Volunteer Work...

[blueocto]

Not sure if this is in the most appropriate place but hey..

Have any of you done any voluntary design work?

Is it worth it? i.e. time, recognition etc

[LeadMagnet]

I've done voluntary work, but only for people i've known through forums. I wouldn't do it for recognition or anything though, that's just not going to get you any returns.

[blueocto]

Hmm because I saw some advertisied and wasn't sure it was worth it, when technically I could be using the time to do/find paid work *scratches noggin*

[flick]

i think it's worth if only if you want practice doing the particular type of work, i'd say only do it when you think it's likely the same client will come back for more stuff and pay you the next time

[Pignut]

I'm new here and very inexperienced in design terms but here's my 2p worth:

I'm also looking for design work and have done a lot of "voluntary" projects. Some have been worth it and I've got maybe something for my portfolio or learned something worthwhile. but...
I have eventually come to think that if you give your work away it tends to get regarded as disposable or worse, worthless.

I've had the problem most with websites. Several people have asked me to create sites for them but never delivered the promised content. Without the pressure of a bill or other "stake" in the work, they tend to lose interest when it comes to their contribution.

Of course most of these problems were of my own making and down to my inexperience. I'm not saying don't do voluntary stuff, just don't do it unless the client (they're still a client) has some stake in the outcome.

Oh and beware of being asked to "just knock us up a quick website"!

[Noli]

Not sure if this is in the most appropriate place but hey..

Have any of you done any voluntary design work?

Is it worth it? i.e. time, recognition etc

Hi Blueocto,
Your question would take different perspective depending on who you are [not you as in you but as in who is doing the voluntary job ]

- If you are a new designer starting up > it is definitely worth it for your experience and your portfolio.

- If you are a well-established designer > you will need to evaluate the exposure this voluntary work will get you against the time and effort you will spend on the work.
I personally tend to do voluntary work when it is related to the local community, local events or charities + I would use these freebies to get creative and design something to my liking rather than working to a client's brief.


~ KEEP CREATING ~

[Zinni]

I have eventually come to think that if you give your work away it tends to get regarded as disposable or worse, worthless.

This is absolutely true, this is very true of being insanely cheap, you are viewed as disposable and low-end.

If you are looking for some experience in web design, grassroots.org has a great program to help non-profits who have no budgets and could not get a website otherwise. In this situation, your services are viewed more as a donation so you still appear as though you carry worth. Usually these clients respect and are thankful for the help that you give them, and you still gain a portfolio piece.

I also have written an article on my blog » How to Gain Design Experience (Without Being Taken Advantage Of) :: Blog Archive :: Positive Space :: Discussions on Culture, Design, Technology, & Music :: that gives some great examples of things you can do to gain experience or portfolio pieces.

[lolly]

This is absolutely true, this is very true of being insanely cheap, you are viewed as disposable and low-end.

If you are looking for some experience in web design, grassroots.org has a great program to help non-profits who have no budgets and could not get a website otherwise. In this situation, your services are viewed more as a donation so you still appear as though you carry worth. Usually these clients respect and are thankful for the help that you give them, and you still gain a portfolio piece.

I also have written an article on my blog » How to Gain Design Experience (Without Being Taken Advantage Of) :: Blog Archive :: Positive Space :: Discussions on Culture, Design, Technology, & Music :: that gives some great examples of things you can do to gain experience or portfolio pieces.

Great Read

[Pignut]

I also have written an article on my blog » How to Gain Design Experience (Without Being Taken Advantage Of) :: Blog Archive :: Positive Space :: Discussions on Culture, Design, Technology, & Music :: that gives some great examples of things you can do to gain experience or portfolio pieces.

I agree with Lolly - thanks for the ideas and the well written article.

Btw - your site is fantastic. Loads of stimulating stuff to read and explore. I admire you for putting the effort into writing up your thoughts and experiences and sharing them in this way.

Thanks

[blueocto]

Thanks for the feedback guys, my conscious was pretty mcuh saying the same thing tbh.

I'm kinda in the middle, I haven't got my final year of a degree, but I do have more design experience that most graduates, and Im nor a crap designer or an excellent one.

So I do need to practice and enhance my skills, but I do need to make some income from it also lol hence the indecisive-ness!