Every Designer's Dilemma
Should I Work for free to gain experience ? or should I charge a fee?
Have you faced or are you facing a similar situation as a designer while starting or career or while in college?
If your answer is yes...!! Then our blog is the right place for you to make the right decision.
Based on a true story
As a Graphic Designer when I started my career I got a call from a company (sorry I'll keep the names confidential). So when I received a call regarding internship for 1 year straight ahead & the CEO of the company saying they totally fell in love with my work. It was the best day of my life. you know that feeling right, being a fresher & thinking you got the right recognization & appreciation. It made f=me feel like I'm on the 9TH HEAVEN.
Until they called me for the interview & what happened there totally changed my decisions for today as well.
When they called for the interview, all went smoothly & they asked if I have any questions & I asked for the stipend. they said in internships they don't pay & sometimes even ask the designer to pay them for teaching & letting them work for them.
That was the exact moment when I felt the slap on my face & I was shocked & left the office without a word. after that day I was always in dilemma, I should have done the job or I shouldn't have. as I had no work no experience.
Then a few months later I finally got a job & it was paid but the pay was less but all mattered to me was to gain experience & it really helped me a lot to kickstart my career.
Conclusion
I'll strongly recommend every designer out there NOT TO WORK FOR FREE AT ANY COST NO MATTER YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE OR NOT.
All you need to do is ask them to pay you if they deny & offer you that it will help you grow your career then ask them the lowest amount of money. Never work for free. always ask something in return. if they're from good brand names then also if not pay then ask at least for a written experience letter & rights to share on social media platforms.
The only thing which helps you is your talent & social media.