Editor’s Note: We closed the comments on this post as they took a turn for the worse. We explained our reasoning for closing comments and the rationale for this post in a follow-up entry.
Dear Rick Warren,
We saw your recent contest to design the cover of your next book for the chance to win $5,000.
It sounds like a…
An Open Letter to Rick Warren about Spec Work
Michael Buckingham
September 18, 2009
I’ve heard this argument often:
“If they don’t want to do it, they don’t have to do it.”
That’s just not accurate. In fact that’s one of the problems. If they want even a chance to get the work, make a living, they have to enter.
Take this outside of this one contest. What if this was the norm? What if to get work we always had to enter some contest. How many creatives would be able to make a living that way?
This is the age old “if you don’t like it, go find a different job” which allows employers to push around employees out of their desperation…is that really how we want to treat people?
Brandon
September 18, 2009
applying religious morality to graphic design is funny. christians are funny. love always, god.
michael Buckingham
September 18, 2009
Barton,
You’re right as far as contests go this at least has a good prize which is not the norm for these contests.
Most of these contest that I see in the church world only give a pat on the back as a prize.
Even then only one gets Rick’s prize and the rest go home with nothing. It’s just not good for the industry or the people that make up the industry. Again, an industry that is already undervalued, especially in the church realm.
I would note that the prize went up to 5k after the negative comments started coming in. 3k was still decent, but the additional 2k feels like damage control to me.
Michael
September 18, 2009
if your industry is “already undervalued” then go produce amazing work. let the quality of your work speak for itself. no need to rail against a system you don’t like.
i believe i’ve read this kind of stuff in the lab and on this site before…just produce excellent work.
James Laws
September 18, 2009
I’m a pastor and a web designer. I do a ton of work for free for friends and organizations that I am trying to help.
To me the problem is greater. Let people have their contests. I don’t feel they are devaluing my work because I refuse to enter. I respect myself and value my time too greatly to enter. So, there it is.
I don’t think Rick Warren betrayed some artists code of ethics because if it were their code they wouldn’t have entered.
Respect yourself and it won’t matter what others think.
James Laws
September 18, 2009
I would also like to say that some of those covers are hilarious! I especially like the one of Rick Warren floating in the water. Priceless!
That designer has brought me joy, what else could they want.
Michael Buckingham
September 18, 2009
Michael, that’s just way off.
I tell you that some feels undervalued and the leaders response is “then try harder”?
Even then it doesn’t hold up. I know of many creatives that produce excellent work and it’s still not taken seriously or appreciated.
You also might look at the work submitted, this is not the way to consistently get quality work.
Jeff
September 18, 2009
Chukka:
Using Barton’s original post that I responded to:
“it is very generous reward to offer for a project that can be cranked out in a day or two.” (which, I bet a really good professional designer that was HIRED might be able to do it in a couple days or 35 hours…probably wouldn’t be his best work, but I bet it’d be better than the winner of the contest.)
And then, according to you:
“that amount of money is going to buy me maybe around 35 hours with a quality designer”
The question is if Barton thinks it can be done in a couple of days, and you’ve got $5,000 you can spend for 35 hours with a professional designer…why not appropriate that money to the professional designer who you select based on his portfolio and references rather than dangling it out there over everyone, having them jump up and down as you pull the money just out of their reach?…and then giving the money to the person who jumps the highest?
Like Michael just said, most “Design contests” are not going to give you $5,000…and potentially the only reason Rick Warren is is because of damage control.
Most are just a pat on the back and a “atta boy”. Sure it might be ‘cool’ to say, “I designed Rick Warren’s book cover!” but is that really going to jump start someone’s career. Probably not, although its not entirely impossible.
But the vast majority of these contests have nowhere near 5k as a ‘prize’.
BP
September 18, 2009
And the winner is: http://99designs.com/contests/28531/entries/477
Daniel Decker
September 18, 2009
I think this issue really boils down to perspective and intent. At the end of the day, I seriously doubt Rick or his creative team has anything but a positive intent on this. To say anything contrary is just silly and sad. Yes, spec work may be against the common code which serious professional designers obey BUT that’s where free will comes into play. Rick did not command anyone to obey or book them into slavery in some way. He gave them a choice to take the risk or not. From that point on, I think it’s an individual designers choice and by Rick merely offering the opportunity, I don’t think that proves neglect or disrespect for the designer profession as a whole. There are some great designers out there who could be struggling right now with the economy, having idle time on their hands and this opportunity might very well be an answer to prayer they have needed. You never know.
