DESIGN MY LOGO FOR FREE!
An acquaintance of mine and I were sitting on the patio when he announce that he had the perfect logo for his new business—which he then went on to explain in excruciating detail. “My friend Don has a copy of CorelDraw—that’s a great program—I love it, and we’ve got the logo all figured out”, he went on. “All I need now is someone to do my letterhead…”
“Good for you, good for you”, I kept repeating as I smiled.
It took him about two or three minutes to realize I wasn’t biting. He was a salesman by trade—so he picked up on it quicker than most. I loved the expression on his face as he watched his sales pitch fail. His confident self-satisfied look turned to a mini frown and he quietly harrumphed off. I’m sitting there thinking, “I design an international design publication, and does he really think I want to do his Podunk letterhead?” Bad attitude. Sorry.
THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO
Most people aren’t so smooth—especially family. “I want you to draw a sign for my den, and call it ‘The King’s Lair’” or “Here’s a picture of my grandson, I want you to draw a picture of him.” Or the oft repeated, “I need a logo for my new company, we’re going to call it [_____] Incorporated, and I want the logo to be a picture of [my dog, my cat, my kid, your kid, my car, my ear, my …”] Sorry, again.
JUST SAY NO [SORT OF]
Over the years I’ve learned deal with these unwanted overtures in a couple of ways from the simple non-committal smile and a nod to “I’m sorry, I’m a publication designer, you really need a logo designer.” Or the ever popular “I’m in the middle of a big project right now remind me about it in October.” These always work for me.
Once or twice I’ve even mustered the backbone tell them the truth. “I really don’t want to come home after eight + hours of designing and draw a picture of your dog for free in my spare time. Sorry.”
JUST SAY YES [SOMETIMES]
Of course depending on who asks and whether or not there’s payment, [even if it’s just dinner or a twelve pack] there’s nothing wrong with doing these jobs. Early on in your career it can be both fun and rewarding. It can also give you experience and sometimes much needed exposure.
QUID PRO QUO
The bottom line is whether or not you feel the trade is fair. My sister cuts my hair I do whatever she asks. Our friends float us around on their big expensive boat all summer if they want a new company logo featuring their dog, I’ll do it, for free and it’ll be beautiful. Plus let’s face it if your mom or dad asks—no matter how busy you are—you should probably do it. But when your cousin’s doctor/father-in-law asks you to paint a picture of his Corvette from this “great” photo he took of it. Tell him “You bet Doc, I’ve got this rash…”
This has happened to me too many times to count. At first I thought that there must be something about the way I look or the way I speak that makes people think that I love to work for free. Then I heard from other designers with the same experiences. It seems that many people don't think of design as "real" work. They wouldn't think of asking their contractor friend to put in new countertops for free, or their dentist friend to do their root canal for free. Designing a logo can cost as much as these services, yet people don't hesitate to ask you to do it for free.