Don’t Design the 25th Identity of space150

I’m not a stubborn man and I am not too proud to take back something I have said. Your opinions on the subject of the space150 identity contest do matter to me and I don’t take them for granted. What I already said is how I feel about this specific case, but I don’t have to make everyone see things the same way, especially when it comes to such firecracker subject like spec work and even more so when I don’t even feel that passionate in favor of it in comparison to how most of you feel against it with every right and reason. Over the past years we have run our share of contests (on Speak Up specifically) and I can say first-hand that not everyone does things with bad intentions, so every now and then I am willing to give someone the benefit of the doubt as I did in this case. I apologize to anyone that felt let down by our support of the contest and let me emphasize that I value our industry’s time and creativity as much as everyone who expressed their concerns. To put an end to this matter, if you will graciously accept it as such — and if not, well, there is not much more I can do — we will not be following the contest on Brand New or FPO and will no longer encourage your participation. The post from yesterday will remain up with an update at the bottom for future reference. If this apology makes me look like a wuss conforming to public pressure I can tell you I prefer that over appearing as a an a**hole — which I am not, I’m, like, totally nice.

John McCollum’s comment is:

Kudos, man.

On Dec.16.2009 at 02:56 PM

Reader’s comment is:

Wuss.

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:00 PM

Armin’s comment is:

A**hole ; )

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:02 PM

Efren’s comment is:

Well said. You just made BrandNew more valuable.

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:02 PM

Ben Swift’s comment is:

Don’t you mean Cmd - Q? :P

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:07 PM

NW’s comment is:

I thought the conversation was insightful. It showed that the morality of Spec-Work isn’t always black and white, sometimes there’s gray.

I’m sad that you’ve decided to proclaim the opposite of the original, when in fact your first post should have been not an endorsement, but an announcement, and an opportunity to understand the gray area in between.

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:12 PM

Katie’s comment is:

Apparently, you can’t win for losing, Armin.

And you are, like, totally nice. Kudos.

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:20 PM

Yikes.’s comment is:

Y’all are a touchy bunch. If you didn’t like it, you should have just kept moving instead of trying to push your personal brand of politics with regard to your field. Not everyone sees spec-work the same as you do.

Armin, I think you went a bit too far telling people to forget the contest and to not enter at all. You simply announced something that some people might like; just because the vocal minority got their collective panties in a bunch doesn’t mean it was a bad idea for all involved.

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:20 PM

db’s comment is:

Fail.

Way to let a bunch of jerks push you around Armin. Stand up for what you believe. If you like the contest then post it. If these people don’t like it, they don’t have to participate.

I, for one, was excited about this contest and thought it was really cool that you posted it.

You people that were upset about this need to get a life.

db

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:22 PM

Tom’s comment is:

Next blog up, “Perhaps Design the 25th Identity of space150”. New here, and this blog already seems too conformist and fickle for me.

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:24 PM

D’s comment is:

Bland New. You just killed everything that made Brand New cool.

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:28 PM

Andrew’s comment is:

You just ruined Christmas! *sobs*

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:33 PM

Jef’s comment is:

Without going into how I feel about the controversy at hand, I’ll say I like this post. Nice that Brand New considers it’s readers and is not afraid to re-assess it’s own positions if presented with compelling arguments. Wish more things in the world worked like that.

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:33 PM

Erwin’s comment is:

Thank you Armin for clearing this up, and thank you in the first place for starting what was a great discussion yesterday! I learned more than any book on the subject could ever teach me! Reading all those different opinions was a valuable experience.

It was wrong to promote the contest, but it’s great you corrected your mistake, I forgive you! I sure hope you didn’t lose any sleep last night! ;)

Thanks and cheerio!

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:35 PM

Erwin’s comment is:

Maybe it’s best if we’d stop giving space150 any more free publicity and move on to the next (re)brand ASAP! ;)

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:39 PM

Nate Jones’s comment is:

BTW, go get your I Heat Command Z shirt from http://vonroxy.com. Love it. Actually have mine on today.

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:48 PM

BlueEyedPeas’s comment is:

A commendable decision; NOT BECAUSE Armin is not entitled to his opinion, no one else here deserves more respect than Armin, period. ‘Under Consideration’ is his domain, and it is his passion and devotion that keeps this blog alive.

What’s admirable is the respect bestowed upon us the readers (or participants if you will); the conviction and realization that “Brand New” thrives on the pulse of its community who no one wishes to alienate.

This is home.

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:49 PM

Brian’s comment is:

yep sell out to public opinion. wuss

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:51 PM

Alice Baldwin’s comment is:

I am definitely against the original posting of this spec work. And yes, I believe it is spec work and all spec work is the same. (for those who say it is an opportunity, you can make your own opportunities, you don’t need a “prize” like this)

BUT Armin, I don’t think you should discourage people from entering the contest after you originally encouraged it. If you believe it is ok/good for people to enter this particular contest, say it. Stick to your guns. I would really feel better about considering your opinions in the future if you didn’t change your mind because of some negative comments from random internet douchebags.

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:52 PM

Dusty’s comment is:

Ftw’s opinions!

On Dec.16.2009 at 03:56 PM

awesomerobot’s comment is:

Don’t worry, no matter how much you look like an asshole, we the readers will out do you.

