The Free Design Trial Dilemma: Should Graphic Designers Be Asked To Work For Free When Applying For Jobs?

In the ambitious world of graphic design, job hunting can often feel like a balancing act. Candidates are expected to demonstrate their design skills and creativity, while employers are looking for the best fit for their team. One controversial practice which has began to surface within recent years, is the requirement of applicants being tasked to create free design trials as part of the hiring process. On the surface, it may seem like a reasonably innocent request to assess a designer’s skills but is it fair to expect work without compensation?

Is it Unfair?

Firstly, creating design work takes a lot of time, effort, and expertise. It could be argued that, asking a designer to create a free “trial” piece can be seen as exploitation. After all, many designers spend years perfecting their craft and expecting them to work for free undermines the value of their skills as well as their time.

In addition to this, the risk for candidates is that these “trial” designs may can be used by the company without ever leading to a job offer. It is often speculate that some employers take advantage of this by collecting free work from multiple job candidates with no intention of hiring anyone. This can be particularly discouraging for junior designers and those just starting out in their creative careers, as they may feel that they have no choice but to complete these “trial” requests.

Aren’t Design Trials Useful?

On the other side, you could say that design trials can provide an opportunity for both the applicant and employer to gauge if they will be a good fit for one another. A trial design task can give the employer insight into the candidate’s design style, creativity, turnover time and understanding of the project requirements. For designers, it can be a good opportunity to think about their approach to a real-world problem, whilst showcasing their ability to create a design which aligns with the brand or company’s needs.

The key here, is that a design trial should reflect the kind of work the designer would actually do in the job. A mini-project, for example, that takes a few hours to complete would be the most logical. However, when a company asks for a full-fledged design concept for free, this is where things can be unfair.

Finding a Common Ground

Ultimately, the key to balancing these concerns is transparency and respect. If a company is asking for a design trial, they should make sure to be clear about their expectations upfront: How much time will the task require? Will the task be paid or compensated in some way? How does the company intend to use the work created? This not only ensures that designers are not unknowingly putting in hours of unpaid labor with no return but that designers are being treated fairly.

Furthermore, another alternative to a design trail would be to simply require a portfolio of past work instead. This allows designers to demonstrate their skills without the risk of having to create new work without pay.

Conclusion

While design trials can be a helpful tool for assessing a designer’s fit, they should never come at the cost of a designer’s time and effort. Both the employer and the designer must approach the hiring process with mutual respect and clear communication. A fair and transparent approach is mutually beneficial, making sure that talented designers are treated fairly while companies are able to find the best fit for their job requirements.