Are Designers Obliged to do Pro Bono Work?

How to Not Make Money

Short answer, no. As designers we don't owe anything to anyone. We are trading design work for money, that should be the extent of our business. We aren't getting paid to do nothing, there isn't any outstanding debt at the end of the transaction. No remainder means no free work.

However, that doesn't mean we shouldn't do pro bono work. Its often practical or useful. And I will certainly not deny that the privileged life we lead generates some "outstanding debt" owed to the poor and needy. This isn't because we're designers, though, thats just the currency we use.