Jeff
September 18, 2009
Here is just a couple examples that show that comparisons to a “woodworking contest” or a “battle of the bands” are just not accurate.
You don’t enter a “battle of the bands” because you said “hey, I know a few chords on the guitar, and my buddy can keep a wicked beat with his hands!” If you went on stage, you’d be booed off, spit at, laughed at, ridiculed, and kicked out of the contest.
You don’t enter a “woodworking” contest because you said to yourself “gee, this one time in shop class in high school, I was able to take this little block of wood and carve my name into it”. You’d be the laughing stock of the contest if that was your only qualification.
These are both contests in which people with a quantifiable level of skill have chosen to enter because the reward at the end is something that could further their career (can’t really speak that much into the woodworking industry) But for a battle of the bands, a lot of times the prize is you get to open for a famous band, exposing yourself to 1,000′s of fans who can then go to the merchandise table, buy your CD, buy a T-shirt and spread the word about this up and coming band. There might even be a record exec. there with a contract offer waiting in his hands. No this isn’t the case for every battle of the bands, but every battle of the bands will help you gain more exposure in the music industry at some level.
The problem is, this isn’t how the design industry works. You don’t have pentagram sitting out there saying “whoever designs Rick Warren’s book cover, we need to get him in here for an interview right away”. Forget Pentagram, there won’t even be a design or advertising firm with a tenth of Pentagram’s weight there to offer you anything.
The thing is, people think that just because they have a cracked illegal copy of Photoshop, a couple stock photos from Google Image, and a couple system fonts, that this whole design profession is a complete crapshoot. Anyone can do it, right? Sure, maybe there will be someone who does this and comes up with a killer design. But you just wasted the time of 1,000′s of people ranging from Sally who used Microsoft Publisher and Comic Sans to Joey who just graduated from design school and can’t get a job in this economy while trying to pay off his college tuition. Contests like these reduce the amount of design jobs that Joey is out there looking for, and instead turn his profession into the equivalent of playing the lottery.
Jason
September 18, 2009
Okay, this post is a little less dismissive of your whole arguement…just a little though. michael, I value you as a brother in Christ & I don’t want to belittle an entire industry. I’ve done graphics & tech in the church for over 10 years & yes most of my work is mediocre, but it’s my best, with the time I had, with what God has given me. And to say you are not valuing volunteers because only one wins is like saying Democracy is evil & we should all just be commies. I work every week & weekend with many volunteers, at every different skill level, that make my position on staff at a church possible. I feel for the design crowd that needs to pay their bills, but this is not the only book that’s going to be printed this year. There is more opportunity. And seriously, to those who think Rick Warren’s cover needs anything else on it than “by Rick Warren” to sell millions has taken too many happy pills. Sorry if I come off as a punk.
Eric Granata
September 18, 2009
A few of my thoughts:
1. I’ve seen a lot of comments like, “If you don’t like the contest, don’t enter!” The problem is that spec work like this affects everyone in the design business by lowering the value of the work. It’s for the same reason that I encourage fellow designers to stop charging $150 for a logo which, if done well, is worth far more than $150 no matter how many hours you spent on it.
2. I do not take on spec work in my professional career.
3. I do work pro-bono for my home church and I do it gladly because it is for the Kingdom. However, because I have a responsibility to keep food on my family’s table, I do not take on spec-like work for the church. To do so would take time and money from my family. That’s not to say that I hold my family’s comfort above the Kingdom, but I don’t tolerate behavior from churches towards professionals, in any field, that does not take into account that volunteer time is precious and hard to come by.
Kevin D. Hendricks
September 18, 2009
In response to those who think we should have approached Rick Warren about this personally…
We chose an open letter because it highlighted a current example and had the potential to educate a major player in the church world. Since Warren has already dismissed efforts to bring this issue to his attention and we’re not exactly on personal confrontation terms with him, an open, respectful letter seemed like the best approach.
We appreciate those who are making this a discussion of the issue and not an attack on Rick Warren.
Michael Buckingham
September 18, 2009
For the record, GAG does have an interesting way to have a contest like this.
http://www.graphicartistsguild.org/resources/guidelines-for-art-competitions/
Briefly:
1. People submit some existing work, I imagine something from their portfolio.
2. A very small number of those are invited to submit sketches, rough drafts.
3. A winner is selected from those.
Maybe not perfect, but much more respectful to the worker. Certainly an interesting take on the contests.