On Dec.16.2009 at 04:01 PM

Andrew’s comment is:

Dear graphic designers, welcome to what its like to be a young architect. Why not take a page from Rem Koolhaas and enter the competition with a submission that protests its premise?

On Dec.16.2009 at 04:06 PM

Kyle Fletcher’s comment is:

For once was looking forward to Armin’s writing - not his ability to post other companies new and old logos in a simple and consistent setting. The “gray area” of spec work seems a hot design news topic and missed opportunity not to follow. Disappointment.

On Dec.16.2009 at 04:12 PM

Joseph’s comment is:

Commendable Armin, I for one am happy you made this decision. Happy holidays to everyone at Brand New. Remember it’s not about forcing politics he didn’t conform he took criticism and made his own decision. You gained back this reader. I thoroughly enjoy your writing and am happy to see this community voice it’s opinion. People are reading it all over the country… and world. And it does matter.

On Dec.16.2009 at 04:15 PM

Mr. T’s comment is:

You can’t please all the people all of the time. Ultimately, this blog is your voice, your opinion. If people don’t like it, they can go read another blog.

On Dec.16.2009 at 04:30 PM

Marcelo’s comment is:

“You just ruined Christmas!”

And, perhaps, my whole 2010. Why, armin, why?!

On Dec.16.2009 at 04:37 PM

JaySticLe’s comment is:

What? That’s totally idiotic. Why listen to what a small minority says when you should listen to the large majority?

Or am I just confused?

On Dec.16.2009 at 04:44 PM

Joseph (not the same one from a few posts up)’s comment is:

Wow, Armin.

Katie nailed it. Apparently you can’t win for losing. Endorse the contest, and you get slammed. Retract that endorsement, and you get slammed.

awesomerobot was also right on the money. No matter what a blog writer does to piss people off that may look him/her look like an asshole, the blog readers will always out do it.

I love Brand New, even if they do occasionally miss the mark (as with this contest).

On Dec.16.2009 at 04:45 PM

Jessy Ventura’s comment is:

You all realize that this was a setup. A real WWE style strategy to get you all in here flapping your gums and spouting off about spec work. Well done, gentlemen.

On Dec.16.2009 at 04:55 PM

Manny’s comment is:

Armin you have big cohonies.

I tip my hat to you sir.

On Dec.16.2009 at 05:04 PM

RussellUresti’s comment is:

I’d rather be an asshole than a panderer. This is pretty disappointing, Armin. I can respect people who stand up for their opinions, but not those who cower before disapproval.

On Dec.16.2009 at 05:06 PM

FMajeur’s comment is:

I think I respect you more after this post——not that I was for or against this whole idea. You do seem like a nice guy and the Ctrl-Z is very nice. It’s not a big deal in the end.

On Dec.16.2009 at 05:06 PM

Kári Emil’s comment is:

I actually started drawing a logo for them and I’m gonna enter if I manage to finish it. I really need something designy to do over my winter break from school and I’m not getting a job for this short amount of time in this economy.

On Dec.16.2009 at 05:23 PM

Mark Johnson’s comment is:

Armin what a champ. You put up with a lot of crap from a lot of people for that post. Your support for/against spec doesn’t really make me like or hate you, its your opinion and either way it’s valid. Its just too bad that you have to act like a representative for spec work, and then when you change your mind people treat you like John Kerry. I still think you’re reasonable and kudos for addressing the issue I still think you’re a nice guy.

On Dec.16.2009 at 05:26 PM

Impossibly Stupid’s comment is:

You are awesome, Armin! Those “Minnesota nice” jerk150 people could take a lesson from you!

On Dec.16.2009 at 06:02 PM

Seth’s comment is:

I can’t believe the whining and immaturity resulting from the original post but I’m disappointed in the retraction. You are NEVER going to please everybody and controversy makes for a much more interesting discussion (what fun would it be if everyone agreed with everyone all the time?).

I won’t be entering the contest but I learned about a company and a branding strategy that I wasn’t aware of and, as a regular reader of this blog, that is good enough for me. And for those readers who said they would never read again due to ONE POST, trust me you are better off. For the rational majority of your readers, you would have to do a lot worse than the aforementioned post.

On Dec.16.2009 at 06:10 PM

Impossibly Stupid’s comment is:

@Kári Emil

I really need something designy to do over my winter break from school and I’m not getting a job for this short amount of time in this economy.

You can do free work for me! No contest to win, no discarding your hard work in the spring, and I’ll give you all the cold weather you want by simply not flying you away from NYC! You can easily see that my ImpossiblyStupid logo sucks, so come up with anything you’d like and I’ll kick it up there, guaranteed.

I have many other non-contests for all you people who just want to give away free work. For example, I’m not doing anything with DomainArigato yet, so anyone who wants to crank out a brand/identity “for practice” or “for their portfolio” is welcome to send me anything related to robots or Japan (or really just about anything) and I’ll put it up with a link back to you. And if more people actually do that than enter the space150 contest …

On Dec.16.2009 at 06:28 PM

Lane’s comment is:

I second Erwin’s comment

Erwin’s comment is:
Maybe it’s best if we’d stop giving space150 any more free publicity and move on to the next (re)brand ASAP! ;)

I mean Fedex just dropped Kinko’s! The sky is falling. The sky is falling.

