Fun flowchart explains exactly when you should work for free

Art flow chart

Don't waste your time by working for free!

We've all heard excuses like "it'll be great exposure," or, "it'll look great in your design portfolio," when clients explain why they don't want to cough up the cash. But it's simple: don't work for free. Whether you're working from home or busy sending out letterpress business cards to get yourself noticed, as an artist you should only work for clients who are willing to pay for your work.

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Dom Carter

Dom Carter is a freelance writer who specialises in art and design. Formerly a staff writer for Creative Bloq, his work has also appeared on Creative Boom and in the pages of ImagineFX, Computer Arts, 3D World, and .net. He has been a D&AD New Blood judge, and has a particular interest in picture books.