Recently a peer of mine reached out seeking some advice. This individual works with a non-profit that doesn’t have much of a budget to support the communication and design efforts he would like to achieve and needed ideas on how to approach this without asking for spec-work or disrespecting the design industry. First and foremost, I have so much respect for this person for engaging in the conversation and gets it on the subject around the value of design.
I would like to get an actual designer involved to make it look nicer if I am going to overhaul it but I also don’t want to enter spec territory […] I was hoping you might have some ideas to not be a spec-jerk.
What is Spec Work?
Spec work is any creative work submitted by a designer to prospective clients before securing their job and equitable fee. Working on spec has a negative impact on the quality of design, affecting the client and the designer. Clients often use this free work as they see fit, while designers lose rights to their work because they failed to protect themselves with a contract or agreement. Clients also lose out on the vital relationship building that comes with hiring a professional designer to get the intended message across to the audience adequately.
There’s a better way!
Suggestions for Non-Profits seeking creative services
Call for Volunteers
It is typical for many non-profits to have a smaller budget or no budget for creative services. Therefore you are crossing your fingers for any support you can get. I understand that, as I’ve volunteered a ton of time to non-profit and tight budgets. In your organization you typically have a board of volunteers serving many roles, but what I don’t often see in some structures is a creative role. Where’s your marketing and communications fit?! When money is tight, I’d recommend creating a position that can support your creative services needs – invite a designer to a board meeting and see if it’s a good fit for both of you.
For Designers – Volunteering your design services to an organization that you are passionate about can help you build relationships and push your creative work in ways that your day-job or current gigs may not be fulfilling.
Reach out to the creative community
Find a local networking event that is bringing the creative community together. If you don’t have time to attend an event, look at some online resources. I recommend your local AIGA chapter to start — you can utilize the directory of local designers or pop into a local event. This is a great way to connect and have a conversation with a local designer or two and further the discussion on a project you have in mind that needs creative support. Talking it out with a designer is likely to open that door, and you can agree on a budget that works for both of you.
One more thing…
Value of Design
Designers are professionals that work hard to provide the needs of businesses and organizations alike. And they often are great to talk to in guiding you to where you need to go to market yourself or connect with your audience. Just as you get paid for the services you provide, it works the same for creative services. Design is a job. So, don’t feel nervous to open up a conversation with a designer. And thank you to my peer who reached out for suggestions on how to obtain creative services without disrespecting the industry!
Much respect!
We love working for a cause! Do you need some creative support for your non-profit? Or maybe some guidance on how to approach getting your message out to your audience? Let’s discuss!