On Dec.16.2009 at 06:53 PM

Alex C.’s comment is:

Armin for 2012! He knows when to pull out!

On Dec.16.2009 at 06:56 PM

Speclicious’s comment is:

Just for the record.

Armin….

You are pro or anti spect work?
or the kinda a**hole middle of the ground?

Just to clarify….

Discalimer. according the free speech act this comment is solely the free expresion of the poster, if removed, the holder of the blog must
violate his rights, even if he say that reserve the right to remove any comment that he consider inappropiate or unnecessary.

Disclaimer2. The poster of the comment have not received any free sample, meal, money or sleep with anyone related to the comment above posted

On Dec.16.2009 at 07:10 PM

Josh’s comment is:

Armin - I’m kind of disappointed that you’ve let the readers dictate your actions, but as the owner of a brand yourself, sometimes you have to redirect course when a PR nightmare hits. I live in a constant shade of gray (Andy Rutledge would hate me, but I still like Andy) and unlike some of your “dedicated” readers your decision doesn’t affect my perception of what your core brand is. Delivering insightful and intelligent design conversations, spectacles and work. No boycott will come forth.

I’m fairly sure having some of the savviest designers on the block on staff at Space150, this whole debacle probably came up. But if they have to do the work for free (as most agency can’t charge themselves), they might as well offer up the chance for someone else to. You never know what could come of that.

And to the fellow that ripped MPLS in the original post. Where you representing at? Junior college, thats what I thought.

On Dec.16.2009 at 07:40 PM

Courtny Cotten’s comment is:

Still gonna do it. Sounds like fun and I’m on vacation.

On Dec.16.2009 at 07:57 PM

John’s comment is:

…will someone please shut the door on the cry room in here? I can’t here myself think for all the screaming, snotting, blubbering self-righteousness that’s gone to 11.

On Dec.16.2009 at 07:57 PM

Courtny Cotten’s comment is:

@John hahaha you said it brother

On Dec.16.2009 at 07:59 PM

ondrej’s comment is:

the more i read, the less i see the point in all of this. is this really happening just because few people like everybody to know that they are proud of being designers and nobody is going to treat them the way that world has been treating architecs for a loooong long time…?
go use some fresh air, people and think about something that’s really important.

On Dec.16.2009 at 08:18 PM

Rx’s comment is:

this topic should be locked to comments.

On Dec.16.2009 at 09:06 PM

John’s comment is:

Man, that’s embarrassing. “Here” should be “hear.” Like, duh.

On Dec.16.2009 at 10:53 PM

unfunction’s comment is:

Since when did this become a blog about debating senseless design politics? I must have missed that memo…

Whether you agree with spec work or not, I think it’s fair to call this what it is - a contest. Assuming otherwise is like saying the Snuggie is bringing down the integrity of the blanket industry. There’s really no relation. Here are my quick thoughts:

Spec work will only get larger and more saturated - it’s inevitable, just look at 99 Designs. I’ve worked for companies and dabbled in freelance, but I love spec work. Why? Because it keeps me on my toes. I would rather compete with worldwide competition in order to think better and execute faster. I don’t care about the money. I only do it because I already assume I’m outdated and I need to know why. I’m not entitled to anything more than what I actually produce, and neither are you. Sure, spec work may flood the market with questionable quality and ethics, but it is now our job to reinvent the industry and make it better. Sitting around and complaining about it makes us no different than the auto industry whining about outsourcing. “Dey tooook ouuuurrrr jooooooooooobs!” Listen, the cream always rises. Really talented people will get noticed one way or another, and the rest will vanish into obscurity. Being cheated out of one contest isn’t going to ruin the economy or their careers. And winning one doesn’t open a golden road of opportunity. The smart ones will take it for what it is and move on. Who cares if it’s an agency gimmick? That’s what you call good marketing. If this makes you mad, then I can’t wait to see the look on your faces in five years. Is www.no-spec.com still going to be around then? Everything is a learning experience. Everything is NOT about getting paid for your oh-so-valuable time. Spec work has its market and its growing. Now the clients really worth fighting for are becoming scarce. So it’s up to you to constantly reinvent yourself within a new industry. Nothing is taken away from you, you just haven’t earned it. And if you are hesitant in competing with others based on a free prize, then it shows you’re not so confident about your work. Don’t ignore the future. Did someone move your cheese?

Armin, you are a nice guy, a really nice guy. And you do a wonderful job delivering content that we all enjoy. It’s a shame that sometimes people can be blinded by the short term gain, as opposed to the long term rewards. It’s tough to find a middle ground that will please your entire audience. So I disagree with your last post. Blogging is about delivering content with no apologies. Thank you for putting the contest out there. It will be good practice.

On Dec.16.2009 at 10:56 PM

A NAIVE AND GULLIBLE STUDENT WHO WILL BE TRICKED INTO SLAVE LABOR WITH NO REAL REWARDS’s comment is:

sorry.. I just had to.

On Dec.16.2009 at 11:01 PM

pu’s comment is:

no one is forcing anyone to do spec work. what ever that is.

so why would you need to apologize?

