Design Contests Are Stupid

I just won a design contest a few weeks ago. Here’s the usual pitch for these contests. Somebody a new logo/site/banner created for their fledgling business, and offers a prize between $50 to a few grand? Some offer nothing but the “glory” of designing the winning entry. The theory is; if enough entries are submitted, one should be a winner. I realized this is a total waste of time.

The problem with this situation, is the winning entry has to guess correctly what you want. Designing anything is about testing and feedback. Instead of paying someone to create a quality product, you just hope someone can read your mind. I’m not going through endless variations, to guess what someone wants. It should be gauged by a far more complicated litmus test including usability, application and market reach. It is the execution of an idea, a concept.

It comes down to: “Make an example for me, and if I like it, I’ll pay for it”. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard that adage. My answer is “No”. I’ve got a resume, with tons of print, web, and illustrations. It’s impractical to work for free. All this fancy software and computers to do this wonderful stuff costs many thousands of dollars. Conversely, I never ask clients for “free stuff” because that isn’t professional. If you hire someone to paint your house, you don’t ask them to paint part of your house first, before you hire them.

At the risk of sounding snotty, the “chance” of winning $50 only buys so much time and effort. Sorry, but it’s a dollars and cents equation. Design contests are not a professional way to develop your business. Order design projects by contacting Jeff Knooren at http://www.compugasm.com, or call 1-760-975-1422.