This question is for the creatives out there. After an initial interview for a textile design position, the hiring manager asked me to complete some homework in order to be considered for the role. I have been working as a fashion designer for 9 years and have a degree in textile design. It’s a pretty lengthy design project which in my opinion could easily take a full weeks work. I’ve copied the brief below. I know these types of projects are common in design but still it seems insane to be asked to devout this kind of time to unpaid labor in hopes of getting a job. What are your views on speculative work? Is it worth it or not worth it? I feel like it’s time that could be better spent on my paid freelance clients or continuing to apply elsewhere. Let me what you all think!

35 Comments

1. AnonymousAugust 27,2024 at 12:36PM UTC

   Sounds to me like this company is asking all of the applicants to do the same so they can poach your work and then not hire. This is a ridiculous request.

2. AnonymousAugust 27,2024 at 12:38PM UTC

   Understand, and if you're not willing to do their asks to be in consideration then pass, there are many who will find the time while looking to seek work. Looking for originality in speculative work, maybe they're thinking with 9 years of experience, you may have a "book" of visions that you're able to showcase with their specifics and they're not thinking this would be so taxing of an ask. It can also feel overwhelming I'm sure. good luck.

3. AnonymousAugust 27,2024 at 12:41PM UTC

   Do you work in design? What they have asked is certainly a week's worth of work and ludicrous....

4. AnonymousAugust 27,2024 at 2:14PM UTC

   Yes, very much so, with many more years than yourself. I see the concern, and when you look at other professions common asks are also daunting in other areas. Maybe in today's culture it is over the line. I get it. wish you well.

5. AnonymousAugust 27,2024 at 12:40PM UTC

   that's a ridiculous request. (my daughter has a degree in Arch and works in ID; she's also freelance)-- I know the hours my daughter spends on projects like this. Is this really a top notch firm and the competition is fierce? If not, I would take this as a bad bad sign. You might counter with "I'm currently working full time on other contract work- happy to submit some of my portfolios" or whatever-- but this is ridiculous. (my daughter did apply to one boutique firm that asked this- she did the work, got the job, and then they closed and laid her off 3 weeks before her due date with baby- in other words, it wasn't that great of a company). Good luck. Whoever designed this interview process is INEXPERIENCED. working people don't have time for this.

6. AnonymousAugust 28,2024 at 12:14AM UTC

   Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and your daughter’s story. I’m so sorry to hear that happened to her. I will definitely try your counter suggestion. I could understand if the project scope were smaller. I’ve been given mini assignments before earlier in my career. But they only took a couple of hours or so and were simply to demonstrate that you understood certain software and design principles. I agree a project that could easily take 40 hours in asking far too much.

7. AnonymousAugust 29,2024 at 12:39PM UTC

   absolutely. And being that we have a daughter with 10 years' experience and doing similar work, I've heard and seen it all with her. But 90% of the time, she is asked to bring a portfolio (she also has a site for her freelance stuff)-- pay attention to your gut on this one!

8. Jennifer ZiolkowskiAugust 27,2024 at 12:44PM UTC

   While it's not happened to me personally, I know at least 8 or 9 people who have run into similar situations and several have had their work (partially or nearly completely) show up in the client's portfolio after being turned down for the position.

   At least in advertising, I know that my associates will often offer a project they have already completed that includes all the elements as a way if demonstrating their skills while also keeping their work from being stolen.

   You could also request a flat rate for the work samples they're asking for since it would require significant prep and take time away from paying projects.

   Honestly if a company insisted that neither of those were options and you needed to do the work for free, is that somewhere you would even want to work?

9. AnonymousAugust 28,2024 at 12:28AM UTC

   Thanks for your advice! I should be able to find some similar textile work from my undergraduate book to share. I will also push back on the size of the request. And good question! You are absolutely right that a company who is unwilling to give a reasonably sized test or pay for the work isn’t an organization I’d want to be a part of.

10. AnonymousAugust 27,2024 at 12:59PM UTC

    Your instincts are spot on—they are asking for free work. As others have said, offer work you have already done or ask to be fairly compensated for your time. If they don’t accept either, this yellow flag turns bright red. This is a shoddy practice and could signal a poor work environment.

11. AnonymousAugust 27,2024 at 1:07PM UTC

    Thanks for reaching out. From my experience, employers that ask for you to do a project or complete homework as part of the process typically seems more applicable for creative jobs.

    That said, in every situation I've heard of, if it's a big project, you can push back - similar to what you noticed. Protect your time and your work. More often than not, I've noticed that these projects are typically a way for the company to make sure they're getting free consulting on market trends or free ideas.

