There’s a Twitter Page entitled Don’t Work For Free where freelancers can “out” companies and individuals requesting free labor. With over 16,000 likes and just under 2,000 followers, it’s evident that there’s a faction of society who considers working for free sacrilegious. As for me, I was torn on this issue. Then I began writing this article. As a freelancer, I understand the difficulty in locating work then asking for and receiving sufficient pay for the time, enery and training that went into creating my product. Even after earning billions and billions of dollars, Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffett and Bill Gates still demand that mean green, so why should any of us ever work for no pay? Well, there is one reason working for free is justifiable and even beneficial. I’ll explore that first, then I’ll tackle the common reasons people use to rationalize working gratis and briefly discuss the resultant dangers associated with doing so.

 

To Gain Real-Life Experience

Working for free is a great method to gain experience in a field in which you’re interested, but have no prior knowledge. This is especially true if you’re about to invest years of your life in school or lots of money on training. Working for free could provide access to a field it would be challenging to penetrate otherwise. Take me for instance. My senior year of high school, my father arranged an unpaid gig on my behalf. The gentleman for which I worked, was an attorney. It had been my hope and intention, since the age of 3, to pursue the same profession. With unwavering doubt, I knew that law was what I wanted to do with my life. My Father wasn’t so sure and suggested an internship. Turns out, my Pop was right.
 

I discovered that while Matlock and Law & Order’s Jack McCoy spent much of their time making lofty speeches in courtrooms, actual criminal attorneys spend long hours in solitude completing paperwork. There were other discrepancies between what I thought being a lawyer was like and the reality. Working for free saved me hundreds of thousands pursuing a career that was nothing like I thought. Thanks Dad and thanks to the opportunity working for free afforded me.

Exposure

Defined as the act of exposing, laying open, or uncovering. As research for this article, I wanted to find out what my spiritual leader, Oprah, had to say about all this. This is where exposure as pay entered the conversation. Instead of an inspiring Ted Talk or an enlightening interview with Shonda Rhimes, I found hula hoop sensation, Revolva. In 2014, the performer penned an open letter to Oprah Winfrey, admonishing her for an invite to perform pro bono at Oprah’s Live Your Best Life tour. Revolva was offered compensation in the form of exposure.
 

Let’s be honest, exposure is essential for any business. How can people patronize you, if they don’t know you exist? But those in the market to live their best life, are not necessarily in the market for a hula hooper. Exposure doesn’t guarantee future earnings. Working guarantees future income, which is why we work and for it, we are paid. Exposure is not legal tender.

Resume and Relationship Building

I toyed with the idea of working for free in order to forge a connection with a truly impressive business mogul based in New York. I wanted this connection so badly that I was willing to do most anything to jumpstart the relationship. I figured that rubbing shoulders with this person and being able to say I worked for their company would be like steroids to my puny career. Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford to move to New York and live in New York or feed myself in New York if I were working for free. Even if I could swing it, my plan bordered on the absurd. Folly aside, what’s important is how I arrived at that thinking.

The Truth

I had never had my talents or skills valued in a traditional workplace or compensated at the level at which I performed. As a result, I struggled with my sense of worth and hoped to happen upon a benefactor that, after I’d demonstrated my worth for less, would happily offer me more.
 

After years of following this strategy, I found that it rarely works. No one or very few will give you what you’re worth, even if your value has been demonstrated. You must know your worth and ask for, some would argue, demand due compensation. Why is this essential? Because, it’s your contribution. It’s what you have to offer the world. It’s what will be left when you are no longer here. That, in itself, is invaluable. Your essence, your legacy, your mark. Don’t discount or give it away, unless it directly helps sustain your momentum or motivation towards delivering your contribution to whom it is meant. Exposure alone just won’t do. It can be a remarkable perk in addition to income. Relationship building doesn’t justify, unless that relationship is truly symbiotic where both entities are actually benefitting. Impressive resume additions are great, but if you’re in doubt over your own greatness, it won’t be enough and you may continue compromising in the future. Relish in your worth, stand in it, marinate on it, reach for it, rise from it, and then boldly and unapologetically ask for your check, please.

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MEET THE WRITER:

Tamika Page works as a marketing assistant and instructor in Atlanta, GA. Her first words were “increase market share.” Although her first words were far less remarkable than previously stated, she does have extensive experience in helping small businesses grow and discover their unique identities.

Want to chat with Tamika directly? TamikaMPage@gmail.com

Hi everyone!

I’m Karissa Johnson and last week I began my social + web internship at Hue & Tone Creative! I first started my creative education after becoming obsessed with Project Runway. I started studying fashion right away – but, after making a lopsided shirt in my fashion tech class, I made the *smart* choice to study Fashion Marketing instead.

I graduated from the Fashion Marketing and Management program at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and I’m currently studying Graphic Design and Advertising online at Wake Tech. My interest in graphic design was piqued when I started using Photoshop to create mood boards for my marketing projects. Even though my interest in graphic design was sparked during my SCAD days, I didn’t make the leap to graphic design until recently. I’m excited about this new internship because it will give me the opportunity to learn and experience a new field that I’m passionate about.

There’s a lot that inspires me, but I wanted to start off by giving everyone a sense of my design aesthetic. Here’s a mood board I created – it’s a bit of a visual representation of some of the things and styles I love.