On Dec.16.2009 at 11:06 PM

Virginia’s comment is:

@ A NAIVE AND GULLIBLE STUDENT WHO WILL BE TRICKED INTO SLAVE LABOR WITH NO REAL REWARDS:

LOL! Thanks! You made my day and made it worth scrolling all the way down to the bottom through all those nasty comments.

It’s simple: BRAND NEW represents the BEST of the Graphic Design industry. SPEC WORK represents the very WORST of the profession.

Here’s a real-life, (hilarious) everyday Spec Work Example. We’ve all been there: http://www.27bslash6.com/p2p.html

I did a lot of spec work as a student. I really loved it. I don’t regret it. I got to art-direct myself and I have some killer portfolio pieces because of it. Those pieces have landed me great jobs.

Spec work is fun, exciting and educational until you reach a certain plateau in your career and don’t need to or have time to participate or you may begin to see the familiar pattern of abuse. (See link above).
I’d prefer that BN stays on the high road. The commentary and critique here are high-brow (for internet forum standards) and are what keep me coming back every day. I’m sure I’m not alone.

By the way, Armin, you can get your very own Cmd+Z shirt here:
http://www.bignifty.com/featured/i-heart-undo.html

On Dec.17.2009 at 12:15 AM

shiftklick’s comment is:

Fellas are sad now.

On Dec.17.2009 at 12:42 AM

sanjay’s comment is:

If he apologises, people have issues here. If he doesn’t apologise, still they have issues. Let it rest as just a post in a blog. Armin, go boy!!!

On Dec.17.2009 at 12:47 AM

Rio’s comment is:

Hey, dummies;

I heard asking a whole bunch of artists to design you an identity for free, with the fact that you’ll USE their design as compensation for the work, is appropriate, mature, and decent.

Oh, I also heard that doing free identity work for a design firm that can neither make their own nor pay someone to make one for them is truly an effective springboard to bigger and brighter career options.

ROFL.

Props to Armin and this blog for doing the right thing. Will be a subscriber for a long time, I can see.

On Dec.17.2009 at 12:51 AM

shachar’s comment is:

Hey, never commented before but this ideological debate is I think well worth the trouble.
I think JMK’s little cartoon from the previous post is pretty accurate point for the discussion and perhaps the whole point of it - a designer with a good portfolio, experience and client base has nothing to do in such a competition and can pass on it and even pass critique on it.
How ever, as Armin himself pointed out in his comments - practice is key. Even a Tattoo artist has to work his way up - would you lend your arm / chest / back / pubes for a tattoo artist that has no proven work, no proven skill, and PAY FOR IT?? The answer is probably - no.
As in everything in life, you weigh in the pros and cons of everything - even a paying job can be un-worthy of the time and effort put in to it. Sometimes, a non-paying job can be well worth the time, bring in more work in the future and better YOU as a designer.

So, please, stop with all the prude, self-justifying bull-crap and get on with it. It’s a competition and an opportunity and if I was in a different place, in a different time, I would jump on the opportunity.

Well done Armin for posting the previous post, not so well done for running away like a little girl, but highly respectful :)

On Dec.17.2009 at 02:27 AM

Benjamin Martinek’s comment is:

Poor Armin …

On Dec.17.2009 at 03:02 AM

Stephanie’s comment is:

The level of whining and self-righteousness going on in this post and the previous one makes me once again question my decision to be a graphic designer. Get over yourselves people, and find something better to do than whine about the fact that a design firm is having a contest.

On Dec.17.2009 at 04:48 AM

MSGDS’s comment is:

just simply, thank you Armin.

On Dec.17.2009 at 07:43 AM

PG’s comment is:

Correct me if I’m wrong, it looks like the majority of the posters that are in favor of that “contest” seem to be students or just starting out in the field, thus, probably have no experience or a strong understanding of why spec work is bad for the industry. I can guarantee your views will change once you become more seasoned.

And Armin, props for CMD+Z-ing. Those who think Armin is a wuss for this post are probably assholes in real life ;)

On Dec.17.2009 at 08:02 AM

unfunction’s comment is:

“it looks like the majority of the posters that are in favor of that “contest” seem to be students or just starting out in the field…”

You’re right, and those who are against it are too old and overqualified. I think experience will tell you that spec work is optional. You don’t have to do it. There is an industry for high quality, long term and very involved projects.. and there is another industry for quick-run, low quality and shady spec work. One does not influence another. It’s like assuming that fake Rolex’s sold on street corners will contaminate the prestigious Rolex business. Bad clients deserve bad work. Let it be. And the more attention you give spec work business, the more you validate its existence. Just educate the young ones about it and move on. It’s their choice if they want to do it or not. You can’t save every “sucker” out there.

On Dec.17.2009 at 08:26 AM

George’s comment is:

I don’t know where to start and don’t know if I should. Talk about spinning our wheels and going no where!

I just wanted to thank Armin for both posts and for the exposure of both sides to this dilemma. Had he not posted the competition in the first place, the debate would not have sprung up. If he had not posted the withdrawal, the two sides would not have been shown as clearly. So, thank you Armin, for spawning a debate that has shed much light both on the spec work process, its pros and cons, and the professionalism v. immaturity of the industry.