Jason
September 18, 2009
Sorry for re-posting so soon, but if you haven’t checked out the covers, do it. Some are pretty good & some will make you smile like a bad sci-fi movie makes me smile.
And to the person who wins, it might not make their career, but it would be stinkin’ cool to have your artwork in millions of homes. I won a design contest about 12 years ago for a local 5K race & it still makes me smile when I see someone wearing one. (even if I now cringe a little at my own design!)
Travis Johnson
September 18, 2009
Kevin,
As a long time reader/participant of CMS, I think the open letter approach to Rick Warren kind of….sucked. I think it was clearly poor form to take a good brother, hold him up like a pinata, and invite people to swing away without real cause or attempt to go to him first (hey, it generates many comments though!).
At the end of the day, it appears that CMS was hoisted by its own petard. Hey, it’s a first for me to say something like that. I’m a huge fan of this place. I’ve made my own public mistakes as well and have exhibited classless behavior worthy of a kick in the pants. So, I’ll simply extend a gracious “welcome to the club.” There’s life after sticking your foot in your mouth publicly.
Cheers to people who smoke what they sell…Let’s make sure that CMS’ Church Marketing doesn’t Suck going forward.
Michael Buckingham
September 18, 2009
Travis,
We went back and forth on that. In the end, like Kevin said
“We chose an open letter because it highlighted a current example and had the potential to educate a major player in the church world. Since Warren has already dismissed efforts to bring this issue to his attention and we’re not exactly on personal confrontation terms with him, an open, respectful letter seemed like the best approach.”
I don’t know. I guess since he chose to dismiss the issue, which was brought to him, it’s not much different than you posting here that you disagree with me…and I think that’s ok. We like to twist that scripture to quiet people…I don’t think that was the intent.
Does anyone see the irony in publicly correcting me about publicly correcting him?I don’t know, I just thought was kind of funny.
And for the record, I don’t have an offense with him…it’s about an issue not a man.
Matt Norman
September 18, 2009
Perhaps the writer of this article has taken the wrong perspective on this. I am not a designer, but this is how I view this. When a designer enters a relationship with a customer to design the cover for a book, they are restricted by the very things that the writer of this post says are an advantage. Certainly if the customer has a very specific image in mind, but is unable to create it himself, then this would be an advantage. But, I would propose that perhaps the type of creative person that would get into graphic design does their best work when allowed to do so without the restrictions of someone else’s vision. I think that if Rick really wanted to get the best possible cover for his book, then he should give the designer a copy of the book, let them read it and then create their own vision based on what they read in the book.
Ted
September 18, 2009
$5000 ?!?!? THAT’S ALL?!?!?
Nothing enrages me more than preachers who think they can wave a carrot in front of struggling designers and honestly believe they’re doing them a FAVOR!
Rick Warren, you suck! I hope he picks from the pool of insipid and idiotic submissions. He deserves it.
Michael Buckingham
September 18, 2009
I appreciate your point of view Matt, but that’s terribly wrong. It is our job to breath creativity into the leaders vision. We must know the many layers of that vision so that we can communicate it in a way that permeates and sticks.
Design isn’t just about making things pretty, it’s about communicating the message. There’s just more too it than making it look the way they want it.
Your last sentence is dead on though, get the book, read it, talk with the writer…and let that fuel the creativity.
Steve Douglas
September 18, 2009
I’m not even sure how this contest plays out. In places it’s “guaranteed”. In others Warren has told us that he already has a cover, but IF one of the entries IS selected, then a prize will be awarded.
If you take a look at the contest as it stands now, there is a LOT of stock images being submitted. Most of those images are not/under licensed for that purpose. What about the photographers’ work that is being used without payment, permission and w/o credit – the ONLY way that they’ll get any benefit, even if we accept the “it’s great exposure” rationale, which BTW, I don’t? After this contest has run its course, there will be 400 – 500 designer who will get zero exposure, save a ghosted out image in the bowels of 99designs website. And a lot of photographers’ work will have been used without their appropriate licensing and without so much as a byline.
Warren’s church has what 30,000+ members? Why didn’t he have an in-house contest? He wouldn’t have needed to offer any remuneration and it would have had a nice community vibe. I’ll tell you why. Because he wanted to see if ‘professional’ designers would have a crack at his book cover to see if they can come up with the cover design that the publisher has ALREADY designed.
It’s cynical and it’s exploitative.
Hal
September 18, 2009
A couple of thoughts:
A DESIGNER’S VIEWPOINT:
For us, the spec work issue boils down to a perceived lack of respect for what we do (which, as artists, is a big part of who we are). That’s rejection on a fundamental personal level. And it hurts!
