For Exposure. Free or not for free? Some of you may recall that I made a post asking if you would create a $50 logo. This elicited a range of thoughtful commentary and cogent arguments, as well as some individuals expressing alarm and offense that such a topic was even broached, with a few resorting to insults. It was a mix of humor, information, and intrigue all in one.
The next questions are:
1) In your present time and situation, if someone approaches you and requests a piece of creative work, it could be anything, but they mention they don’t have any funds at the moment, promising exposure as compensation.
2) If that someone is a high profile CEO that you know of by name or an A-list celebrity comes to you in person asking you to create them something for free in exchange for exposure, would that change anything at all?
I’ve encountered the debate on creating assets for free in exchange for a promise of exposure. There is even a twitter / x account called that covers this topic.
This topic often sparks diverse opinions and discussions. As a thought experiment let’s examine three points in favor of creating something for free and three points against it:
In Favor of Creating Something for Free
Portfolio Building
Creating something for free can be an opportunity to enhance your portfolio, especially when starting in the industry or looking to diversify your work. Working on different projects can help you showcase your skills and attract potential paying clients.
Charity or Nonprofit Work
Volunteering your design skills for charitable organizations or nonprofits is a meaningful way to contribute to causes you care about. It allows you to make a positive impact on society while gaining valuable experience.
Mutual Benefit
If the exposure is guaranteed to reach a substantial and relevant audience, it can be a mutually beneficial arrangement. You get your work in front of a broader audience, and the client benefits from your creative services without immediate financial strain.
Against Creating Something for Free:
Devaluation of Creative Work
Offering free work in exchange for exposure can perpetuate the devaluation of creative professionals. It can give the impression that design work is not worth paying for, which harms the industry as a whole.
Unreliable Exposure
Promises of exposure often don’t translate into actual visibility or paying opportunities. You may invest significant time and effort, only to find that the exposure isn’t as valuable as initially promised.
Financial Sustainability
While some free projects can be rewarding in non-monetary ways, it’s essential to consider your financial sustainability. Relying solely on exposure-based projects can be financially precarious and may not cover your living expenses.
Are you in support of designing assets for free in exchange for exposure?
Or are you completely against the idea and wish the topic would just go away?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
If you have a product, idea or business feel free to reach out any time and run it by us