And “PG,” as a student, I do get your point. But isn’t that the point of being a student? My opinions, methods, and practices are still being formed. As is my portfolio. I won’t be entering the contest due to senior thesis but, until my views change when I “become more seasoned,” it seems like a good opportunity for students.

My apologies for perpetuating this debate any further.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a new post!

On Dec.17.2009 at 08:52 AM

Warm’s comment is:

Takes guts and brains to publicly reconsider your position. Good for you Armin.

On Dec.17.2009 at 09:26 AM

Josev’s comment is:

“The level of whining and self-righteousness going on in this post and the previous one makes me once again question my decision to be a graphic designer. “

Design is (was once) a thinking profession. With your logic maybe it’s better for us if you leave the profession.

On Dec.17.2009 at 09:37 AM

Dennis Van Staalduinen’s comment is:

Armin, I was excited to see that you were covering this contest and was looking forward to your thoughtful commentary and impartial / independent critique - because after all that’s what this site is all about.

But I was dismayed to see the level of over-wrought dogmatic vitriol being flung about, as if discussing the thing automatically implied support for it. Now granted, perhaps the tone of your initial post was a touch boosterish. So maybe do a mea culpa on that, promise to use more neutral language and move on.

But please retract your retraction! Contests, open design jams, and even spec work are, and will continue to be, a growing facet of the design landscape and much important and influential work will be created using these vehicles. And fair, balanced coverage from smart insiders is what’s needed, not group-think orthodoxy.

(BTW, you’re not a wuss. I get your decision. I just don’t agree - see comment on “independent thought” above).

On Dec.17.2009 at 09:41 AM

horace’s comment is:

“But please retract your retraction!”

…Re-tard.
(pronunciation from “The Hangover”)

On Dec.17.2009 at 11:09 AM

Wow’s comment is:

Absolutely embarrassing if you ask me.

Space 150 was doing a public service and changing up an almost 10 year tradition in letting the public decide their next identity. To retract your opinion because you have a bunch of senseless artists fighting the entire “spec-work” game is not only embarrassing to yourself, but detrimental to your blog entirely. Space could have easily had one of their talented designers take the reigns - or even an intern for that matter. To take back your opinion because you’ve upset a bunch of low-grade, hipster artists is really disappointing. Stand up for what you believe in. It’s not like Space is pulling a “KDU” scheme where they send out a mass email to a bunch of talented young artists willing to work with big name clients. No. They are throwing out a great opportunity that will give the right person in the right situation a chance to have fun… which is ultimately what design is lacking these days.

On Dec.17.2009 at 11:50 AM

Dennis Van Staalduinen’s comment is:

Thanks for your thoughtful contribution Horace. For brilliant content like that, and the obvious mental energy you expended to write it, I just hope you got paid.

If not, perhaps you should be aware of this site:

www.trolls-on-spec.com

On Dec.17.2009 at 12:50 PM

Hibryd’s comment is:

Oh, good lord, THIS is why people think designers are insufferable prima-donnas.

I’m with Stephanie. Get over yourselves! It’s a design contest to wrangle free work out of people willing to provide it, so what? We’re just designers! We’re not inventing medicine or exploring the stars or furthering human development! We organize information into pretty things and get people’s attention and try to make them act. But what we are doing is not noble or sacred or even necessary. The world would exist just fine without us.

If people want to work for free, and if people want to take advantage of that, fine. If companies don’t want or need top notch design (and as the comments here routinely prove, no one can agree on what that even is), they should be able to trade exposure for work. But have some dignity and stop pretending that this hurts the oh-so-grand “profession”.

On Dec.17.2009 at 12:57 PM

Tom Hughes’s comment is:

Your voice and standards matter quite a bit to me. I think the issue is more whether you want to be a conduit for design contests or a more credible observer and commentator of brand identity. I appreciate and commend your decision.

On Dec.17.2009 at 01:03 PM

Katie’s comment is:

@ unfunction:

That is a great comment. Everyone should read it.

On Dec.17.2009 at 01:17 PM

Andrew Klein’s comment is:

done and done…

On Dec.17.2009 at 01:24 PM

NicKLAUS’s comment is:

Let it go people. Who cares about anti or pro-spec work. Its a logo blog about LOGOS not morals and crap relating to morals. We frequent this blog to talk about logos and re-brands. Its nice to break away from that once in a while; unfortunately, there appears to be a lot of douchebaggery going on with the shots at Armin and his ability to say what he wants. If people want to be cynical, then go to the bar and pick a fight or something and stop hiding behind your words. Especially you “Speclicious”. If you invested as much time into useful things in your life as you have at attempting to call out Armin, you’d probably still be annoying, but at least you’d have something to be proud of. But instead to sit here awaiting a chance to use big words and pretend stuff on the internet. If you don’t like what Armin has to offer, then do everyone the pleasure of leaving. Trust me, we won’t miss you. And quit with that pitifull “disclaimer” crap you keep adding to every one of your posts. If you need to hide behind a disclaimer, then maybe you should rethink your angles or just keep the useless things that you have to say, to yourself. Quit being the guy that everyone hates.

And to you Armin, kudos to speaking your mind and I’m sure you’re a better man than most of these cynics.

