Skateboard Design

[Jriddim]

hey guys,


I found a little contest in a skate mag for Toy Machine Skateboards. It was to design Johnny Layton's new pro deck. The only info i found on the skater was that he likes "darker stuff" so i basically have no info. I am very busy and obviously wasn't able to put alot of time into it but this is one idea. I call it the Layton Syllable deck.

What do ya think? should i stay in this direction or go with something with more of a real concept?

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/1192/layton3zm7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/6047/layton2jd9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[urstwile]

So is this spec work?

[Jriddim]

what do you mean by spec work...

im def. a slow learner when it comes to the slang. or im just a dummy :)

[urstwile]

Well, knowing nothing of the "contest", it looks like they're trying to get you to design stuff for free, with the dubious distinction that they'll pick your work for the design.

It's up to you to decide ultimately whether this is something you want to do, but one wonders why they don't just hire a designer and pay them to design the skateboard design?

As you stated, you're very busy, as many no doubt are, and also, it seems they're trying to take advantage of students, etc., for designs on the cheap.

That's what spec work is.

[Jriddim]

ahhhhh ok. thanks for the info. I really do appreciate it :) as for the contest, all it says is that the winner recieves a 500$ toy machine package and a toy machine skateboard. I guess the main reason why i even decided to do anyhting is for my portfolio... if for some strange reason they picked mine, i would have a nice portfolio peice. and some sorta recognition i would hope

[Ned]

So... Not only are they not willing to pay a designer, but they are substituting their own merchandise for compensation!? Trade-off work is a good thing, when it is agreeable to BOTH parties (as each party is giving of what is already in their resources), but the compensation needs to be something which is truly desirable to the receiving party. A skateboard kit isn't going to help you pay the bills in any manner!

So why are they not choosing a designer based on their portfolio of work already created, and hiring him on a contract for $500? Why are the hundred other applicants doing this for nothing, when only one designer is being paid (Not very much, either. Can you imagine how little that toy machine package actually costs them to make?). Does this make sense to you, Jriddim? It doesn't make sense to me.

Don't ever do free work to build your portfolio, for corporations who could well afford to pay for your services!! Everybody is hurt by this (yes, even Toy Machine - go to no-spec.com (http://www.no-spec.com/) to get an idea of why). If you want to buid your portfolio, and cannot get paid work, then seek out non-profit organizations and charities who can actually USE your services, for a good cause!! Not some manufacturer who just wants to save a buck!!

[Jriddim]

Absolutley... This is why I only put a couple of leisure hours into this. I totally understand what your saying. It really angers me that companies as big as toy machine are trying to get something for pretty much nothin... and pretend like they are doing the designers a favor for giving them an oppourtunity to design a pro skateboard. seriously I would rather have 500$ to pay my car insurance, my sprint bill, and a 70$ parking fine (ouch)

[Ned]

seriously I would rather have 500$ to pay my car insurance, my sprint bill, and a 70$ parking fine (ouch)
Exactly. And you are worth that kind of compensation, Jriddim. So hold out until somebody signs a contract and agrees to pay you for your work.

[urstwile]

Thanks for chiming in there, Ned, I couldn't have said it better myself.

This kind of thing really chaps my hide.

[Jriddim]

Thanks Ned... That means alot to me :)

[Jriddim]

chaps my hide LOL

[urstwile]

:D I take it you're familiar with the expression. ;)

[DesignStudio]

seriously, it's too bad we can't organize more to get the word out successfully about not doing spec work. It's so frustrating to see new designers everyday unaware of how this is hurting them, and that's what these businesses are counting on. How great would it be if Toy Machine got only a handful of entries but got 10,000 emails with links to no-spec.com

I think that design schools are doing a HUUUUUUUGE diservice to their students by not covering a few of these industry basics better in their courses- and what's more, you hear about some profs encouraging students to build their portfolio through contests and free work. Arrrggghhh. Nothing against professors, but perhaps being in the bubble of academia so long they've just forgotten or aren't aware of the realities of the industry? I sort of have to believe that, because otherwise it's like they just don't care enough to prepare their students for being taken advantage of.

[Jriddim]

no-spec.com.........nice