Free4lance

I love it when I do quick jobs for friends and they" forget" to bring the money. I don't really expect much, but please don't insult me. I also love the " will you do this for your portfolio?" I don't need your crappy product in my portfolio. Best of all, they continuously hound me until it's done (because I'm not busy with paying jobs at all) . I just heard from someone that I haven't heard from in a long time. I did some audio work for his band. I thought I was doing them a favor and gave them the product before they paid me. 60 days and no money later, I sold a guitar that the former bass player gave me for collateral. Never heard from them till a year later. They want me to shoot band photos, for free. Really? Exactly what am i getting out of this? Point is, don't waste your time choosing poor quality free work. It is essential to build your portfolio, but make sure it is for a legitimate organization. I've done free work for my local park district, the March of Dimes, and even Starbucks. These look a lot better on my website portfolio than " local band". Freebees for friends is good practice only if they have something to offer in return, even it is helping you move! Facebook only friends don't count! Why waste time and energy on a non return? Doing something for a good cause or a good friend will bring good returns, so don't discount opportunities that don't show immediate results, but choose your freebees wisely.

Joseph Tury
Graphic Designer
Publication-Photography-Web-Audio