Many of us as designers believe that people realize that design is important to sell a product/service, but they don’t think take it seriously as a profession–as though anyone with a bootleg (i.e. illegal) copy of PhotoShop and some free time on the weekend can do it. It shows a lack of value for what we do. And when people dismiss the standards within our industry and laugh at our code of ethics, it shows a lack of value for what we believe in.
What bothers us is that in most places in the U.S. is that it would be ILLEGAL for you to build a house that was designed by a unlicensed hobbyist with a bootleg copy of CADD. At the very least, any new structure must be signed-off on by a licensed architect; someone who is willing to put his name, reputation, and career on the line in order to stand behind the design.
But we don’t want more laws; just a little bit of respect. It keeps coming back to this idea that people seem to respect design (otherwise they’d do it themselves); just not designers. You take what we DO seriously; you just don’t take US seriously. We’re a unfortunate necessary evil in the marketing process.
A LEADER’S VIEWPOINT:
As leaders within the church, we have to take some responsibility for the directions that we encourage people to go in. YES, we have to respect people’s freedom to choose for themselves–even when they make unwise choices.
As leaders, we can’t default to the argument that “If they don’t like the terms of the contest, they don’t have to waste their time.” As with any other issue, leaders have the responsibility of encouraging people to be good stewards of the time, talents, and resources God has entrusted them with–in all areas of their lives.
This is why I believe that a design contest like this is tantamount to hosting a lottery “for fun.” Sure, some people may choose not play, thinking it is a waste of time. Others may choose to play “responsibly” just for fun. But as leaders we have to realize that there are a lot of brothers and sisters who really need the reward, and will spend unwise amounts of time and resources in the hopes of being the long shot who wins the great prize. We will be held accountable for how we lead other and how we encourage them to use their time and resources.
Travis Johnson
September 18, 2009
@Michael Buckingham,
To your comment:
“I don’t know. I guess since he chose to dismiss the issue, which was brought to him, it’s not much different than you posting here that you disagree with me…and I think that’s ok. We like to twist that scripture to quiet people…I don’t think that was the intent.
Does anyone see the irony in publicly correcting me about publicly correcting him?I don’t know, I just thought was kind of funny.”
I think there’s a BIG difference in Rick Warren’s invitation to participate with his book cover and your posting an article critical of Rick Warren’s marketing practice complete with a comment section and an open invitation to critique what you said about Rick. Don’t you?
Then again, if you’re suggesting people not participate in the CMS invitation to dialogue, I guess I have a misunderstanding of the goal of CMS. Clearly, that isn’t the case though. I think this article isn’t congruent with the historical and stated direction of CMS.
This article seems more in line with one of the popular and antagonistic heresy blogs than it does with the CMS I’ve grown to love.
Wayne Cordova
September 18, 2009
Just a couple of quick comments, (I didn’t read them all so sorry if I’m repeating.) A couple of things come to mind:
#1. If you don’t want to do free work, don’t do it. I tend to think someone has to start somewhere and it’s great practice.
#2. I think showing the link to all of the art posted and calling it “mediocre” is a little insulting and unfair. Some of these people are your readers, do you really want to alienate them all by lumping them into on category?
#3. Are karaoke contests spec work for singers? I think people know what they are doing when they enter these contests.
#4. Do we really need one more thing in this world to be angry about?
Just a few thoughts.
Melissa
September 18, 2009
Thanks for writing this. I hope Rick reads it and takes it seriously. In the end, this contest is a slap in the face disguised as “fun”. We already have such a problem in the Church with the lack of respect/value of designers and artists, to have someone as high-profile as Rick Warren furthering this way of thinking is tragic.
b/
September 18, 2009
I think you should do a few polls. One that asks how many of those that commented actually read the AIGI’s position on spec work and actually understand what that means.
Another that asks how many of those that commented are actually creatives as opposed to those that think, “we’ll if they want to serve or help they should be allowed to even if its not their gifting because that’s what the Bible says right?”
And maybe one that says, how many of you commented negatively and actually are designers by profession and understand what the labor involved.
Tim M
September 18, 2009
I can’t imagine that a design contest is going to produce any kind of quality. So an established professional developer has nothing to worry about – if they’re good, chances are they’ll get some work. It’s those who are starting out and have no portfolio that winning this would benefit.
