Have you noticed how many people want design work for free? I have just been surfing around a numerous online market places and I’m a little tired of seeing posts like:

In exchange for your on-going skills I’d like to offer you a stake in my company. The site is already taking money and could take a lot more in the future.

Unfortunately I can’t pay you, but I can promise free festival or concert tickets and as much beer as you can drink.

I am unable to offer a salary but since we’re aiming for DVD distribution, this could be a wonderful opportunity to create an impressive portfolio of work.

Why does the world in general consider design as a free commodity? Do people not realise the power of design? Design can make or break a brand, it can be the difference between converting a customer or turning one away. Design is power.

Perhaps this post is more of a rant but as a designer, why should I offer my skills for free? I don’t see an architect or an engineer doing work for free. As designers, we offer a service that, in my opinion, is just as important as those the architects, engineers, doctors etc of the world offer.

Great design sets trends, clever design provides a better experience, beautiful design encourages a sense of wellbeing. Design is an integral part of the world.

Why is design seen as a less important than other services? How do you justify your design pricing to your clients? Where would the world be today if we didn’t have designers?

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