Right up there with people who steal my art, “Freebie Seekers” are second-closest to my heart. Not a week goes by when I don’t get someone looking for me to donate my time and services to their great project.

They aren’t totally cheap though… they often offer to put a link to my blog on their project or website, which at least 11 people will see.

I wonder if these people go into the grocery store and ask for free stuff: “Can I have these Twinkies? I don’t have any money to pay for them, but I’ll tell my friends about your store where I got them for free so you can have even more people asking for free Twinkies… plus you’ll have the great feeling of having helped someone in need of a snack.”

Here’s a classic that arrived in my inbox this morning (emphasis mine) … not only is there no chance of getting paid, it’s a rush job!:

Dear Brad,
I came accross you’re Cartoon Beer illustration while searching the internet and was wondering if you would be willing to produce a simple logo incorporating this design for us… in this years … Rugby tournament. Unfortunatly we are not in a position to pay for you’re services at the moment, however we would be willing to include you’re logo on our (shirts). I have attached a draft copy of our (shirt) which will be produced shortly. Please get back to me with you’re decision as soon as possible as all images to be included in the (shirt) must be submitted within the next week.

Kind Regards,
Douche Von Broughton.

My response:

Hi Douche,
Thanks for thinking of me for your urgent charity project but I am not currently taking on new assignments at this time, especially non-paying ones.
Cheers,
~B