If you want to know even more about my favorite things, I’ve got a few inspiration recommendations for you:

Favorite Movies/Shows: The list could go on forever! Some of my favorites are Penny Dreadful, Amelie, and Game of Thrones.  I’ve also always loved Wes Anderson movies -- his strong use of color and symmetrical composition never fails to impress me.

Hobbies: I love to work with my hands and am happiest when I can use my creative energy making something. Drawing, painting, and baking are some of my favorite outlets. I also recently made a succulent terrarium with a friend. (Succulents are so pretty!)… But, unfortunately, only two of my four plants are still alive. Even though my grandma is an amazing gardener, I seem to have a black thumb.

My top sources of inspiration:

• This Is Colossal has an amazing collection of design, illustration, and photography from artists around the world. I’m always amazed by what people are capable of creating. But, don’t take my word for it, browse for yourself: www.thisiscolossal.com
• I was introduced to Design Sponge during my internship with Anthropologie. It’s a beautifully curated blog filled with DIY projects, home interiors, and guides for creative professionals. www.designsponge.com

Now that I’ve told you a little about me, leave us a comment telling us what inspires you! And, follow Karissa on Instagram to stay up-to-date on all her creative endeavors!

Hi all,

I’m Camille Nesi -- Hue & Tone’s newest intern!

I am currently a senior at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro working to receive my degree in Communication Studies, and plan to *fingers crossed* graduate this December.  I started blogging for Hue & Tone almost a month ago, and have loved every minute of it! (Check out one of my favorite Friday Links posts here). What I love about Hue & Tone is that it’s a small business -- I get to gain hands on experience and feel like what I’m doing really affects the bottom line!

Some fun facts about myself:

·      I know Greensboro like the back of my hand—I was born and raised here!

·      My day doesn’t start until my coffee does.

·      My favorite thing to learn more about is creating eye-catching graphics!

·      When I’m not blogging, or in school I’m a “barretender” at Pure Barre Greensboro.

·      Reality TV is my guilty pleasure (Any Real Housewives series or Dance Moms).

·      Tacos are my weakness, (Crafted The Art of the Taco)

·      My favorite place to study and work done is Green Joes Coffee Shop.

·      Favorite quote: “If your dreams don’t scare you they’re not big enough.”

·      If I didn’t have anything to do all day, I would spend it on Pinterest.

·      I’m striving to be the next #girlboss (if you haven’t checked out Sophia Amoruso’s book you can pick up a copy from Amazon here).

Let’s be friends! Find me on social media: Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn. 

If you read our Beginner's Guide to Finding a Job series this summer, you may be wondering what happened to Intern Kelly.

Kelly's tips and tricks for the job search worked well -- so well that she found and accepted her first post-grad job! We're sharing the final post in Kelly's series here today.

It covers all aspects of the interview preparation process. And if there's one aspect of pre-freelance life I remember most vividly, it's job interviews. 

They can be completely nervewracking...but I've learned that being completely, carefully prepared is the best possible way to stave off nerves. There's no such thing as being too prepared for an interview. 

Kelly's tips, which cover everything from initial prep to follow-up, are below. 

Whether you have a phone, Skype, or face-to-face interview, being confident and prepared is crucial. In most cases, phone interviews are the first step in landing a face-to-face interview—so it’s important to nail it! Here are a few ways to make sure the interview process goes smoothly: 

1. Prepare.

Know your stuff. Research the company before the interview so that you're comfortable discussing the services, culture, and expectations of the company. During my own job search, these questions were often asked right out of the gate -- usually during phone interviews. 

2. Ask questions.

Make sure to ask questions during the interview process.  Asking questions demonstrates your genuine interest in the potential position and your engagement with the process, and shows the interviewer you're eager to learn more. A few of my favorite questions to ask are: 

What are the biggest challenges the person in this position will face?

What would a successful first year in the position look like?

What are the qualities someone in this position need to succeed?

3. Show off your previous work.

For phone or Skype interviews, attach a link to your online portfolio when you confirm the interview time, or when you send your resume.  Print out samples for in person interviews – it’s always better to be overly prepared, and having printed samples can help guide the conversation if you find yourself forgetting your accomplishments.

4. Look the part.

Interviewers will take in how you look before you even start talking – and Skype interviews are no exception! It is important to look your best. While the attire that's considered professional varies depending on the industry, for men it generally involves wearing a tailored suit, with nice shoes.  A dark colored suit will also do the trick for women, with a short close-toed heel. When in doubt, wear business professional dress, pay attention to what others in your industry are wearing, and keep makeup and jewelry to a minimum.  

5. Follow up.

Chances are you won’t be the only one interviewing for a position – don’t let the interviewer forget about you! Immediately after your interview, jot down notes in the car about your conversation. Nothing is too insignificant – write down everything from position specifics and project details to the names of your interviewer's children. While these smaller details may not be useful in the short-term, you’ll be glad you have them if you go back for a second interview or end up getting the position. Add your interviewer on LinkedIn and follow-up with a well-thought-out email.

Thanks for following along with this series! If you're an interviewing pro, I'd love to know your tips. What calms your pre-interview jitters? What's your answer for "what's your biggest weakness"? Let me know in the comments below.