On Dec.17.2009 at 02:03 PM

Rx’s comment is:

Andrew, mine is better

On Dec.17.2009 at 02:18 PM

Chris W’s comment is:

Back to regularly scheduled programming…

On Dec.17.2009 at 02:45 PM

Impossibly Stupid’s comment is:

Well, if Andrew and Rx are just going to give away their work here, I guess I will, too:

“                                                                                                                                            ”

Count ‘em!

On Dec.17.2009 at 03:25 PM

AR’s comment is:

I had no idea so many bored pricks read this blog.

Sorry you had to deal with that, Armin. Maybe next time you can just write your blog and leave the naysayers to their intellectual masturbation.

On Dec.17.2009 at 03:26 PM

Oisin’s comment is:

Just looked like a simple bit of fun to me so it’s sad to see that it turned into such a big issue. Armin, I’m not judging you on retracting the contest - but I would have told all the nay-sayers to just fuck off. But then I’m not a ‘people person’, according to my doctor anyway.

On Dec.17.2009 at 03:27 PM

Impossibly Stupid’s comment is:

Also, let me point out that my version is extra special because it allows them to highlight an individual space with a _ or use a | separator to progressively mark each day the identity ages. That way they can print up new material every single day instead of only throwing things away after 5 months.

On Dec.17.2009 at 03:30 PM

obse.’s comment is:

I hope Space150 never hire any of the idiots who thought their work was SO worthy that it should never be seen as a free collab with a prestigious studio.

Keep uploading your crap to Behance and pray for some magic wizard to discover it and pay you a million dollars for using it with ALL THE CREDIT you deserve! Losers…

Pfff

PS: I can’t believe how people can screw a great opportunity and turn it into a selfish egocentric stupid discussion about how great is the work they make and how much money they should earn for doing it.

What ever happened to passion?

On Dec.17.2009 at 03:37 PM

obse.’s comment is:

Oh! And shouldn’t it be ?+Z?
I mean, plus, not minus.

Anyway…

On Dec.17.2009 at 03:40 PM

unfunction’s comment is:

@ Impossibly Stupid

Your kerning is off.

On Dec.17.2009 at 04:01 PM

cj’s comment is:

Armin, you rock.

On Dec.17.2009 at 04:22 PM

Stephanie’s comment is:

I suspect if I had to work with you, Josev, I would leave the profession. Just as I said it, whining and self-righteous, as if no one but designers “think.”

On Dec.17.2009 at 06:03 PM

PG’s comment is:

@George

You can still build your portfolio and brush up on your skills as a student, but there are better alternatives than spec work, e.g., pro bono, that wedding invite for your good friend, etc. If you want money, pick up some freelance projects. The premise behind spec work is shady and unethical. Why contribute to that when you can put your energy and skills into something that is far more positive.

Moving on… people thinking it’s silly for us designers to wig out about spec work probably don’t know the meaning of “passion”. Graphic Design is a professional service that requires, for starters, some schooling (or self-teaching) and often times a degree. Just like how people take doctors and lawyers seriously, the same should be applied to graphic designers. Just because it looks “easier” to draw a circle and add some letters than checking if a patient has the flu, doesn’t mean graphic design isn’t any less of a legitimate profession.

That said… @Hibryd, we’re NOT “just designers”. We’re much more than that! You’re right, “we’re not inventing medicine, exploring the stars or furthering human development,” but what we do is JUST AS IMPORTANT and if you don’t think so then you might want to consider an alternative career. Organizing “information into pretty things to get people’s attention and try to make them act” might not seem much to you or the average Joe, but it’s definitely not a bunch of monkeys just punching buttons on a computer. Don’t fake the funk with design. If you think what we do everyday isn’t anything special, then please, leave the work to us dedicated and passionate PROFESSIONALS.

On Dec.17.2009 at 06:10 PM

shiftklick’s comment is:

Hey @Rx, if you put some lens flare, reflections and gloss it would be perfect. Can’t get enough of gloss.

On Dec.17.2009 at 07:29 PM

shiftklick’s comment is:

@Impossibly Stupid’s concept is awesome. But I agree with @unfunction - your kerning is definitely off.

On Dec.17.2009 at 07:55 PM

shiftklick’s comment is:

…but nothing beats a rainbow-gradient powered comic sans. @Andrew Klein wins.

On Dec.17.2009 at 08:06 PM

Don Kelly’s comment is:

Andrew you forgot the drop shadow and lens flare.

I’m wondering what SPace 150 is thinking (if at all) about this little contest, they probably thought was a good idea, getting so many people’s hackles up pro and con.

I might enter it… MIGHT. If i have nothing to do and if an idea occurs to me while I’m doing the stuff I really do get paid for..which by the way is about as uncreative graphic design as anything. Which is why I refer to myself as a graphics grunt.

But I digress.

I see it as a nice chance to stretch a little and let the self editing part of me take a rest and do something I think is cool..if it works..dandy. If it doesn’t all I would have missed is the time I would have spent watching some tv anyway.

On Dec.18.2009 at 08:35 AM

Brian’s comment is:

Ugh, when did this site start attracting all of these YouTube-like commenters? Space 150 presents an opportunity for a young designer to work without constraints and possibly have their work printed (with seemingly no limit to the production budget—good luck getting that chance with a paying client these days) and a bunch of anonymous experts jump on the ‘spec work’ bandwagon and start crying foul.

