/ The Jacket Index™ · Q2 2026 Profile

Spec-Work Platforms (General Category)

D
/ Concern · 38/100 · High Risk

Category-level concern. AIGA position statement against spec work (2009, reaffirmed). Designers participating in spec-work platforms typically operate below industry-standard rates and ethics.

/ 01 / Subscore Breakdown

How the grade decomposes.

Composition Quality/ 25% weight
36
Concept Strength/ 22% weight
38
Production Standards/ 20% weight
38
Commercial Performance/ 18% weight
42
Award & Critical Recognition/ 15% weight
36
/ 02 / Designer / Publisher Notes

Best for / Watch out for.

/ Best for

Reference only — category is broadly flagged by professional design organizations.

/ Watch out for

AIGA explicitly recommends designers and clients avoid spec-work platforms.

/ 03 / Editorial Timeline

What's on the record.

2009
AIGA publishes No-Spec position statement