I've closed this thread although I was tempted to delete it. We do not permit requests for free or paid work on this forum.
Asking here for advice on something you are designing yourself is permissible. Asking for tenders or free design work, or even setting up a competition is against the spirit and rules of this particular forum.
As a professional designer myself, I'm only too aware of others' feelings in regards to no-spec work...
however, as a tip to any up and coming talent, doing pro-bono work, especially for non-profit organisations, charities and community groups is an excellent way to develop your skills, your portfolio, your client relationships and contribute something back to your community, especially at grassroots level.
Even though I'm in my mid-40s and have been designing for over 20 years, and have paid work, I still do the occasional work for small charities. Just this afternoon, I've set up a contract for pro-bono work to produce an annual report for a small Quaker group here in London. Because I'm providing my time for free, from brief through to print management, this kind of project gives me greater creative scope to push the edges of a brief and print budget instead of being at beck and call of the client. It is also extremely useful for making contacts and providing references. Pro-bono work I've done in the past has opened doors for paid work down the line, so don't dismiss it out of hand.
I never do free work for clients who have money.
