Why web designers shouldn't work for free

Pros and cons of pro bono, design competitions and spec work

Speculative work. In its strictest interpretation, this refers to any project that's undertaken with no guarantee that you'll be paid. Many web designers think this is a very bad thing indeed, driving down fees, devaluing the profession and encouraging a culture of poor design.

Others think it gives them a way to get their work seen, building their web design portfolio and democratising the design process. To decide which side of the divide you fall, it's best to know exactly what is meant by 'spec work'.

The circumstances in which the description might apply are many – from pitching creative work all the way up to doing freebies for charity. That's quite a range, with some practices more prevalent and less maligned among the anti-spec work lobby than others. Let's take a look at those definitions and the arguments that go with them.

Credentials pitching, the creative equivalent of prepping for a job interview, is on the very bottom rung of the spec work ladder. Sure, it takes time to sort out your portfolio, tailor your presentation and attend a meeting, but few of us would begrudge the fact that a new client might want some face time before actually signing up for your services. This is especially true if you're relatively new to the industry.

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