Well, it should come as no surprise that it is getting ugly out there in the work world. Not just ugly-- Fugly. Its bad enough that there seems to be a deluge of supposed galleries trying to scratch out profits by charging artists to pay for exhibition space, entry fees, and profiting off of artists mailing lists by charging admissions to the events...
But the "professional", "working" world, can make you feel like a "working" girl.
And I am not talking Melanie Griffith and Joan Cusack circa 1988.
I am talking about the proliferation of "this may lead to more work", "grow with us/our company", "we ONLY ask that applicants complete one project to prove their skills"-- All of which end up with you feeling like a whore.
These are some of those tales...
After a standard resume, introductory letter and links to the different work I have done, I got this reply:
Your website shows the kind of imagination we are looking for. Is everything on the site YOUR work? It's all pretty good.
Thank you for responding and we like your work. Attached is an Explanatory Packet. Please review it carefully and I hope to hear from you quickly, as we are starting the project immediately.
------
Yes, ALL of the work is mine. I have the concept and/or original sketches as well as the layered files to prove it.
Flattery will not get you free work from me. I know my work is good. What is both insulting and disturbing is the assembly line fashion in which you are trying to trick graphic artists into doing work for you. You are also lazily making it far too easy for the illegal copyright infringement of YOUR OWN IMAGES by putting blind links up.
And what should be an arrangement of paying more for fewer images you are proposing paying less for more. Basically instead of volume discounts you are giving the illusion of paying more over time. What is to say that anyone EVER makes it to the higher paying bracket of your work?
And to further clarify: IT IS ALL SPEC WORK, YOU FUCKWAD... whether you put in whatever wording you can think of; i.e., on acceptance, approved designs, usable designs, etc.
You should ask yourself the following question. What would your in-house team charge for a simple clipping path? I am guessing more than 5 dollars, which you are proposing to pay for a full design, most requiring at least a clipping path.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
Find a way to give credits for some college student and get a legitimate intern.
Or pay for the work you are asking for instead of trying to lure and trick people into doing work for you.
Notice how I used the term FUCKWAD.
They replied
Actually, your instincts that there might be more than meets the eye here, are pretty right on.
I am an inside recruiter (means I am an employee of the firm) for the largest global graphics design agency, with offices in Los Angeles as well as 14 other cities. In fact, we are scouting for a local team designer to work on national name accounts. The position will pay in the near six figures ($250K - $350K) and carry a title of divisional vice president. However, recruiting is far different in the electronic age than it was previously. Previously, companies like mine would hire an exclusive recruiter who would do the leg work and pre-interviews, thus saving inside officers like me, both time and error. At the level we are talking, we cannot afford to make a mistake. The ultimate designer will be interfacing with CEOs and COOs who are not forgiving of artist quirks and/or sensibilities.
Today, recruiters are relegated to using Craig's List, social networks, Monster, etc. There is so much garbage on these sites that they are almost worthless; yet paradoxically they are the only resource. At the same time, advanced technology combined with the economic times has created a plethora of available talent. I have gotten submissions from some very talented artists, yourself included. One huge problem, however is that I have no way of knowing how much or little help an artist had with an image that is on his or her website.
Thus, we need a filter.
This method of asking responders to send two submissions has worked fabulously as a filter. I don't hear back from the majority of first responders -- which is just fine with me. Procuring submissions tells me who can read instructions the first time, who has a "can-do" attitude, who has talent to quickly produce an ad sheet. (We estimate no more than 20 minutes per sheet; our current designers execute first drafts in under 10 minutes.) I also immediately learn who can write a cogent, literate email and frankly, who has an executive's understanding that "you only get one chance to make a good first impression."
By the way, I think you did misread one part. The more images accepted, the more we pay. Our ultimate goal, however, is to find -- through this process -- the person we can take into the executive corridor. And if the candidate ultimately does not make the grade, they will still have made close to a thousand dollars in their spare time.
Best regards --
Candace,
Despite your eloquent response, you are still banking on a creative's talent and desire to work to build a catalog of concepts and designs that could float any number of "executives" through any number of campaigns in any number of industries...
By the way, my wife is a top-level creative executive and has NEVER been asked to do free work. Also, having been represented by (and having a relative who worked for another) an executive search firm, your claims don't make sense.
If you are genuinely concerned with the placement of high-level creatives, you should have a thorough interview process during which you can request proof of previous work, from ideas through concept sketches, drafts, revisions, and tear sheets or proofs. You could also use references and do background checks to verify work claims...which is an acceptable practice to find high-caliber professionals.
