I need a graphic designer!!! (Central Valley, Ca)

On December 30th a post appeared in the art/media/design jobs section of fresno.craigslist.org requesting a graphic designer. The poster wanted to hold a contest to design an ad for a “high end clothing store” and the winner would receive a $40 reward. What ensued were impassioned responses by several readers.

Unfortunately, the original post has been flagged for removal off craigslist. Even more disappointing, some of the best replies have also been removed. But not to worry, I had the entire thread saved in my browser cache and present it here for your enjoyment.

The Original Craigslist Post

I need a graphic designer!!! (Central Valley, Ca)
December 30, 2009

I need a graphic designer to help me design a CLOTHING STORE SALE postcard for my business.

This is the information that I would like to use on my postcard
Size: 4 x 6 inches front and back printing (the front should be color and the back can be black and white)

Business information
We are a high-end women’s clothing, shoe and accessory boutique
The dates of the sale will be Thurs – Sunday January 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st
Sale time 10- 6 pm.
Sale discount will be 40-75% off clothing, shoes and accessories!

Customers: Women ages 25- 65, mostly stay-at-home moms, career women.
We sell designer jeans, dress, brand name shoes, accessories
We are similar to Nordstroms, Bloomingdales, etc.

We would prefer to use a real picture rather than a cartoon or animated person if you choose to use one.

I would need the final jpeg of this postcard sent to me by January 4th so that I can send it to my printing company to be printed.

The most important item is that the postcard looks UPSCALE, EXCITING and announces our sale to our female customers so that they come to our sale!

If you are interested in this project, I will pay the selected artwork winner $40 for your time.

The Original Heartfelt Replies

Re: I need a graphic designer!!! (Central Valley, Ca)
January 4, 2009

“We are a high-end women’s clothing, shoe and accessory boutique …”
“The most important item is that the postcard looks UPSCALE…”
“…I will pay the selected artwork winner $40 for your time.”

Really.
$40 whole dollars for your high-end, upscale clothing boutique. Good luck with that.

Re: I need a graphic designer!!! (Central Valley, Ca)
January 4, 2009

Yeah really, good luck with that. If you really want quality graphic design you must be willing to pay more than that. Let us see what you get for $40 bucks though, I’d be interested in finding out what $40 looks like to someone.

Re: I need a graphic designer!!! (Central Valley, Ca)
January 4, 2009

I DESIGNED ONE CAN I HAVE THE $40 PLEASE

Re: I need a graphic designer!!! (Central Valley, Ca)
January 9, 2009

It will cost about the much just for basic printing.What you need to do is ask questions and do some research before you offer to pay a price. Not only will you avoid insulting anyone it will help to avoid you paying to much.

Re: I need a graphic designer!!! WHAT A JOKE?! (Central Valley, Ca)
January 13, 2009

YOU ASK:
“We are a high-end women’s clothing, shoe and accessory boutique …”
“The most important item is that the postcard looks UPSCALE…”
“…I will pay the selected artwork winner $40 for your time.”

MY REPLY:
**ARE YOU NUTS! $40 FOR A UPSCALE ARTWORK. TAKE THAT $40 AND WIPE YOU ASS AND THAT WOULD BE YOUR ARTWORK.

look at this video clip and this is every designer’s answer to your request:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2u_zvV0xW0

Re: I need a graphic designer!!! (Central Valley, Ca)
January 13, 2009

I WILL PAY YOU! $40 IF YOU CAN PLEASE EDUCATE YOURSELF A TINY BIT ON THE VALUE OF GRAPHIC DESIGN AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR A DESIGNER TO WORK ON A HOURLY RATE