I won a competition, not a free-pitch, for D&AD

As a designer, I oppose free-pitching and would support any move to outlaw it. I am also opposed to branding D&AD’s call for entries competition as a free-pitch (Letters, DW 22 April). I entered last year’s competition and won.

I entered a competition not a pitch – there was no financial carrot at the end. I won creative exposure for myself and the company I worked for, on perhaps D&AD’s most high-profile campaign.

D&AD has been criticised for being cliquey with who it works with. This competition is a democratic creative platform for all – a chance for wide exposure and self promotion.

And beyond this, it challenges perceptions on ‘roles’; or who does what in the creative world. If commissioned, the work would no doubt go to an ad agency, but in this instance the way is paved for a designer or even an architect to win.

D&AD is a charity: money made from the campaign goes back into the industry.

This is not free-loading, it opens up a real opportunity to a wider group of people. I had a great time producing last year’s campaign and met lots of great people. I will definitely be entering this year.

Mark Smith

Creative director

Start Creative

London W1F