    You're better off showing your portfolio or showing your process - with them, than creating something free.

    If you have time, you may wish to get advice from a copyright lawyer about what is covered/not covered in fashion. I wouldn't work for free for them.

    Good luck!

12. AnonymousAugust 27,2024 at 2:05PM UTC

    Get an attorney? Pay $500 an hour for them to tell you don’t do the work for free? Get real.

13. AnonymousAugust 28,2024 at 12:06AM UTC

    Thank you for sharing your experience! I will push back and refer back to my portfolio. Also saving the tactic for later because it seems more and more companies are asking for these projects. I can understand why they are common place, but the scope needs to be reasonable.

14. Kaytlyn TomassiAugust 27,2024 at 1:08PM UTC

    I’m sure there’s a nicer way to say it to them but something along the lines of “I don’t work without being paid”

    “for this type of project, I cannot afford the time to complete this without a paid contract in place” or some other answer. Like others have said. Typically companies that ask you to complete “homework” as part of the application process are just looking for applicants to do free work that they can then slap their name on and never call you again.

15. AnonymousAugust 27,2024 at 2:04PM UTC

    The OP doesn’t owe this potential employer any explanation of why they can’t do the work. How about “I’m not willing to do this work without a contract in place.”

16. ElizabethAugust 27,2024 at 1:20PM UTC

    Check labor laws with your labor dept. Most states, maybe federally, they are required to pay you for extensive "pre-hire" work. If you can't offer a similar work project and someone else suggested, and they don't have to pay, watermark your work and don't sign ANYTHING that says they own it without payment. If they push back....run, don't walk, away.

17. AnonymousAugust 28,2024 at 12:00AM UTC

    This is excellent advice. I will be sure to watermark anything if I can’t find some similar work in my archives.

18. AnonymousAugust 27,2024 at 1:35PM UTC

    Seasonal for

    fall? You think this might be for unpaid labor. Um yeah! Offer them your expertise at your normal rate and if they say no. Move on. Trust me working there you will fight for everything and money will be far less than you are worth. They do not respect your skills.

19. AnonymousAugust 27,2024 at 11:58PM UTC

    Thank you for responding. I too thought it was quite convenient to have applicants design a fall 25 collection at the same time brands would normally be designing their collections for this time next year.

20. AnonymousAugust 27,2024 at 2:19PM UTC

    I'd be cautious about sharing the brief verbatim on a public forum. If you do want this job and they see it, they'll probably know this was you asking.

    Do you have a portfolio of work? I'd politely refer them back to it, and just ask straightforward what the rate for this project is. Yeah, chances are they're not going to pay you for it, but worst case scenario is that you don't get a job with someone who undervalues your labor and you've planted the seed that it's unreasonable for them to ask this of applicants.

21. AnonymousAugust 27,2024 at 11:55PM UTC

    Thank you for the caution. I did change parts of the brief as to not give away the brand, but I didn’t even consider them being on this platform.

    Also I do have a portfolio consisting of my fashion design work. The hiring manager was concerned that wasn’t a ton of textile design work considering that has not been my career focus, but I offered to show her my undergraduate textile pieces and emphasized the years or transferable experience I have designing and developing clothing.

    I will heed your advice and appreciate you sharing your input!

22. AnonymousAugust 29,2024 at 1:00AM UTC

    Your portfolio should give enough including any textile designs you did in college. I’d bow out gracefully and find another opportunity. I think you mentioned you had clients. Focus on those then seek new clients. Keep us posted!

23. AnonymousAugust 29,2024 at 4:23PM UTC

    The other folks mentioning watermarking your work if you do choose to do this is a GREAT idea that I hadn't considered when I responded here initially. Your instincts are right, and so are others that are saying this is relatively common. If your instincts are telling you this is weird, though, then you're right! Follow your gut.

24. AnonymousAugust 27,2024 at 3:00PM UTC

    No! Your 9 year portfolio of successful projects is enough to get you hired. Don’t waste your time. By the way, I expect that any “homework “ you do becomes property of the company.

25. AnonymousAugust 27,2024 at 11:45PM UTC

    That is precisely how I feel. Thank you for sharing your perspective!

26. AnonymousAugust 28,2024 at 12:19AM UTC

    Yes, the images could be watermarked to make copying the patterns more difficult. It’s certainly worth considering. But someone who really wants to copy the work still could.

