Most freelancers have already encountered clients which would do and say anything just to get the most out of their hired freelancer or part-timer. Some clients exploit the negotiating process and low-ball the rate of the project while other’s milk their service providers with every cent that their paying them, making revisions after revisions and minor adjustments that take forever.

These “clients-from hell” often promise more work in the future if you’ll give the “present” work at a discounted rate. Saying that they need to “test” you out first before they pass on projects at a regular basis. When you get this type of client, watch out. The pay you’ll be receiving (if it’s enough, that is) is not worth the headache and stress that you’ll get.

In case the inevitable happens and you got cornered and said yes to a project, try finishing it as quickly as possible (with quality of course). After that, learn to say NO once they seek your services again. You are better spending your time on other valuable and less-stressful projects with not-so-picky clients.

Some things are just not worth it.

Sure, they can get a web host and domain name for their portfolios, but being beginners and students, I want them to be as resourceful and intuitive as they can in using available tools online and perhaps save them lunch money to spend on other important things..

Here are some free sites that can host your work for free!

Behance
Professional web portfolio site to showcase your work and connect to other designer (ala Linked-in)

Scrnshots
Scrnshots just started this year (2008) and is growing. Upload unlimited web comps and screenshots from your desktop with the downloadable application.

DeviantArt
DeviantArt has been there for many years. They have one of the best creative communities on the web today. Post and receive helpful feedbacks from fellow artists. 

Flickr
Flickr has a very active community behind it. You can utilize the site’s Group section to show-off your work and let people leave their comment. Video uploading is also possible. I use Flickr’s note labeling feature to add comments to web comps. The Free Account can view 200 stored photos, after that you need to pay for the Pro account to see the rest of your uploaded photos.

CarbonMade
CarbonMade is a paid portfolio storage website but they also have a free account which lets you upload and categorize your work. You can upload images, flash files and even video.

Why not print?

Although having print portfolio helps in presenting you as a very professional designer, students cannot afford to pay high-quality printing and binding services for multiple copies of their works.

The 5 disadvantages of having printed stuff as your portfolio:

1. Expensive – not ideal for student to spend on yet being beginners
2. Exposure – limited to those saw and received your printed portfolio.
3. Static Medium – viewers can’t interact with it (well, unless you have and thin OLED display there)
4. Mobility – sure it’s easy to bring a compilation of your work, but giving a link to your online work is easier
5. Upgradability – hard to update as new works are created

There are also some disadvantages in having an online portfolio (hey, nothing’s perfect), which I will discuss in a future post.