It seems many here are upset with the comment, “if you don’t like the way the job market is for your chosen occupation, get a different job.” That seems to be common sense. I haven’t seen many history or political science majors (who don’t want to teach) complain about not getting work – they pretty much knew that going in; that it would just be because they loved studying that topic but would only get a job based on having a degree (and not which one).
I’ve done web development on the side, but I certainly don’t go to Craigslist looking for the $100 projects that take 20 hours. Those are for the 15 yr olds getting their starts. Likewise, I don’t complain about the many “coding contests” that occur either – I’m not their intended audience.
Daniel R Carver
September 18, 2009
Rick Warren could have spent $5,000 (or less) for a top notch designer to create his book cover. Usually, when organizations run contests for creative work, it’s to save a buck. This is clearly not the case. I suspect that the real reason to do this contest is that Warren’s creative staff are out of good ideas and/or they are hoping to get some press on this contest.
Kevin D. Hendricks
September 18, 2009
Rick Warren keeps framing this as a chance to platform talented artists and help amateurs over pros.
But I’m not sure how all these designers are really being platformed and helped in the long run. I’m also not sure how amateurs are being helped to improve and grow. Those may be admirable goals, but I think they could be accomplished in better ways.
The Church Marketing Lab is actually a great community for amateurs (and pros) to improve and grow.
Travis Johnson
September 18, 2009
My last post…specifically directed to the designers who are somehow being oppressed:
GET A LIFE!
Are you seriously being taken advantage of?!
This is coming off like childish whining. Do we have socialized graphic design? Is someone being forced to design without pay? Or, are you just bored looking for something to complain about.
You guys should reach around and feel for some big boy emotions or a spine and go do some work where you get paid. And, if you don’t get paid, then don’t work.
And, if you are going to pick on some horrible oppressor, pick on someone other than the guy who gives all of his money away. Seriously, this is the equivalent of a nursing assistant complaining about Mother Theresa.
Get a freakin’ clue! The world doesn’t revolve around you or us and some piddly church graphic design. Grow up. Go be about your business instead of trying to make an example of some horrific graphic designer abuser like the terrible Rick Warren.
It’s almost laughable. And, I can’t believe my eyes. And, the further the defense of a poorly chosen fight goes, the harder it is for me to believe it.
How about a “do-over?” We all make mistakes. I’ve been told here many, many times that good marketing begins with honesty. How about it? Let’s just say that this article was an “oops,” especially using the words, “Rick Warren” AND “oppression” in the same breath. That’s funny.
Maybe CMS is dabbling in comedy? Sometimes Church Comedy Sucks too. Come on guys…we’re better than this kind of petty nonsense aren’t we?
PS. The captcha required word, “frustrate” is apropos. BTW, I appreciate the great body of work you guys do. You really are amazing. I just think you fouled one off here…over and out…see you on the next article.
Erica
September 18, 2009
Alright, kids. It’s my turn for the soapbox. Ready? Go.
There are truly two sides to this issue. I totally see what the letter is trying to get at. However, I believe it was written blindly, without any consideration for the artists feelings or intent.
The manner in which this is written gives the impression that designers/artists are a weak, fragile and delusional people. Wow guys, we’re flattered. We’re actually more intelligent than you give us credit for, Mr. Blogger. We know what we get our little ‘unappreciated and undervalued’ selves into.
Artists are passionate about their field of work, and [surprisingly enough]we’re resilient and accepting of constructive criticism. Those who are truly dedicated to their work don’t take it offensively when someone tells them that their design isn’t good enough and run away screaming like a bunch of middle school girls. We’re actually stronger than that, so give us a little credit there.
As far as the online contests go. If you win, fabulous. If you don’t win, this isn’t second grade. That’s just another project you learn and grow from. We can’t get enough of what we do and love. Designers don’t just stop when they think they’re ahead…art is something that constantly needs transforming and fine tuning. That’s the beauty of it.
Oh, and cut Warren some slack. You said yourself that he didn’t solely make this decision. You forget that not only is his creative team was involved, but also his publishers, who were probably young and working hard to get their designs out there at one point in time as well.
[steps off soap box]
Thank you for your time. :)
amy c
September 18, 2009
Got about a 1/3 of the way through the comments and just had to respond to this statement: “A lot of your points are right if this were a soap company or something, but if Rick W wants to throw in the whole amateur design spin, let him do it and get your panties in a ruffle about something bigger.” Thanks Dan Sullivan for basically saying that because Rick Warren is a famous pastor and Christian author he can do whatever he wants and not be held to the same standards of some “secular” company that should know better. Why are these points right for a soap company and not Rick Warren? Please, I’d like to know.
