Fashion

What do you do when a company you’re excited about asks for a big unpaid assignment as part of the hiring process?

Like, you don’t want to say no and lose the chance... but also, it’s actual work. Time, thought, and creativity—all of it. And no guarantee of anything in return, no compensation, and no security of your ideas. 

It’s not easy to draw boundaries when the opportunity feels big. But our time does have value—even when we’re applying. So as a designer, how do you approach such instances?

It’s a freaking joke and sadly a common exploitative tactic in the fashion industry. 

It is in fact so common that when I asked AI about it suggested you should feel “excited and motivated,” which is frustrating and signifies how distorted the professional world can be.

I know jobs are not easy to come bye these days but would suggest you negotiate terms to stand your ground yet not lose the opportunity!

I am happy to help 💞