While I was away a few weeks ago, I made the mistake of Buffering a tweet.
Not just any tweet.
After all, Buffering a tweet is usually a good idea.
The problem was, it was a question and I wasn’t going to be around to follow-up properly.
#FAIL
The Secret Project
A few of the ChurchMag Staff Writers and myself have put together a bit of a secret project (secret for now, anyway).
Everyone has chipped in time, energy, resources, and talent.
The entire venture was born out of a brainstorm and everyone involved have been willing to volunteer their time and just “see what happens.” For all good and purposes, it’s a bootstrapped venture you could say.
There are no investors, no funding, or any kind of revenue. If the project ever turns a dime, everyone involved will be rewarded accordingly. Since the thought of putting together a logo came up, I decided to put the word out:
Any designers out there who would be interested in volunteering to create a logo for us? It's a secret project. 😀
— ChurchMag (@ChurchMag) February 13, 2015
I clearly neglected to say anything about being a ‘bootstrapped’ type of venture—perhaps I should have. In no way was I looking for a “freebie.” After all, anything that ChurchMag has ever done pays those involved as best to its ability.
Like everyone else who have invested themselves into the project will find a reward if it ever becomes something.
Nothing venture, nothing gained?
The Response
The response wasn’t anything I had hoped.
In fact, I was a little surprised:
@churchmag Seriously? Come on now- pay people for work they do, even if it's bartering or trade. A logo is worth that small investment 🙂
— Emily Mills (@emily_a_mills) February 13, 2015
Funny thing, I completely agree.
The Conclusion
Emily got me thinking about how many churches and ministries use and abuse talented graphic artists, versus churches and ministries who bless them.
Graphic artists, designers, and any other creatives who willing decide to offer their services free of charge or at a reduced rate are great.
The opposite can and should be said of churches and ministries.
Those organizations who pay fair market value (or maybe more for an exceptional job well done?) can be a real blessing to the creatives working for them—and shouldn’t that be the norm? Shouldn’t talented designers like Emily be valued by churches and ministries more than any of her other clients? I would hope so, but I am suspect that that isn’t the norm.
In the case of ChurchMag’s tweet, it was too vague and lacked the proper details for anyone to fully understand what we—rather, me—were asking. Had things been explained in more detail, I presume the reaction would have been different.
In regards to most churches and ministries, however, I strongly recommend that you don’t try to get yourself a free logo.
Kiefer Likens says
I would have and still would love to help you guys out with some design work!
Hit me up if you want some help!
Eric Dye says
Cool! Do you have a portfolio or anything?
Kiefer Likens says
Yeah….
http://www.brandwithred.com/
http://ywcaalex.org/
http://steubenvillesouth.com/
http://www.cityofalexandriala.com/
http://www.louisianamudfest.com/
http://www.royomartin.com/
http://www.lacollege.edu/
http://www.lasallegeneralhospital.com/
http://www.englandairpark.org/
http://www.magictoursnola.com/
http://www.themightychurch.com
http://www.maclube.com/
http://www.thewalkingwounded.us/
http://www.chadstercker.com/blog
http://www.rppj.com/
http://www.electmajure.com/
http://www.kbisp.com/
For Graphic Design & Photography
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spoons-Frozen-Yogurt
http://www.facebook.com/thekieferlikens
http://www.facebook.com/applepierepiaralex
http://www.facebook.com/applepierepair
http://www.facebook.com/themightychurch
http://www.facebook.com/electdonmajure
Eric Dye says
Nice. 😀 Let me shoot you an email.
Emily says
Well, first, I think it would have been nice if someone had let me know I would be mentioned here! 🙂
(I realize everything I post online is public and fair game, but still…)
Second, I totally agree on everything said here, and I was surprised about the tweet and wondered if there was more to it that wasn’t elaborated upon. I agree that it’s awesome when designers decide to use their valuable time for good causes and projects for a great discount or for free. It’s their right to do so. And, I also agree that too many churches and ministries take advantage and ask for things for free, which robs the designer of being generous. Jon Acuff has a great blog post on the matter. Keep up the good work, and good luck on the project!
Eric Dye says
True, true. Generosity always wins out. 🙂