Michael Buckingham
September 18, 2009
Travis, you’re a pastor and that makes your post sad to me.
Read the post again, there are creatives that are hurting, that feel taken advantage of and under appreciated. And your response is “get a life”. Your response only solidifies those types of feelings and the need for someone to stand up for them and say “enough.”
Be a shepherd and care for those that are hurting.
Michael Buckingham
September 18, 2009
And Erica, you’re absolutely right. This isn’t about Rick Warren, or even him and his team…this is about the issue. As a very public figure his actions certainly get the spotlight…good and bad.
Nate Eaton
September 18, 2009
Thank you for posting this Michael. I go back and forth in my opinion about Rick Warren but I have enjoyed reading through the discussion on here. I don’t plan to add anything one way or the other because I think a lot has been said for both sides, and whether I agree with it or not, it has all been highly informative and rather enjoyable to spend a couple minutes reading through. So thank you.
Kevin D. Hendricks
September 18, 2009
Travis, for the record, we did change “oppression” to “exploitation”. That change was suggested to us and I think it better communicates what we’re trying to say.
Mitch
September 18, 2009
great post Michael. Chad’s comment to change “oppression” to “exploitation” was great, and i’m so glad you corrected the post. guess that’s what makes it an open letter.
i have two thoughts here, but do fall on the side that spec work is bad.
1. How is this different from something like Cut&Paste? Is it because work is published? What if a company were to use a school and it’s students to do this?
2. What is the impression this contest leaves in the eyes of the non-Christian designer? Is it representing Christ, or is it damaging their impression of Christ and the church?
Josh Cleland
September 18, 2009
What’s wrong with someone sticking up for the respect and validity of his/her industry? As designers, this is our profession. This puts food on the table. It would be irresponsible for us NOT to speak out against a practice damaging to our industry.
Sure, no one is twisting our arms to enter this contest, but what’s the point of “exposure” if no one pays for quality design anymore?
I’ve always respected Pastor Rick Warren, and love the work that he’s doing, but our voices do need to be heard. There’s nothing wrong with that.
ECC
September 18, 2009
It sounds like Rick is following this discussion based on his latest tweet, “I could have just let Zondervan staff do their usual thing.This way,100s of hidden talents get platformed.See my tweet on amateurs vs pros”.
Since there are already over 1000 submissions, I would like to offer up a few suggestions for him to consider. Feel free to provide additional recommendations.
1. Recognize publicly his top 10 favorite artists from the pool of entrants. Perhaps he links to them from his tweets or his blog? That way they can benefit from additional publicity to help market themselves.
2. Erica mentioned that as an artist, you learn and grow from opportunities like this. If you aren’t selected, how do you learn? You can compare your entry to the winning entry. Or Rick (and his creative staff) could provide feedback on the entries as to why their work wasn’t selected or how they could improve their designs.
3. Next time Rick is about to publish a book, he contacts his top 5-10 favorite designers from this contest and has them formerly pitch the project.
4. Rick gives everyone who participates in the “contest” a copy of this book.
5. Rick participates in an open forum at a future Christian conference (like Catalyst per se) on why spec work / contests is a good/bad idea.
6. Rick gets together with the CMS people and some designers and has an open discussion with them on this subject.
7. Since Rick is a humble activist in 3rd world countries fighting to end global poverty and hunger, he considers hiring an artist/designer from a 3rd world country to design his next project.
8. (you fill in the blank)
Grace and peace,
Erik
travis johnson
September 18, 2009
@michaelbuckingham
Don’t be sad for me. Just because I’m a pastor doesn’t mean I have to cushion your delicate hinder parts. This is a bogus article that does more disservice to your desired outcome than saying nothing at all.
And, like someone else basically said, let’s not talk about “creatives” as if they’re spineless, sweater-wearing, on-the-verge-of-crying girly men…er, however you say that in a way that is gender inclusive.
For some background, I’ve worked as a marketing director and in Business Development for two large global communications companies from 2000-2004. In that role, I’ve worked with a number of Fortune 500 C-level executives in the US, Canada, and South America on projects ranging from data-mining for selective marketing in billing processes to affinity marketing solutions and corporate ID. My interaction has been with creatives and corporate clients.
This article is sissifying CMS. Stop the whining and do work that better drives business to your door. I wouldn’t come within 100 feet of a whining graphic designer to do business for me. It’s a turn off. The fact that I make you sad further validates that conclusion.
