TLDR Tech / Design
Is it ethical to present concept work as if it's real?
Concept design work is widely seen as valuable—especially for early-career designers—as it helps showcase creativity and potential when real client opportunities are limited. However, it differs from real-world projects, which involve client constraints, collaboration, and practical challenges, and becomes unethical when presented as if it were commissioned work. The consensus is that concept work should be clearly labelled, allowing designers to use it honestly while demonstrating their skills, since a strong portfolio reflects both creative ideas and real-world experience.
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