8 or 10 years ago I would have jumped at this unique opportunity. I used to do stuff like this all the time, and some of it lead to great career opportunities and bolstered my portfolio — even it never ‘won’ or got produced.

Also, Armin doesn’t deserve this shit-storm of vitriol. I love the sites that he runs and would hate to see him pack it in because of all the negativity that I’ve seen here. Shameful.

Keep your head up Armin, and don’t let the trolls get you down.

On Dec.18.2009 at 08:58 AM

Chris W’s comment is:

Brian’s “shit-storm of vitriol” is an absolutely perfect description of the commentary from the last couple of days. It’s very depressing actually.

I won’t stop reading this blog because of one post and to those of you who will – good. Moving forward, the only thing I will likely stop doing is reading the comments. While many comments in this string were constructive, insightful and well-written, the vast majority were angry rubbish that reveal an astonishing lack of professionalism.

Keep up the good work, Armin.

On Dec.18.2009 at 09:26 AM

obse.’s comment is:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchbreath/4194962172/sizes/o/

On Dec.18.2009 at 10:15 AM

Devin Gonzales’s comment is:

I’m a bit confused now. I don’t get the hard line against spec work. It seems like there’s a place for it. I guess some people think spec work is like stealing from established designers. But I don’t see it that way. There are lots of entities out there, some with a great purpose, that just don’t have the budget for design. If you can help them out and prove the value of design by giving them a return, you’ve just created a client with a budget. The trick is separating the good guys from the bad. I thought Brand New was endorsing one of the good guys. Oh well.

On Dec.18.2009 at 02:14 PM

Not the Bees Knees’s comment is:

Whatever happened to:

“If anyone is offended by Brand New posting a contest, well, that’s the way it goes.”

from the original post?

I felt that there was plenty of reasons given as to why this space150 contest was an exception to a lot of spec work asked for.

Whether or not you agree with the contest, so what? Obviously Armin felt this was a task worthy of talented designers. You’ve all obviously trusted his judgement before, but now that he dares suggest you enter a contest that he feels is an exception to the rule he is suddenly an a**hole?

Shame on you. Plenty of other real professions have contests all the time. How many literary/writing contests are out there that end up published but the writer is not paid? Photography contests? Clothing/textile design? Cooking contests? Architects? The next Ben and Jerry flavor?!

Yes, design is as legit a profession as any, but it’s not above other professions either - though some commenters seem to think so.

This is a chance for people who might not have degrees or been presented with opportunities, but have ideas. If you don’t want to “give away” your work for free, then don’t. But, don’t ruin these opportunities for talented people who may not yet have had the platform to showcase their talent. Hell, this is better than school - in school you pay them to let you design.

I agree with you Devin Gonzales’s, the space150 contest seemed to be one of the good ones.

On Dec.18.2009 at 02:46 PM

Impossibly Stupid’s comment is:

@Devin

I’m a bit confused now. I don’t get the hard line against spec work.

And yet you did not offer to do free work for me when I asked for it. In fact, it doesn’t look like anybody who is calling the designers whiners (and worse) here is actually going to step up and do a I-do-as-I-say. It’s like those chuckleheads on craigslist who want people to act or pose naked “TFCD”, but they never offer their services for free to actors/models who want to record a scene of their own choosing. If you want someone to go out of their way to realize your vision, you should pay them for the effort, plain and simple.

If you can help them out and prove the value of design by giving them a return, you’ve just created a client with a budget.

That does not logically follow. All you really know is that you gave away stuff for free. The company has no obligation to pay you in the future, and they may even soon be out of business if their money was so tight that they couldn’t pay you in the first place. I mean, it is convenient to think that space150 is doing this with the best intentions, but the reality could be that the economic times have hit them hard and they’re trying to squeak in one last redesign on the cheap before they go *poof*.

I think it is very telling that space150 solicited Armin for publicity in the first place, but has not had the courtesy to comment here directly on the hubbub. Instead I see a lot of empty aliases on both sides of the debate but, like I said, nobody who is cheering about spec work seems to be flooding me with freebies. There is a lot of disingenuous rhetoric on the pro-spec side, so I have to side with designers who have the complaints, and I’m glad Armin eventually did, too.

On Dec.18.2009 at 03:48 PM

"Outsider"’s comment is:

I agree with the people who have said that the complainers are “old,” “overqualified,” and “bitter” designers.

Industries change over time, and the successful people are the ones that innovate to fit into the new paradigm, not the ones that complain about change.

The music production industry (my industyr) has totally transformed in the past 20 years or so. Before, you had staff composers at companies like Warner Bros. and Universal that were salaried to write custom music for the studio’s orchestra. Then software came along, and anyone with a computer was a “composer.” Rather than whining about this early example of “crowdsourcing” and complaining that their staff composer/conductor jobs had disappeared, music writers realized they could create their own music “libraries” of pre-composed works on the computer, sell any of their hundreds of tracks one-at-a-time to every studio (large and small) on a per-project basis, and make orders of magnitude more money than they could being salaried at one company.

There are examples like this in every field. Unfortunately, I do not know what the parallel solution in the design field is, but it is all of your jobs to figure that out. Now stop whining and go do it.