Sorry to say so, but I find it hard to believe that this is all some covert operation to find qualified professionals; more likely, it's just another company pooling others' ideas to sell as their own. Don't worry: There are plenty of losers willing to let go of their concepts for free... The kind of people no smart business would take seriously as executive potential.
Sincerely,
------
There is also a problem of wanting an ENTRY LEVEL PERSON (which means they don't want to pay people anything and give them no authority, or title of value). The most sparklingly shining example of this crapola is a gem from craigslist. Craigslist, was originally founded on the idea of a user friendly community to connect people with local business, goods, services, etc. It is devolving into a somewhat hostile place of undervaluing services and fake internship postings. Soooo, unfortunately the original posting to which I am referring was flagged and deleted so fast that it was missing from the list just after I replied to them.
They were a gaming company. The ad title was "Are you the second coming of" programmer, artist? (and 2 or 3 other job titles in unrelated job categories). The interior goes on to say that they are searching for an UNPAID probationary candidate that is Christ-like in their abilities and has no problems complying with strict security measures-- one of them being working for 10-12 hours straight with no bathroom breaks. 6 professional references required-- remember this is an entry level position. They wanted professional expert proficiency in art programs both 2 and 3 dimensional, multiple programming/coding languages, project management, etc. The absurdity continues with a request for favorite animal and why.
SO here is what I sent them--
Subject: Lieutenant Master Disciple to the Messiah
Hey,
komodo dragon-- slow necrotic death.
You are saying that if the messiah did show up AND after giving 6 references you would still put him on probation for 6 months?
(Hope Jesus never shows up to you guys-- he would have to sneak salvation in while giving security the slip during one of his two allotted daily bathroom breaks)
Also most experts have, involve, or display specialized skill or knowledge derived from focused (of few or singular subjects) training or experience.
Unicorns do not exist despite the longing of preteen girls' folders and secret diaries.
There are the 1%ers though-- those rare individuals who don't fall into that other 99%
If I see them-- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outlaw_motorcycle_club
I will send them on over.
P.S. I actually am a great artist. My point is that great artists typically do not do coding.
For my general site of design and illustration samples please go to:
(multiple site links inserted here for their reference)
The point of all this is that the paranoia of the recession is giving people just the excuse they are looking for to try to rip off creative service providers. It is maddening, and I had to vent... which may have to happen more frequently as I am sure this madness is all far from over.
But the "professional", "working" world, can make you feel like a "working" girl.
And I am not talking Melanie Griffith and Joan Cusack circa 1988.
I am talking about the proliferation of "this may lead to more work", "grow with us/our company", "we ONLY ask that applicants complete one project to prove their skills"-- All of which end up with you feeling like a whore.
These are some of those tales...
After a standard resume, introductory letter and links to the different work I have done, I got this reply:
Your website shows the kind of imagination we are looking for. Is everything on the site YOUR work? It's all pretty good.
Thank you for responding and we like your work. Attached is an Explanatory Packet. Please review it carefully and I hope to hear from you quickly, as we are starting the project immediately.
------
Yes, ALL of the work is mine. I have the concept and/or original sketches as well as the layered files to prove it.
Flattery will not get you free work from me. I know my work is good. What is both insulting and disturbing is the assembly line fashion in which you are trying to trick graphic artists into doing work for you. You are also lazily making it far too easy for the illegal copyright infringement of YOUR OWN IMAGES by putting blind links up.
And what should be an arrangement of paying more for fewer images you are proposing paying less for more. Basically instead of volume discounts you are giving the illusion of paying more over time. What is to say that anyone EVER makes it to the higher paying bracket of your work?
And to further clarify: IT IS ALL SPEC WORK, YOU FUCKWAD... whether you put in whatever wording you can think of; i.e., on acceptance, approved designs, usable designs, etc.
You should ask yourself the following question. What would your in-house team charge for a simple clipping path? I am guessing more than 5 dollars, which you are proposing to pay for a full design, most requiring at least a clipping path.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
Find a way to give credits for some college student and get a legitimate intern.
Or pay for the work you are asking for instead of trying to lure and trick people into doing work for you.
Notice how I used the term FUCKWAD.
They replied
Actually, your instincts that there might be more than meets the eye here, are pretty right on.
