July 31, 2009, Newsletter Issue #177: Should You Work on Spec?

Tip of the Week

Working "on spec" is work done for free to try to gain a contract or job. It's a common technique for young or inexperienced freelance graphic artists, yet professionals in growing numbers are arguing that no work should ever be done on spec.

Their argument is this: If you work for free, you are devaluing not only your own work, but that of all creative professionals. Good creative work requires custom solutions that meet the client's unique needs -- and those solutions are worth money.

If a customer cannot afford to pay competitive rates for freelance design work, then that is a customer you do not need. Focus your sales pitches on customers who already have budgets for design.

Working on spec is not the same as working "pro bono," that is, providing free services to a charity or other nonprofit organization, usually in exchange for promotional value. This can be a valuable way to build your portfolio and market your services.

Another way to build up a freelance design portfolio is to barter your design services. You might do $400 worth of design work for a clothing store, and receive $400 worth of clothing in return. Such arrangements are often hard to negotiate, but can result in win-win situations.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.

Exclusive Sponsor

Jumping Ship or Jumping In: Making a Job Work for You

Sharon Potsch, Talent Representative with Artisan


You’ve officially designated your lunch hour—and every other hour—as Surfing Job Board Time. You’ve had it with your current gig. The fluorescent light is blinding you on a daily basis, you can’t stand your boss, and you’re sick of trying to beat your all-time-high-score on Solitaire during the dreary three-month long downtime.

Surfing a job board during your downtime is a piece of cake. You imagine yourself in these dream job descriptions in a much happier place: a peaceful work environment where coworkers always see eye-to-eye…an office where heated political discussions and awkward relationship dramas never unfold…a job where you move your bed into your office just so you never have to leave.

It’s easy to surf for jobs—the actual application, interviewing, and transition periods are not as easy. Writing a resume that gets you noticed (in the right way), putting your best foot forward in an interview, and settling into your new gig each pose their own challenges.

So before you wildly hit every “Submit Resume Here” button, let’s investigate why you want to leave your current gig so that you don’t wind up right back where you started from.

I Hate My Boss

Do you honestly think that Tattoo from “Fantasy Island” really liked taking orders from Mr. Roarke? I’m sure that he dug working on a tropical island but the walkie-talkie order-taking part was a drag. Lesson: every job has its pros and cons.

You hate working for your boss. She’s as warm as an Ice Queen. The work you’re doing couldn’t entertain a monkey. Are there other aspects of the job that could maybe be your version of Fantasy Island? This might take some soul searching and innovative thinking. Maybe your job offers you flexibility with your hours. If you have children, freelance on the side, or just enjoy being home before dark, that is the equivalent of Tattoo’s miles of lush green grass, beautiful women, and big tips.

Think about the parts of your humdrum nine-to-fiver that supports your lifestyle. You might find there are more benefits to staying rather than going.


I’m Bored

Boredom, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. You know you’re bored at work if your mouse-hand is cramping at 2:00 in the afternoon from web surfing. Come on, you deserve more than that!

Curing job boredom is up to you. Career advancement and job challenges are not served up in the company cafeteria. If your eyes are turning red from reading The Onion, it’s time to talk to your boss. If you’re saying, “Sharon, I can’t talk to my boss…” then it’s time to turn inward and think what you can do for, well, you.

Think back to your job interview. Remember all those snazzy attributes you proudly promised to bring to the table? What happened? Try and make getting up and driving to work everyday worth it by giving it your all.

Volunteer for extra assignments or conjure up new ways to make a positive contribution. If you love to write, but you find yourself proofreading, think of departmental newsletters or special-interest groups that could use your talents.

Think about career possibilities offered with your current gig. What about transferring to another department? Are there any great networking opportunities within your organization? Try to reap the most of your current situation by actively orchestrating change and career advancement instead of just hanging out waiting for things to change. You’ll know if you’ve tapped your resources dry…and then it’s time to move on.

Making the Jump

Once you’ve looked internally, volunteered for special projects, and offered help beyond the normal call of duty—and you’re still bored and miserable—it’s time to start looking. But make the days that you’re still working at your current gig worth it. You’ll feel satisfied for not wasting away 8 hours of your day. Maintain your cool, professional demeanor. Don’t throw away the time you’ve invested in your current job with mysterious absences for job interviews, or a slacker attitude. Even though you don’t care much what your boss thinks of you now, a good review will do far more for your career than a bad review. Don’t let a surly attitude prevent you from reaching your nirvana-of-a-job.



My next newsletter will help you with preparing your résumé so you can look crisp, polished, and professional for your next resume submission. Meanwhile, drop me a line and let me know if this article helped you out! You can reach me at sharon@artisantalent.com.