On Dec.18.2009 at 04:22 PM

Devin Gonzales’s comment is:

There’s a little bit of a disconnect between the scenario I offered and Space 150. I see them as having created an engine that showcases young designers work. It sounds fun and would no doubt enhance a portfolio. I may very well do it as I need some more variety in portfolio, which is privately held right now (sorry). But, as I said the whole discussion is a bit confusing as I can see the value but there are so many with a black and white opinion. By the way I have volunteered design work to a few non-profits. I’m very selective about who I do this for and set expectations right away. Those groups have come back for more and payed for it. So much so that I had to refer them to someone else since I do have a full time gig. That’s my own experience.

On Dec.18.2009 at 04:24 PM

Kári Emil’s comment is:

And I’m not designing your logo for you because:
a) You didn’t ask nicely.
b) You don’t really want me or anyone to.

On Dec.18.2009 at 08:38 PM

Impossibly Stupid’s comment is:

@Kári

a) I asked more nicely than space150 did. It just so happened that I asked more directly. I choose not to lie to you by creating the tense context of a contest, the false exclusivity of a limited run, and the questionable value of a possible trip to Minnesota in the winter. I instead deconstructed the space150 offer down to what it was: work for me for free. If you didn’t find that to be a particularly nice request, then you have a glimmer of understanding of what some of the experienced designers are taking issue with here.

b) I’ve just updated the site with a slick logo from someone else who had a big enough sense of humor to run with it already. It’s amazing how quickly things can get done when you just get down to it. Beats waiting for a contest to end.

On Dec.19.2009 at 05:38 PM

JA’s comment is:

I’m very disappointed not with the initial post with that I’m actually glad and don’t see that it is bad in anyway… what I’m disappoints me is to see such fuss about nothing… people enter if they want to, people don’t enter if they don’t want to I re con that is as clear on the subject as one can be.
Nobody is forcing nobody and spec work is what we all know it is, sometimes is good most of the times is a trap where someone else gains profit in a low cost or a no cost at all base.
I rather think that the post is not promotion on the other hand it is good that someone valid with good work gives a head’s up for a contest that can actually benefit any kind of designer. I don’t usually get into contests but as designers we all have to decipher what might be good or not. The complains should be directed to the one that makes the contest and not to someone that actually sees something interesting in it don’t you think?

On Dec.21.2009 at 05:03 PM

Philadelphia workers compensation lawyer’s comment is:

Sad to see the contest go without Brand New’s support, but I can see why you’ve pulled the competition from Brand New. Armin you are a man of the people.

On Dec.22.2009 at 11:25 AM

evan’s comment is:

I think it is kind of hilarious that you retract a post to save face and then post an apology, as if you offended the ‘industry’. You might as well make everyone an admin.

On Dec.23.2009 at 03:02 PM

Harrisburg personal injury attorney’s comment is:

Sad to see the competition go, but happy to know that you listen to the masses. One of the greatest blog owners I know of.

On Dec.28.2009 at 11:42 AM

John H’s comment is:

I think a lot of people are done with this site now.

Your site has lost all credibility, in my books.

On Dec.29.2009 at 08:35 AM

Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyer’s comment is:

Still going to check the site everyday whether I disagree with one or two of the hundreds of content on this site. Thanks for keeping up all the hard work.

On Dec.29.2009 at 10:04 AM

Catherine’s comment is:

Armin, Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. It’s a funny little world.

The question was asked, ‘Is www.no-spec.com still going to be around then?’

Darn right we are ;-)

Ho ho ho everyone… and Happy New Year!

On Dec.29.2009 at 06:59 PM

Angie’s comment is:

Ruining your blog, or Christmas, or anything for that matter by this apology? I really don’t get people.

On Dec.30.2009 at 01:28 AM

Colorleak’s comment is:

I fucking hate the readers of this website.

If anyone is offended by Brand New posting a contest, I guess I should tell them I am sorry and tell them not to do the contest anymore, sorry.

On Dec.30.2009 at 02:33 AM

r4i software’s comment is:

Hi Guy’s,
I think you went a bit too far telling people to forget the contest and to not enter at all. You simply announced something that some people might like; just because the vocal minority got their collective panties in a bunch doesn’t mean it was a bad idea for all involved.

On Jan.02.2010 at 12:09 AM

Meagan’s comment is:

As to the comment earlier regarding only students liking spec work, I can attest that I am not one of them. I’m a senior student, a semester away from graduating, and nothing makes me angrier than contests, crowd sourcing, and spec work.

I’m not a seasoned designer, but I understand what type of effect this is having on the industry and firmly stand behind “no spec.” I encourage fellow students who participate in contests to do their research and try to understand the no spec movement. There are plenty ways to gain experience without supporting bogus contests. Someone earlier mentioned doing non profit work.

Kudos Armin, and I’m sorry you are getting such a backlash. You are doing the right thing!

On Jan.02.2010 at 09:54 PM

translation los angeles’s comment is:

I heard the reason Batista left wwe was because wwe was planning to use him as the main character in one of their films, but instead they chose triple H. That’s why Batista got angry and said enough is enough, I am leaving. I believe he will eventually end up in TNA, like all the other wrestlers that ended up there.

On Jun.21.2010 at 01:49 PM