27. AnonymousAugust 28,2024 at 1:13PM UTC

    Protect your work! As so many others on this forum have stated often times pre-employment projects such as this "become the property of the company". This not only happens in artistically creative fields but in other types of creative fields such as computer coding. Please if they like you make sure to check all employment agreements for the clause above. Good Luck.

28. Rebecca MillikenAugust 28,2024 at 1:31PM UTC

    Personally, I would not do it. Are they going to keep the work when you're done? It seems like they just want to steal ideas from people. With your degree and experience you should not be giving intellectual property away for free.

    It's kind of gross that companies make someone who wants a job to work for free. If it were me I wouldn't continue down that road and I would even consider telling them exactly why. "I don't work for free and I don't give my ideas to people for free."

29. AnonymousAugust 28,2024 at 1:46PM UTC

    Why do I feel like they are using this "how would you..." as a way to help them with ideas for a project they are currently working on or will be working on. It's an easy way for companies to get free help/ideas without actually paying that person.

    I've been in corporate for over 25 years and have seen this type of hiring practice and I'm not about it. What you have outlined on what they are requesting you to do is a little bit shady. I would keep moving forward with your freelance clients AND continue applying elsewhere. Good luck on your future endeavors.

30. AnonymousAugust 28,2024 at 2:09PM UTC

    Pass. With your experience, they may be looking for free work.

    If you have you portfolio encrypted and watermarked I would offer that with your copyright if you have that.

31. Tahira Bhatti-McClureAugust 29,2024 at 12:27AM UTC

    I also think this is a pass this is all being done uncompensated - if you have previous projects to share do that. I know more than one creative whose spec projects were ultimately used for a project but were not hired.

32. Jen MooreAugust 29,2024 at 12:50PM UTC

    They are nuts tell them you will be happy to complete one of the tasks like pick the pillows and submit that Or just move on I think that’s absurd

33. AnonymousAugust 29,2024 at 3:32PM UTC

    If you do end up doing this watermark all of it and yours and propriety. I’ve been burned before by a large task like this. Company completely stole all of my marketing plan and collateral pieces I would’ve created with the messaging.

34. SarahAugust 29,2024 at 4:14PM UTC

    I am a creative manager and when hiring for a position on my team, I did ask for them to create a one pager to sell a product. It was to see their design expertise within the industry that they would be working. It was something that could take an hour or two or more depending on hard they wanted to work on it. Then I had them explain their thoughts behind what they did. It was very useful in hiring.

    This particular project is overboard for a tool in hiring.

    I would ask yourself, "How badly do I want this specific job?" If it's something you really want, then go for it. If it's not touching your soul, then let them know the amount of time it would take to complete a project like this and offer them two options.

    1. Pay you for your time based on your current rates.

    2. Give you a different assignment based on the number of hours you're willing to spend on it. (And give them the max amount of hours you're willing to complete an assignment.)

    If they won't be flexible, then you know to move on.

35. AnonymousSeptember 7,2024 at 1:43AM UTC

    I am an artist and have managed and worked in the creative industry for a little over 12 years.

    This happened to me during the hiring process of my last job. The process was similar to what you are describing. It was very lengthy and over the top for a position with very little pay. I was young , naive and just excited to have an opportunity where I would be paid doing what I love.

    I had three interviews before they hired me. During the second interview with the manager , she gave me a a few quizzes on color and asked me certain questions about color matching, then she had me work on a project out in the warehouse.

    It took literally the whole day. I was not paid.

    All this to say, giving you homework especially lengthy homework could be a warning sign of many problems.

    A few thing come to mind if they are asking you to do a project before they make their decision on whether or not to hire you.

    One, the hiring manager never considered the interviewer's time, value and other opportunities they may have lined up.

    They likely treat their employees the same.

    Two, they have not taken the time to do the research on how to conduct a formal and professional hiring process. They rather come up with something on their own, disregarding strategies that have been studied , proven and used by successful companies big and small.

    It maybe a sign of disfunction, shortsighted management and undervalued employees.

    Lastly, it could also be a sign they are working with very tight budgets. So this is their way of being "cautious" with who they hire.

    Hiring someone new is always a gamble no matter how strong a resume and portfolio appear.

    It sounds like a small company, and if so, it can be very pricey hiring someone new. And if they don’t work out- even more expensive.

    So there may be a very tight budget. And it is no fun to work under that type of pressure as a new employee. And believe me you will feel it.

    You’ve already done your part by getting the education, experience in your industry and then building a resume/portfolio to show it.

    Be very careful with the popular belief “small companies are better”, often they are are worse.

    That has just been my experience.

    Best of luck!