The problem with pitching

83% of NDA followers have pitched for a project.

Widely debated and often condemned, pitching for creative work is still rife. In an economic climate that gives clients more power than ever, we’re seeing a steady return to speculative work to win projects.

We want to get to the bottom of it, talking to Leo Porto & Felipe Rocha (Porto Rocha), who have publicly declared their anti-pitching stance, and Toby Wilkinson (AUFI), who is privy to more studio pitch decks than most, working closely with brands to help them find the right agency partner.

We also invite the clients in — with anonymous stories from their point of view, we try to unpack who really benefits from the ambiguity of the ‘pitching’ process.

Asking questions like… Why do clients need pitches to choose partners? Do creative teams enjoy working on them? Is the condensed process devaluing creativity? Does it create inequity in the industry? How can we change that?

And, let's be honest, does everyone have a project they would throw their morals away for?

Credits —

Small print:

British Design Association resources - https://www.dba.org.uk/members-area/resources/?keyword=free+pitch

AUFI guides - https://aufi.com/insights/good-agency-relationship

Paul Woods, How to do great work without being an arsehole - https://www.amazon.com/Great-Work-Without-Being-Asshole/dp/1786273918

Mentions: No free pitches - https://nofreepitches.com/

Stories: Rita Juárez / Jenny Powell

Sponsored by Lucky Dip

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