Should I work for free?

(click box for full flow chart to see the only reasons you should be doing any work for free!)

Hells no!
But in all seriousness, working pro bono or on spec is a huge issue in the design community and when I saw this flow chart I thought it was a great way to introduce this discussion.

People often think that we designers can just whip up a design in no time just for them to "see if they like it" before purchasing (or paying for your work). Unfortunately, this theory doesn't really work in any other profession, why in design then? I mean, if you give the milk away for free who wants to buy the cow?

There is a great website I think all designers should check out called No-Spec and in addition I thought this post from Grace Smith was really well written and has quite a few really great links to check out if you are dealing with spec work requests.

What are your thoughts on this topic? On one hand you want experience, on the other you need to eat and pay rent. I know there are definitely a lot of opinions out there- I would love to hear them!


flow chart by Jessica Hische

Yes Please.

I have wanted one of these chairs FOR. EVER. and now because of this awesome deal of the day at HauteLook one is mine. There is still time to get this awesome rocker for $79 (+ $20 shipping, which in is a great deal!) Originally $300. (yikes!)


Here is an invitation to shop and view sales on HauteLook. Just sign up and start shopping/viewing! This site is very similar to my already favorite Gilt Group. I mean, who doesn't love designer duds at super cheap prices!?

I have PSD

I Have PSD from Hyperakt on Vimeo.

I wish!

(via.)

Pablo Picasso

Simple. Beautiful. Imaginative. Brilliant.

(via.)

spruce upholstery: the tv pilot!

I would watch this every day if this was a tv show.
See Spruce here.

(via.)

7 rules of design

(via.)

New Accent Plates?

These would add a little bling to my all white place settings. I wish they were a tad cheaper though. For now, they are on the wishlist :)

West Elm.

Canon 7d or Barbie?

Canon 7D vs. Barbie Video Girl from Brandon Bloch on Vimeo.

I have been saving up for a cannon slr... but maybe I should just go with the $50 barbie instead :)

Impulse purchase

Well, maybe not totally an impulse purchase... it depends, do you call finding a sweet print online and then searching for an hour for products using that fabric an impulse? Either way, these are going to be a sweet addition to my kitchen :)

Marimekko Kippis

Pattern People

Seriously great downloads on their site! Remember: for personal use only!

Prints on Wood

I love these prints from petitcollage. I especially love this one of San Francisco. I wish I could go back there again. It has been almost two years since I was there for my honeymoon...

Comic Sans

via.

Enhance

no wonder clients think they can send us 50x50 pixel images and want them to run 8.x5"x11" @ 300 DPI in print :)

The Perfect Billboard

click to view larger.

Weekly Inspiration

click box for full flow chart!

Obsessive Consumerism

I was just turned onto this book by a friend of mine. We happened to be talking out our crazy urges to buy random things, especially on sale. It is no secret that I love to shop.... in fact I would love to buy this book with all the wonderful illustrations! However, a commenter on another blog mentions that it is rather strange to BUY a book about Obsessive Consumerism... touché.

I think this book is one that I will definitely check out from the library, but if you are in the mood to purchase you can do so here!

Be creative

Rethink Scholarship at Langara 2010 Call for Entries from Rory O'Sullivan and Simon Bruyn on Vimeo.

Thought I would start Monday off with a little bit of creative inspiration.

Time Flies

Where does the time go? daylight savings.... now already spring?

I thought I would share this awesome clock screen saver from Alan Dye. Instructions on how to install are super easy!