Disappointed by Extensive Unpaid Design Test Expectations (60-80+ hours) I applied for the Illustrator & Designer role at Juniper Creates and had a positive experience during the initial interview. The Talent Acquisition Specialist was warm and communicative, and I was genuinely excited about the company’s creative vision. Unfortunately, things fell apart after I was assigned an extensive, unpaid design project as the next step in the interview process. The test involved developing 3 unique product concepts (a plush, a bag and a full colour illustrated postcard) for two creator brands - showing all design work, references, rationals, sketches, making mockups and neatly presented in 2 slide decks. I estimated the full scope- including research, ideation- would require 60–80 hours to complete. That is a huge ask for an interview test! Just researching one of the two brands took me 5–6 hours on its own. This was not a short test or skill check—it was real, pitch-ready work. I respectfully requested either compensation or a reduction in scope. My concerns were declined. When I raised potential noncompliance with the Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA)—which states that extended unpaid tests that resemble real work must be paid—I received a follow-up from two members of the team. However, they conveniently reframed the test as a “5–6 hour task,” which felt like a strategic minimization and devaluation rather than an honest assessment of the time and labor involved. Ultimately, I withdrew from the process and submitted a formal complaint to the Ministry of Labour, as I believe the test violated Ontario’s employment laws. This experience was deeply disappointing and disheartening. I want to believe Juniper Creates is capable of growth and reflection, and I hope my feedback helps encourage a more respectful and compliant hiring process in the future. To other creative professionals: trust your instincts. No job opportunity is worth sacrificing your integrity, health, or hundreds of dollars of unpaid labour. Say no to unpaid work. The right company will respect and value you enough to pay you for your hard-earned skills & talents!

Talent acquisition seemed friendly and rather open, and seemed to have some good conversations with the team. I appreciated how transparent they were. However, when I received the email that they were not moving forward with my application, they stressed in the feedback that it was not due to my skills or qualifications. Similar roles have since then been reposted several times, so I'm not sure why they are having trouble filling a role if they apparently have qualified candidates applying.