue I have with this whole contest idea is that there were so many people willing to create a logo for $60. It seems they don’t value their time that much—making it that much harder for those of us who do. Why pay an actual graphic designer to create anything when you can get half-assed work next to nothing by calling it a “contest.”

How do I feel about the people complaining about the time they put into their designs? Tough shit! You entered into the “contest,” a contest means a random winner is chosen at the contest holders’ discretion. Entering your work into any contest leaves yourself open for not getting paid—it’s exactly like the lottery and not everyone is a winner.

If you value your time or your talent don’t enter these “contests.” For better or worse, it doesn’t help anyone in the long run. All it does is say you’re cheap and don’t value yourself as a professional and who the hell wants that? I for one don’t want potential clients coming to me for a quote and running away because I value my time and profession and won’t give them a logo or any other kind of design for under $100.