Before you ask for, or consider doing, work for free, read this

[Elwell]

http://shouldiworkforfree.com/

http://www.povonline.com/cols/COL209.htm
http://www.povonline.com/cols/COL210.htm
http://www.povonline.com/cols/COL224.htm

http://srbissette.com/?p=13107

[Noah Bradley]

[Saramel]

good sticky. A single link response to all the cheap geniuses who went out of their way to put up a thread here (without pay!) to let the mindless flock of art-turkeys in on their divine prospects!

[Ginseng]

I think this post should be placed as a headline in the Looking for Job section. Too many people out there are trying to take advantage of artists and their talent. They think art is cheap because enthusiastic artists are too naive which often times are tricked into doing free work.

Here is a good video regarding contracts.

http://vimeo.com/22053820

My rule of thumb is. Always ask 50% up front and 50% upon delivery. Once someone invested money into something it will kick off a more seriously clientele relationship. Plus getting paid to do work will push you harder too!

[Elwell]

I think this post should be placed as a headline in the Looking for Job section.

Good idea. Done.

[nyrebellion]

This is a great post for artists who have been taken advantage of but at the same time, not everyone asking for free work is Hitler. Some of us don't have the funds to pay artists with anything but recognition for their hard-work. I do think some people need to be clear though. There are a lot of people who also pretend to offer "internships" on the web and they like to use and abuse all sorts of people. Either way, great post. I support the idea of not working for free unless you know the written terms of agreement between you and whoever wants a helping hand.

[kirill]

And here i the version in russian translated by me, in case u need it


fullsize : http://i40.tinypic.com/2exlnr6.jpg

[farouce1]

Hello all, I have to agree no one wants to work for free, I know I certainly do not , however life is full of things we would rather not do but some times have to for one reason or other.
WE are a new and small game design team , and can not afford to pay at the moment , the offer is this , if you are interested , and your work is up to par then we are willing to enter into an agreement that will benifit you and US. After all America starter with the barter system , what can I do for you that will make it worth your time so that I may get what I need in return , hmn something like that.. Come check us out if you would like to be in on the ground floor and actually help create a unique game from day one , "well all most day one lol" check us out give us a shout..
http://forums.totallyf***ingclueless.com/
http://www.ironyislostonus.com/
https://twitter.com/Ihavenosenseofpropriety

[Mosk]

Really, you want to get free illustrations in this thread?????????? how????? what?????? I probably don't understand this right.

[Elwell]

Hello all, I have to agree no one wants to work for free, I know I certainly do not , however life is full of things we would rather not do but some times have to for one reason or other.
WE are a new and small game design team , and can not afford to pay at the moment , the offer is this , if you are interested , and your work is up to par then we are willing to enter into an agreement that will benifit you and US. After all America starter with the barter system , what can I do for you that will make it worth your time so that I may get what I need in return , hmn something like that.. Come check us out if you would like to be in on the ground floor and actually help create a unique game from day one , "well all most day one lol" check us out give us a shout..

You have GOT to be kidding me.

The whole point of this thread is that while you may "have to" ask people to work for free, nobody else "has to" say yes.