I don’t post here often, but a recent freelance experience felt worth sharing.
This year, freelance work has been a bit slow for me. So, when a well-known beauty brand reached out about their 2025 holiday campaign, I was excited. After a couple of weeks of waiting to kick things off, I finally received the project brief. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a test project—quick turnaround, high expectations, and low compensation.
Earlier in my career, I might not have thought twice about taking it. But with over a decade of experience working with established brands, I found myself frustrated. When I asked if others were being tested, I learned that four other illustrators were given the same brief.
It’s common practice for large companies to “test” creatives. But if a brand is interested in someone’s work, I believe they should commit to hiring them, not pin them against others for minimal pay. Hire creatives because you trust their skill, respect their time, and value what they bring to the table.
#respectcreatives #faircompensation #illustration #freelancer
Visual artist
9moreally looks professional work