The ever lasting debate:

To Free Pitch or not to Free Pitch?

For the designer of the modern age, as a new comer, finding work can be very difficult. Many options are open and one of them that has much controversy is the idea of free pitching. Free pitching for the client has many advantages. This includes, they are able to view many options for their needs, they aren’t stuck with the designer pushing for the same idea, whether good or bad, also it is a much cheaper option chosen by businesses.

Now with the great idea of free pitching comes many controversial ideas attached. The idea of free pitching is a great way to get into the business, but how easy is it finding work? What you are looking at is devoting your time on a project, that can cost money, competing for a prize that has a lot of competition. While spending time on this project you could be potentially loosing work from other avenues. This method seems to be a very one-sided favour. Though considering you win the design job, the business has the option of paying for your design and that’s all there is, though to be considered also is the possibility of possibly gaining a relationship for future work. But then you must think whether the business will just go for other free pitchers.

Also by possibly winning the design, the business has the design to use any were they want as many times as they want, and instead of royalties for the designer, you walk away with minimal money, while the business walks with a symbol that can potentially propel their business to make them millions. Another aspect comes into play, is the idea of ethics. You may design the logo face of a well known brand, and that brand then could be known for the destruction of baby animals. Now who would want to be the designing face for that business?
This debate swings both ways. Basically free pitching can be an advantage and a disadvantage to the designer. You could potentially win the design that starts your career as a designer, or land you with some petty cash from a major business. Free pitching should be seen as fun, not as a constant income. Thank you, Jamie.