I found this site after searching the web aimlessly looking for advise on my problem. There is nothing out there... so either I'm using the wrong search term or my situation is highly unusual.

I interviewed with a company back in December for a graphic design position. In February, I completed a second interview. Both times, I presented my portfolio and directed the panel to my online portfolio for more work samples. I didn't hear anything more until 2 weeks ago when they called me and said that they had narrowed the pool of candidates down to two people, and to help them decide they need us to complete a "test drive". I agreed to participate, excited by the opportunity.

I was a little miffed when the very next day a zipped file arrived in my inbox, containing a lengthy project brief, and 4 design templates. I was tasked with coming up with a logo, tagline and brand identity for a legitimate product the company was bringing to market in the summertime. The also needed all of the packaging produced for the products (bags, boxes, shipping containers). Wow. I was overwhelmed, and wondering how the heck I was going to have time to pull it all together in addition to my regular day job and raising a family.

After spending a week of working around the clock and pulling long evenings, I finished the task (45 hours in to it). I contacted the company and made an appointment to make my design presentation.

This Monday, I met with the panel again and gave a good presentation on the brand identity I had run with - including actual product line items I had put together for them (professionally printed and painstakingly glued together). I spent a LOT of time on the project (and about $30 in printing fees), and they seemed very happy with my work. They said repeatedly how impressed they were, and how much they loved my work.

Feeling good about things, I left the interview with a promise that someone would be in touch that week.

Today (3 days later) they finally called back. They reiterated just how much they loved my designs and that I was very talented. They gushed about aspects of my work and said it was exactly how they envisioned the packaging would look... but, they still were not 100% sure whether I was the right candidate for the job and to help quell any last minute fears would I mind having another go at producing a different look and feel! (design a whole new brand, logo, concept, packaging) They said they would love to incorporate my work into a future product launch, just not this one. I couldn't believe it!

I explained that I had a lot on my plate, and that I was not sure when I would be able to get to this task right now. The person said "Oh, that's okay - we're in no rush. Just whenever you're ready".

To make things worse, I don't even know what the pay scale is for this position! I've asked several times, and the only answer I get is, "Don't worry - you'll be happy. Pay for the position will be discussed during the negotiation phase".

Now I'm at the point where I'm wondering if I'm being strung along and taken advantage of, or whether this is the real job market now and I either need to get on board or quit searching for a job. They do seem so nice, and I get along really well with everyone on the panel... my gut says it's legit, but then why do I feel so bad about this?

I'm beyond frustrated.
Is this even legal? What would you do?

Please help!

Is it legal, shady but most likely legal. Of course you have the right to have them sign an agreement that the artwork belongs to you and they are not free to use it, without payment or unless a employment contract is signed.

Also if they will not tell you the pay, that is a major red flag is you are down to one or two people.

Is this a real major firm what do you know about them? I would suggest that they hire you temp and pay you for all design work at this stage.

Oops.

Send them an invoice for $0 for 45 hours and $30 worth of materials.
Add a copyright statement, just saying that all design work is yours as of the week before the date you presented them.
They can only admire you for your sense of business acumen and self preservation.
You don't want to work for them if they walk all over their staff. You already showed them that you go the extra mile and are good at what you do.