Graphic Designer's Response to Woman's Request for "Free" Work Praised: "She Stormed Off"
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A freelance graphic designer's response to a woman's demand for free labor has been applauded by netizens.
The graphic designer and original poster (OP), user MaraRoses_, shared their story on Reddit, explaining that although she loves working from home, she has noticed "how entitled some people are" about her time.
According to her post, she had been deep in Adobe Illustrator on a full branding package—work she described as "literally the kind of job that pays my bills for the month"—when her doorbell rang repeatedly.
She ignored it at first, only to receive a text that said, "I can see your car. I know you're home."
It was a woman from her church, requesting a quick, free flyer design for her daughter's school club.
Stock image of a woman looking annoyed at her phone.
Stock image of a woman looking annoyed at her phone.
Prostock-Studio/iStock/Getty Images Plus
"She wanted me to just whip something up real quick because I do this stuff all day anyway," the OP wrote.
"Having this kind of issue often, I just told her very politely that I was in the middle of a big client project and didn't have time, but I'd be happy to send her some free Canva templates she could use.
"She shuddered, then said, 'You work from home. It's not like you have a real job. You can take a break when you want to'."
'I honestly laughed out loud'
She continued, "I just blinked at her and I told her again that this is my actual job and that I don't do unpaid work, especially on a deadline.
"She rolled her eyes and said, 'Wow, I didn't know helping a church member was too much to ask. It must feel nice to be so selfish.'
"She stormed off, and I honestly laughed out loud. In my head, I was like, 'Helping a church member plus doing free professional work on demand with a tight time range because they feel entitled to your time. Got it'."
Reddit users were quick to weigh in and share similar stories, with one remarking, "So it's selfish of you not to do your job for free, but not selfish of her to demand your time and effort for free. Yeah, not how reality works."
Another added, "It seems that most of the people who say working from home is not a real job are people who don't work outside the home.
"They have no concept, or refuse to believe, that people who work from home have identical responsibilities as the people who work in an office. It truly drives me nuts."
"The audacity of that woman! She can go pay a tutor to help her daughter if she really needs the help," one Redditor pointed out.
Working For Free
Speaking to Newsweek, Branding With Camisha H CEO Camisha Henry (Agyei-Danso) explained, "Being an entrepreneur isn't easy. We give our best—day in and day out—while balancing work, family, and community, often at the expense of our own well-being.
"I built my business by offering my talents freely in the beginning, but I've grown it with integrity and care, and that deserves respect.
"Before asking for donated services, please consider the person's time and ask respectfully, understanding that sometimes they may have to say no.
"To my fellow entrepreneurs: never feel guilty for valuing your time and your brand. You matter. Your time is precious. And the world needs your gifts."
AI Interference
The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) has intensified frustrations for designers, whose work is frequently mistaken for being machine-generated.
In a March 2025 Newsweek article, a designer took to Reddit to post, "16 years as a graphic designer, 8 years as a photographer, ruined by AI." Their post featured their original artwork alongside comments accusing them of using AI.
Ben Colman, CEO of Reality Defender, told Newsweek, "AI can now produce design work that appears professional while human designers with decades of experience are simultaneously having their authenticity questioned."
Despite the challenges, this OP ended her story with humor: "I don't know if her daughter ever got that flyer. And I hope to see her in church tomorrow."
Newsweek has contacted MaraRoses_ for comment via Reddit.
Newsweek's "What Should I Do?" offers expert advice to readers. If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work, and your story could be featured on WSID at Newsweek.
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