I like the idea of this anti spec. But to say that no other industries do this? That is totally wrong. I would say almost all do. Putting together a proposal to win a client is a big deal in most industries. There is usually competition on multiple fronts as well.
I don't like the idea of a customer dangling a carrot for many then selecting who they like best after all the work is done. In design, your examples and concept are what you are offering. Not a completed job for someone to choose from.
Interesting.....but way to general me thinks. As Zerodog points out for many businesses it's common and ordinary to prepare a proposal to present to prospective clients.
Presenting completed work on spec or as a proposal is not a wise business decision.
As an example: Client says so and so recommended you and your photography services. We need about 25 high quality architectural images of our business suitable for web and print use. Do you have experience with this type of photography and can you show use examples of your work?
Answer: Why yes I do have the experience to provide you with high quality architectural images. I have architectural images on my web site and or I can come over and show you examples of my architectural photography.
Second example: Client says so and so recommended you and your photography services. We need about 25 high quality architectural images of our business suitable for web and print use. Can you come over and shoot the images and deliver them to us? We will pay you if we like them.
Just remember people, all generalizations are false. But seriously, this is way too wide a net to cast.
1. Most youth sports are shot on spec, as are most events in general. I have been pre-paid to shoot events and sports before, but its not the norm.
2. There are ways to make spec work. The ones mentioned in that particular article are examples that don't work. Doesn't mean all spec is not worth it.
A very talented and very successful American Le Mans Series pro shooter once gave me advice to shoot a very particular Austin client for free. The horror! The rational was extremely logical and his advice was correct. I dropped the ball. Mea culpa. That was spec work that could easily have turned profitable.
Lastly, watch the documentary "Rock Prophecies". Available on Netflix (disc and streaming). Its about a rock/concert/music photographer who started decades ago and is still going strong. One of the first to shoot Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, SRV and others. Was the last guy to photograph SRV as well. He does all the photographs used by Guitar Center. They get all those images free. The horror! Its obviously working for him though.
As that ALMS race photographer told me, the key to spec is knowing exactly how you are going to leverage this into something paying. Entering some contest and hoping.... that's not a plan. But calling all spec evil is just not facing reality.
Comments
I like the idea of this anti spec. But to say that no other industries do this? That is totally wrong. I would say almost all do. Putting together a proposal to win a client is a big deal in most industries. There is usually competition on multiple fronts as well.
I don't like the idea of a customer dangling a carrot for many then selecting who they like best after all the work is done. In design, your examples and concept are what you are offering. Not a completed job for someone to choose from.
Presenting completed work on spec or as a proposal is not a wise business decision.
As an example: Client says so and so recommended you and your photography services. We need about 25 high quality architectural images of our business suitable for web and print use. Do you have experience with this type of photography and can you show use examples of your work?
Answer: Why yes I do have the experience to provide you with high quality architectural images. I have architectural images on my web site and or I can come over and show you examples of my architectural photography.
Second example: Client says so and so recommended you and your photography services. We need about 25 high quality architectural images of our business suitable for web and print use. Can you come over and shoot the images and deliver them to us? We will pay you if we like them.
Answer: No way in H@!!...........................
It's all about common sense and balance.
Sam
1. Most youth sports are shot on spec, as are most events in general. I have been pre-paid to shoot events and sports before, but its not the norm.
2. There are ways to make spec work. The ones mentioned in that particular article are examples that don't work. Doesn't mean all spec is not worth it.
A very talented and very successful American Le Mans Series pro shooter once gave me advice to shoot a very particular Austin client for free. The horror! The rational was extremely logical and his advice was correct. I dropped the ball. Mea culpa. That was spec work that could easily have turned profitable.
Lastly, watch the documentary "Rock Prophecies". Available on Netflix (disc and streaming). Its about a rock/concert/music photographer who started decades ago and is still going strong. One of the first to shoot Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, SRV and others. Was the last guy to photograph SRV as well. He does all the photographs used by Guitar Center. They get all those images free. The horror! Its obviously working for him though.
As that ALMS race photographer told me, the key to spec is knowing exactly how you are going to leverage this into something paying. Entering some contest and hoping.... that's not a plan. But calling all spec evil is just not facing reality.
A former sports shooter
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