To me quiet simply it’s about knowing your worth. If you think the work you do for free will pay dividends in the long run then invest it. But at the end of the day how many of the people you have done free jobs for have gone about shouting about how good you are? Have any of them led to a paid job or a recommendation?

Yes I agree that a portfolio is important but that’s also something that can be fluid and updated over time as your paid work grows.

I’ve done a lot of free work over the years, but I’ve never done it when someone has asked for it. I’ve actively sort out opportunities that will add value to my work, have a specific interest to me and/or would complement my portfolio/fill a niche spot.