I suppose I should talk about some design here seeing as how this is a "design manifesto." However, now I'm going to slow it down so as not to burn myself out, (even though I could be fanning the flames into an inferno of thought.) But for now we'll ignore the parenthetical, and just talk some design. Should a new or young designer work on spec? on spec (ôn spĕk) Idiom: On a speculation basis; with no assurance of profit. I personally think it would be a great way to get some experience. People are applying for internships all the time. Essentially, an internship is experience without the assurance of profit (i.e. pay). What if you were to go out and contact some small band or something that you wanted to design for. You offer them your services for free, and in return get some really cool, very focused, and extremely pertinent design experience. How is this any different from an internship in action? You're working for free. You're getting experience. In effect, however, it's very different. You're working for someone that you've picked out, someone whose work you admire. And You're getting experience in the direction that you want to go in. Some firm isn't saying, "Design this boring sign that we don't want to be bothered with." Some Theatrical Designer isn't saying, "Research socks and plywood for me." Wow, now I'm in the real world working and I can design boring signs and I can research socks and plywood... Do people do this in real life? Has anyone ever done this? I don't know, but I'm starting now. Mates of State will be at the Rubbergloves Rehearsal Studios in Denton on November 15. Let's see if I get any responses by contacting them. I'm not sure what I would do for them: Posters? Costumes or something? Shirts? Hell I don't know, but something. It's worth a shot.