There’s been renewed interest in the subject of SPEC work. What is SPEC? It’s essentially asking someone to design or create something without pay or guarantee of pay. You see this stuff all the time.

SPEC typically comes in the form of requests for some design comps for proposals. Or logo competitions that claim designers will get notoriety for their work. At the end of the day it’s free work. Some people don’t know it’s a real professional ethics issue while others think that it’s a healthy venue for competition.

Here’s Modal’s thoughts on SPEC work:

• SPEC diminishes the value of the creative process
• Clients don’t receive the benefit of research, testing, or conceptualization
• We never really hear what the client wants or what their customers desire

Here’s a couple of links to some great resources: American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) stance on SPEC as well as a great blog on SPEC called “No!SPEC“.

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