Man up. And, get busy doing more than critiquing the doers. Or, be lame and motivate me to find better church marketing advice elsewhere…like in a nursery where I’m better prepped to anticipate the whining and finger pointing.
PS. @Kevin Hendricks, exploitation vs. oppression? Come on, bro?! CMS, Rick Warren, and all of us deserve better than that.
Matthew
September 18, 2009
The point is we now live in an American Idol society, where some unknown artist has the opportunity to win the whole darn thing.
And if not, they have the chance to become recognized and potentially gain some great business from their art which was posted for all to see.
It has to start someplace for these unknowns, if you’re known already, this might not be the place for your recognition.
I think your points are good, well laid out and worth the conversation.
Thanks for writing this up, and starting this engaging conversation!
Mike
September 18, 2009
Wow, really disappointed by the original post and the follow up comments here. As Christians, we should be known for our love, not for our complaining and judgmental attitudes.
There are way too many assumptions in the article and comments. Oppression and/or exploitation are very strong words, and I would challenge you to really think if this competition falls into that category.
What about people just wanting to serve and volunteer and give their time. When we do any type of work for God, it is not to bring us personal recognition, it is to honor God. Let’s not lose sight of why we write books, design covers, and serve God in many different ways. IT IS NOT ABOUT US
Steve Douglas
September 18, 2009
@ Travis Just in case it hasn’t occurred to you, many designers are female and your misogynistic rants could be deemed as quite insulting.
And rather than trying to find an insult that’s “gender inclusive”, how about you ratchet back the rhetoric altogether?
travis johnson
September 18, 2009
Steve,
Misogyny, oppression, eploitation?! Geez, you’d think there’s a campaign to stop child-sex trafficking and Rick Warren is caught in the middle. Not the case…it’s just the wicked Rick Warren advancing the Gospel. What are we doing? Sitting around on the sidelines trying to flick boogars on him.
LOL….hilarious.
Michael Buckingham
September 18, 2009
Mike-
I’ve heard that argument over and over….usually with a “so you should be joyous to work for free”. I hear “the gift isn’t our own” “it all belongs to God” and yes, “It’s all about Jesus”.
At the core of my being, I say God I am yours use me as you will. And I absolutely mean it. It’s why I only work with churches, that’s what God has asked of me.
But that doesn’t mean you, pastor, leader, get to use me as you will.
Because it’s not ALL about Him.
For God so loved…THE WORLD…that HE GAVE
I came that YOU MIGHT PROSPER
Page after page we read that Christ came and died for US. Not so that we would just be obedient little ants and certainly not so every church leader could get freebies, in the name of Jesus.
If you want to serve and give (and we all should find a place to do so in some capacity) then do it, do it wholeheartedly. But because you want to, not because you’re guilted into it or because you are expected to.
And if you’re volunteering, the org better be taking good care of you. You should never wonder if the work or you are appreciated.
Cameron Smith
September 18, 2009
The comments in this thread about “volunteering your gifts to serve the Lord” area bunch of bunk – in this context. Not one person participating in that contest is “volunteering” anything. They are trying to win $5k – they are trying to get some recognition.
I’ll be honest, I’ve been on the fence about this one. However, the one comment that rings so VERY TRUE is…
“One of the industry’s primary concerns is this: that the ‘lure’ for clients of using competitions to recruit designers will eventually result in a situation where the only way for a freelancer to earn an income is by entering competitions. And if this ever happens, ‘freelance graphic designer’ will become an unsustainable career choice due to the unpredictability of income. Freelance designers would have to also work other jobs, limiting their ability to develop their skills and their ability to specialise in certain areas. And as a result, quality across the whole industry would suffer a sharp downturn.”
That’s the heart of the No-Spec issue.
Adam Gregory
September 18, 2009
So I am just curious if all of you who have such a huge problem with this are going to be boycotting Doritos and The Super Bowl? ( See Here)
I am a professional Web Designer/Developer (I work for an Ad Agency with Clients in multiple countries), I am planting a church next year, and I’ve been a participant in the CMS Lab for two + years now. To be honest this whole thing SUCKS. And I am not talking about Ricks contest. I am talking about he response that we as the creative community are having towards it.
I am just curious when CMS became the Church graphic design Association, responsible for policing all church design for industry standards. I have seen in the past month, people in this community attack a church planter (Zak White), a well respected church leader and innovator (John Saddington of NorthPoint), and now “America’s Pastor” (Rick Warren). Guess we’re just moving right up the chain. Watch out Pope Benidict, you better be careful when you commission your next painting project for the Vatican.
