Working for free as a freelance creator?!

Ok lets chat.

Me on a recent project (Not working for free)

Early on in your creative career there will be times where I would HIGHLY recommend working for free.

Either you are..

a) A bit of a noob with your service (Photo/video/anything)  still and figuring out everything

b) Wanting to build out some work in a niche that you would like to work in the future.

E.G I want to get into the Fashion space... Do I have fashion pieces on my website or portfolio? 

NO! So I may need to approach brands with a sweet deal where I get what i want and they get some content too...

This really works if you have CREATIVE CONTROL...

There is no point working for free if the final product SUCKS (In your opinion) because 12 different people in an organisation want to change things....

Trust me this happens.

Be clear, transparent and create something EPIC. 

Other than that I don't really see a need for free work unless its for a charity you believe in and want to support :)

Would love to hear your thoughts..

Thanks, Dave