All you freelancers and small business owners out there – have you ever been asked to do “a quick favour” for someone, otherwise known as “work for FREE”? Of course you have. It happens to me… ummmm… at least once a day. On average. I have very strong views on this – in fact – it’s a little blog post waiting to happen in its own right. But for now, I thought I’d share this brilliant flowchart by Jessica Hische, answering the question “Should I work for free?“

Genius!

It’s also piss funny.

[Via the fab swiss-miss.]



About The Author

Founder & Editor

With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

8 Responses

  1. linda from OEKE

    Very funny, very timely post. I also get asked to do stuff for free – ALL the time. I am also very bad as most times I do it. I find it hard too charge friends (or even friends of friends) as I believe in the ‘karma’ aspect.

    BUT. I have just come off a freebie that has broken me. Before christmas I was asked by a client if I could do her brothers wedding invitations. I always do my clients wedding invitations – usually they let me do whatever I want (or provide me a lovely sample as ‘inspiration’) and everything goes smoothly as I do it out of friendship and they approve things quickly out of appreciation.

    This job was a shocker. It was deemed ultra urgent and the list of things they needed was longer than any normal project. It had a 6 fold formecut envelope with emboss and requring a ribbon to finish it. It had 4 x different invitations- all which had to be slightly different in both design and size. I had to come off holidays a day or 2 extra to start it – and the whole thing was finally delivered yesterday after 3 weeks of toing and froing which caused great stress to both my client and me. It has even caused a dent in our great working relationship.

    Sorry, that was rather long. I have babbled.

    Just wanted to say I love this, and will even print it out and put next to my desk next time someone asks me for a quick design job for free.

    Reply
  2. ShaynnaB

    This is gold!!!!! Like Linda, I am going to print out and put on my desk! Person: “OH, I need to repaint my house come over for dinner and tell me what to do”. Me: “Not hungry thanks”.

    Reply
  3. Heather Jenkinson

    @Linda – shame on your clients! That job was clearly above & beyond the call of friendly duty. They should not have allowed you to take it on without financially reimbursing you for you time (with, ok, maybe a chunk of ‘karma discount’). Whatever damage there is to your relationship, you have to know that it lies squarely at their feet, right? Taking advantage of someone’s generosity, in that way, when they know it’s causing you grief, is unacceptable. Would you do that to a friend – anyone? I can’t imagine it.

    Thank you Dana, I’m going to share this with all my designer/self employed pals but only after I’ve printed it out and pasted it right above my screen.

    Reply
  4. Nina

    LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
    “If I had a dollar for every time some one invited me to “come for dinner and look at the garden!” I’m a landscape architect people- I’m not interested in your tea rose collection!
    I have a firm response these days. ‘If you’re not family- it’s a firm No!’ OR/ I some times like to roll out.. ‘I don’t do private work’. Frankly- even family are not confirmed!
    I find it easier if you have a practiced response ready to roll- so that the moment of panic doesn’t flash over your face! “Sounds delightful- I’m sure I can give you the number of a friend who does that kind of work!”
    Good Luck!

    Reply
  5. Dana

    That is brilliant!! I wonder if they do a similar flow chart for when friends/friends of friends/friends of friends of friends/ ask if you can get them discounted furniture.

    Reply
  6. Oliver

    Brilliant! And so true!
    I am so bad at saying no. Though in fairness I blame karma and puppy dog eyes for my ready “Yes”.

    PS: Off to the tattoo parlour to get this etched on my skin.
    PPS: Might see if they will do it for free – great advertising and all that!

    Reply
  8. Sophie

    Brilliant… I used to say that I was really very specialized in one area of design, obviously NOT the area that they were looking at, ie their house! That wht i did, was very different to residential! Still got sucked in though. People seriously take the piss. The best are those that ask your advice but really just want you to tell them how bloody good their idea iis. When it really is not!

    Reply

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