I mean guys c’mon. I respect the hell out of so many of you, but I think that in the end this comes off as so divisive and attacking that you have to look at it and think is this really the way to have handled it?
Maybe Rick was wrong? Maybe CMS response to it was too. From what I have seen in the comments, and I read every one of them, this is not productive dialogue.
On one side there are those who think this was done wrong by Rick. They already all knew how they felt about it. In fact they all twittered back and forth about it prior to this post. None of those minds were changed.
On the other side are those who don’t think there is anything wrong with this, including at least one fairly notable designer (Barton Damer). None of their minds were probably changed by this, though some might have been.
And right smack dab in the middle is Rick Warren, who let’s be honest doesn’t have time too sit around and worry what CMS thinks about him. He is probably too busy, you know, trying to mentor young pastors, teach/lead 30k+ people, and generally be an effective witness for Christ and spread the Gospel through the world. So I doubt that Rick will read this letter, because good leaders don’t listen to criticism from outside their circle and mentors, they don’t have time for it. They don’t worry about pleasing the many, just the One.
And when it comes down to it I just feel like there are more important things that as christians we should dedicate our life to then a discussion on this (ironically, here I am commenting on it and spending my time on it.)
I don’t know what else to say, if you were offended by this whole thing, then I am sure that Rick is sorry about offending you, but at the same time extend him grace and understand that he doesn’t have to conform to AIGA standards and he doen’t have to agree with NOSPEC. He can do things how he wants, if you don’t agree then don’t participate. I Know you’ll probably harass me for using that line, but the reason so many people are saying it is because it’s true. I know all the analogies, but it’s not like the guy walked into Holy Cow Creatives offices and said “Hey, Mike would you do some spec work for me?” It’s a contest just like the Doritos thing, which is being done by a huge corporation for a huge event, that they will spend and make millions off of, contrary to the stated opinion of many commenters that REAL companies don’t do this.
I dare say that all you have done is provide more publicity then he would have had before and he’ll probably get more designs from better designers since you actively advertised this contest now to a large number of designers. So I guess he should actually send a thank you note along with that apology you guys want from him.
I don’t know maybe I am just venting some frustration with seeing how this whole thing played out over the last month or so with the a fore mentioned individuals, but this whole thing just comes off as not beneficial and not the way we should be handling problems with in the Church (big “C). I don’t think writing open letters to pastors is about real or perceived slights is the way to handle it.
Let me just ask this question, what if a pastor had done something like cheated on his taxes, would right an open letter to him about how cheating on your taxes is wrong and there are laws and standards for that? No! then why do it here? The intent is the same, to call someone out for something that you think they are doing wrong. It’s not how we are supposed to handle dispute as followers of Christ.
At the end of the day we all need to remember one thing “Jesus Trumps Everything else”. At the end of the day Rick believes that Jesus is Life. CMS believes that Jesus is Life. Micheal B. and Kevin H. believe that Jesus is Life. Let’s keep that in perspective and show grace in everything else.
Jason
September 18, 2009
Sean, bro, sorry if we haven’t been the examples of Christ that you need. Hopefully God can put someone in your path who is. I’m sorry you think the Church will kill an artist’s soul, don’t know if that’s been your experience & sorry if it has. but for me, the church has been the exact opposite. It is a place where I worship the Great Creator & I get to use my gifts to build and encourage His Body. The Church is where my creative soul finds release. I would love to meet up with you & see your ninja skills, but KY is far from LA. Checked out your blog, hopefully the right one, and your stuff looks great. The bat thing looked very cool & had me interested. Keep up your good work & we’ll start passing around the q-tips.
And just real quick…about the argument of all design becoming contests & that’s why this is bad, there are too many graphics/designs & not enough hours for this to ever become a reality. By far the most profitable situation is to have a go-to designer that you can communicate well with. That’s a no-brainer. But it’s silly to say that this is the future of graphics. It will require everyone to continually step up their game so that no one in their right mind would compare them to a middle schooler with a hacked copy of Photoshop, but when has that never been the case? If you’re good, you’ll get work.
Joshua Sims
September 18, 2009
@ Adam Gregory
Michael was not drumming up hatred for Rick Warren, I feel that he was drawing attention to a problem that is plaguing an entire community of people. That is all he was addressing. I am sure if he (michael) knew Rick Warren personally, they would have this conversation. In a perfect world, we all could doing Kingdom building work for no money at all, because we as a global church would take care of each other. I think that is the point of all of this dialog.