Why logo design doesn't cost $5.00

"A designer should not have to invest time and resources with no guarantee of payment..."

Jacob over at Just Creative Design has an opinion piece in which he discusses his thoughts on Spec work, design contests and more.

While logo design contests that pay $35 to $200 are somewhat demoralizing, and ultimately produce mediocre work, I don't entirely agree that they're bad and should be avoided at all costs.

The fact is that your work is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it. In today's economy, companies don't place a great value on great design. This is a poor business decision, but out of our control. If you need the money, and you can bang-out some quick (and I do mean QUICK) logo designs, why not make $200 for your two hours of work?

The key to dealing with design contests such as 99designs and other sites offering these contests is to accept that the clients they bring to the table are not "prime" clients. They're "filler." Don't spend a lot of time and effort on them because no matter how many you win, you aren't going to make a living, and ultimately you aren't going to produce your best work. I'm not advocating these design contests, I just don't believe they're all the evil that some designers believe. They can even serve to stimulate your creativity, or at the very least provide you with some work for your portfolio.

I hear what you're saying but...

Thu, 05/22/2008 - 06:48 — Jon (not verified)

I hear what you're saying about snapping up some easy, fast work, but if I may speak real quick on the topic of "companies don't place a great value on great design. This is a poor business decision, but out of our control"... you control the importance of good design and it's impact by not engaging in contests or reducing prices, underbidding etc. If us designers want to be appreciated we all have to collectively be on the same page and operating with the same mentality.

You also have some valid

Thu, 05/22/2008 - 08:55 — Jacob Cass (not verified)

You also have some valid points James and I do agree with you in part but I do mention in the article that in the end - it is up to the client. It is our job to educate them though.

And yes some design contests are not evil and I am sure there is a line somewhere for nearly all designers where they would do spec work... the question is what price? $500? $1000, $5000, $10,000?

I wish I had time..

Thu, 05/22/2008 - 10:01 — James

This is a subject I wish I had time to write a lot more about, but I wanted to get the link to your article up as soon as I saw your site.

I don't generally condone spec work or these "contests." But I do think they can be a valuable resource for new designers, and a source for a little extra cash for experienced ones.

For new designers, it's a chance to get some work in their portfolio. It also forces them to look at what others are doing, learn to look at things in a different way, and push themselves to do better work.

For the experienced designer, it's simply a cash thing. Lets face it, the companies I saw listed on 99designs are obviously 3rd rate companies who simply aren't going to pay for great work. They'll sooner have their wife/secretary/office manager design something in PowerPoint using clip-art. So if you can take one of your old comps and brush it up for a new client, or whip out a few quick logo designs and get some cash, why not?

I agree that it is our job to "educate" the clients. But the type of clients who sponsor these contests simply will not be educated. For the most part they're used car salesman looking to save a buck wherever they can. They're start-ups with no real financial backing. In short, they aren't "real" clients to begin with.

I got chewed out

Thu, 05/22/2008 - 10:17 — Pete

..BIG time on a baseball-related site for bringing up the notion of spec work.

They happened to be running a 'design contest' for the site's logo with first prize being about $100 and a plug for the designer's home page. I'm guessing I was in the minority of designers that visit the site, because no one else seemed to have a problem with the contest.

"If you don't like it, don't enter!" was the prevailing attitude. I kindly informed them that for $100 and a *one-time* plug, it wasn't WORTH my time and energy to enter the contest.

I sure showed them! :-P

Work With Pete!