Discuss: Do you refuse to work for free?

bsherwin: It is not uncommon for me to read a post by an artist concerning an offer for a nonpaying 'job'. I've seen it ALL over the years: filmmakers wanting free artwork for movie posters, comic book writers wanting free character designs, independent video game designers seeking free concept art... etc. They want free, free free -- yet if the artist suggests a tradeoff of services to make up for lack of pay... silence. I'm certain that some of you have heard those crickets chirping at some point in your career.

The problem is that there will always be an artist out there who will do the work for free. People know that artists want name recognition... and they use that as a lure. Some will take the bait. I realize that depending on the situation it may not be such a bad deal to accept work without pay -- BUT I can think of only a few acceptable scenarios.

This is what I want to know: do YOU refuse to work for free? (I hope so).

	Nancy Bowron via faso.com	11 months ago
	While name recognition is important, my time, effort, and expertise as an artist are important also. As a newer artist, I have been mentored to "give, give, give." But I kinda think that is a too single minded way of doing things. As my mother used to say, "Why buy the cow when the milk is free?" I had to find a mental place where I valued what I do, otherwise no one else will. I decided to take a good hard look at what was really important to me as an artist - winning shows? selling a lot? fame? Once I identified what I really wanted out of this career I am creating, I have set goals and am working towards them. Looking forward to hearing what other artists are thinking on this subject - thanks for the thought starter!

	Judy Mudd via faso.com	11 months ago
	I have to admit I have been tempted to over the years--you get the same comments about how much exposure you'll get. I feel my time is more valuable than that. I'd rather use that time working to perfect my artwork so that it is irresistible to buyers and recognition will come that way rather than putting my work out there for free. You have to respect yourself, respect your work and value your time and creativity.

	Ronald C. Gillis via faso.com	11 months ago
	I am,at this moment,negotiating with a local church(the famous North Church of Boston)to produce a portrait of a deceased clergy member.I have offered to do it gratis,only being reimbursed for materials and framing and it was my idea. As you implied earlier,whether you want to get involved in a freebie depends a lot on the pay off.I am an emerging artist with few sales and no gallery representation.So to have a portrait commission from a famous venue like the North Church can help me a lot since i want to be known as a Boston artist and I believe Boston will come into its own in the near future. To make matters even more tricky I am painting from photos only and they are not my photos. A tricky commission indeed.

	Judy Mudd via faso.com	11 months ago
	Good luck Ronald! That sounds impressive. I hope it works for you. Your painting will certainly be placed in a wonderful venue.

	Jackie via faso.com	10 months ago
	We never work for free. Ever. Would you expect to go into a restaurant and get a free meal? Do you expect your local dealership to service you car free? In many years of graphic design I heard 'do this free and you'll get shares in the company'. Invariably those start up companies went bust. Or 'do it free now and we'll have lots of paid work for you in future'. Nonsense. As artists, we are professionals. Does your doctor or lawyer give free service? I doubt it.