For the record I was not trying to imply anything negative specifically about this assignment.  For the right illustrator/artist this could be a perfect project to work on despite that it's a contest. I'm not one of those people saying no one should ever do spec.  I openly mentioned I'm participating in a couple contests as I type this. The reason I brought up the other option is that I've found it works better and I read the original article and noticed MP was already having that discussion.

Sorry I came off as a pretentious entitled douche. When I said that there is talent, I was actually thinking about how there are a bunch of amazing illustrators in the services section. Didn't mean me.

I don't think anyone should slave away for 22 hours. I believe there is balance, and that if it's something you love, you're not slaving away at all. I do believe in hard work however. I do not just sit on my ass. And I believe discussing my profession is important and worth spending time on.

BUT I should not have hijacked your thread to do so.