Unpaid Test Projects: Why They Do Not Help The Vetting Process
As a designer with nearly 20 years of experience, I've seen the landscape of the industry change in many ways. But in recent years, there's been a troubling trend that has caught my eye: an increasing number of potential clients and hiring managers in reputable companies asking for unpaid test projects—whether it's a single piece of collateral brand or a full concept presentation designed for their brand—as part of the vetting process.
Our resumes, portfolios, case studies, testimonials and interviews exist to provide all the insight to show that we have what it takes to produce great work. In fact, quick, small, unpaid, open-ended test projects often do the contrary.
While I have run into several requests for test projects, my most recent experience particularly irked me and prompted me to get my thoughts out in hopes of providing some insight as to why they are not a good indicator of our capabilities.
"Quick and Easy" Test Projects
A common refrain I hear in these situations is: “It’s just a quick, easy test project—it should only take a couple of hours.” But here’s the reality: real design work takes time. Time for research. Time for brainstorming. Time for creative problem-solving. Time for refinement. My strongest portfolio pieces weren’t the result of rushed test projects with no clear purpose. They emerged from deep, collaborative efforts with clients that unfolded over weeks or months.
So how could a small, quick, thoughtless test project possibly showcase my design skills and process better than a portfolio filled with carefully curated work and in-depth case studies? It simply can’t.
A portfolio represents a designer’s best work, honed over years of experience. Unpaid test projects fail to reflect what we can truly deliver because they lack the conditions that make great design possible—adequate time, a clear brief, strategic goals, and meaningful collaboration. Without these, the work can never reach its full potential.
A Not-So-Dream Client After All
Recently, I was connected with someone I have been wanting to collaborate with for years. She’s local, I love her brands, and my design style would be a perfect fit for all of them. I was beyond excited when I received an invitation from her to apply as an as-needed designer for her companies.
But as I went through the submission requirements, I hit a wall. One of the bullet points was the dreaded “one piece of collateral designed for one of my brands,” on top of all the typical resume, cover letter, portfolio, case studies, and “why you want to work for me” love letter.
That bullet point completely changed how I viewed the opportunity. It was clear to me that, if she was asking for unpaid work up front, without even looking at my portfolio, past experience or talking to me, I would be an undervalued team member.
Here’s the response I sent to politely decline:
"I truly appreciate the invitation to apply and I would love to work with you. However, I cannot complete unpaid design work as a part of an application process. I would be more than happy to collaborate on a test project at my hourly rate prior to any commitment being made. While I will be disappointed, I understand if this disqualifies me from the running."
It felt empowering to stick to my guns and send that reply, even though I knew I was risking a potential partnership that I had wanted for years. Unsurprisingly, I never heard back, and I’m ok with that because that meant my red flag senses were correct. But that silence still stung.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time I had run into this request, and I keep seeing it more and more. Although I shouldn’t have to, maybe I need to start justifying why this in effort to get the word out as to why this practice not indicative of my abilities and disheartening to our profession.
The Alternative
If you’re reviewing a designer’s portfolio and feel that it’s impressive but maybe missing one particular type of project or solution, the best thing to do is ask. Ask if they’ve worked on that kind of project before or if they can walk you through their process for a similar challenge. You could even ask for them to present one of the projects in their portfolio as if they were pitching it. Designers love talking about their work and how they do it, especially the projects they’re passionate about.
If after that conversation you still feel the need to see something specifically tailored to your brand, then offer to pay for an actual “test” project at the designer’s normal rate. You’ll get a great feel for how you’ll work together because it will be a true test of collaboration, how the designer interprets your goals, receives feedback, and of course the level of creative that they’re able to deliver.
Designers want to do great work for their clients. We want to understand your brand, your vision, and your goals. We’re happy to share our expertise, but we can’t pour our hearts and souls into a project that we’re not being compensated for. We are experts in our field and deserve compensation for the valuable work.