I am an inside recruiter (means I am an employee of the firm) for the largest global graphics design agency, with offices in Los Angeles as well as 14 other cities. In fact, we are scouting for a local team designer to work on national name accounts. The position will pay in the near six figures ($250K - $350K) and carry a title of divisional vice president. However, recruiting is far different in the electronic age than it was previously. Previously, companies like mine would hire an exclusive recruiter who would do the leg work and pre-interviews, thus saving inside officers like me, both time and error. At the level we are talking, we cannot afford to make a mistake. The ultimate designer will be interfacing with CEOs and COOs who are not forgiving of artist quirks and/or sensibilities.
Today, recruiters are relegated to using Craig's List, social networks, Monster, etc. There is so much garbage on these sites that they are almost worthless; yet paradoxically they are the only resource. At the same time, advanced technology combined with the economic times has created a plethora of available talent. I have gotten submissions from some very talented artists, yourself included. One huge problem, however is that I have no way of knowing how much or little help an artist had with an image that is on his or her website.
Thus, we need a filter.
This method of asking responders to send two submissions has worked fabulously as a filter. I don't hear back from the majority of first responders -- which is just fine with me. Procuring submissions tells me who can read instructions the first time, who has a "can-do" attitude, who has talent to quickly produce an ad sheet. (We estimate no more than 20 minutes per sheet; our current designers execute first drafts in under 10 minutes.) I also immediately learn who can write a cogent, literate email and frankly, who has an executive's understanding that "you only get one chance to make a good first impression."
By the way, I think you did misread one part. The more images accepted, the more we pay. Our ultimate goal, however, is to find -- through this process -- the person we can take into the executive corridor. And if the candidate ultimately does not make the grade, they will still have made close to a thousand dollars in their spare time.
Best regards --
Candace,
Despite your eloquent response, you are still banking on a creative's talent and desire to work to build a catalog of concepts and designs that could float any number of "executives" through any number of campaigns in any number of industries...
By the way, my wife is a top-level creative executive and has NEVER been asked to do free work. Also, having been represented by (and having a relative who worked for another) an executive search firm, your claims don't make sense.
If you are genuinely concerned with the placement of high-level creatives, you should have a thorough interview process during which you can request proof of previous work, from ideas through concept sketches, drafts, revisions, and tear sheets or proofs. You could also use references and do background checks to verify work claims...which is an acceptable practice to find high-caliber professionals.
Sorry to say so, but I find it hard to believe that this is all some covert operation to find qualified professionals; more likely, it's just another company pooling others' ideas to sell as their own. Don't worry: There are plenty of losers willing to let go of their concepts for free... The kind of people no smart business would take seriously as executive potential.
Sincerely,
------
There is also a problem of wanting an ENTRY LEVEL PERSON (which means they don't want to pay people anything and give them no authority, or title of value). The most sparklingly shining example of this crapola is a gem from craigslist. Craigslist, was originally founded on the idea of a user friendly community to connect people with local business, goods, services, etc. It is devolving into a somewhat hostile place of undervaluing services and fake internship postings. Soooo, unfortunately the original posting to which I am referring was flagged and deleted so fast that it was missing from the list just after I replied to them.
They were a gaming company. The ad title was "Are you the second coming of" programmer, artist? (and 2 or 3 other job titles in unrelated job categories). The interior goes on to say that they are searching for an UNPAID probationary candidate that is Christ-like in their abilities and has no problems complying with strict security measures-- one of them being working for 10-12 hours straight with no bathroom breaks. 6 professional references required-- remember this is an entry level position. They wanted professional expert proficiency in art programs both 2 and 3 dimensional, multiple programming/coding languages, project management, etc. The absurdity continues with a request for favorite animal and why.
SO here is what I sent them--
Subject: Lieutenant Master Disciple to the Messiah
Hey,
komodo dragon-- slow necrotic death.
You are saying that if the messiah did show up AND after giving 6 references you would still put him on probation for 6 months?
(Hope Jesus never shows up to you guys-- he would have to sneak salvation in while giving security the slip during one of his two allotted daily bathroom breaks)
Also most experts have, involve, or display specialized skill or knowledge derived from focused (of few or singular subjects) training or experience.
Unicorns do not exist despite the longing of preteen girls' folders and secret diaries.
There are the 1%ers though-- those rare individuals who don't fall into that other 99%
If I see them-- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outlaw_motorcycle_club
I will send them on over.
P.S. I actually am a great artist. My point is that great artists typically do not do coding.
For my general site of design and illustration samples please go to:
(multiple site links inserted here for their reference)
The point of all this is that the paranoia of the recession is giving people just the excuse they are looking for to try to rip off creative service providers. It is maddening, and I had to vent... which may have to happen more frequently as I am sure this madness is all far from over.