no spec!

and by that, i mean speculative work, i.e. "If you design this for me, I'll pay you if I like it."
i just thought i'd spread some word about how much people are willing take advantage of artists and designers. "I can't pay you for this, but it would be a great piece for your portfolio." Would you go to a tattoo parlour and ask for a free tattoo to add to their portfolio? their entire portfolio is full of paying customers already! any artist should not have to put time and resources into something without a guarantee of getting paid. the client makes a decision and accepts the risks involved. you don't tell a mechanic that you can only pay $50, you pay the $250 because THATS HOW MUCH IT COSTS. why should someone take away hours of your time and get something for nothing? they are asking for professional grade work for free. it just ticks me off, theres a little man in my head running around punching walls. you worked hard to learn the things you know, now get paid for it! and always, always write up a contract.
its something that happens every single day, and it will continue to happen as long as artists keep feeding the trolls!