In nearing my 10th year of professional design experience I've come to learn many things; of which are nothing more than the "live and learn" model of experiences. I'm not vain enough to believe that what I have to say is new, but it might be helpful, and if someone is helped by my experience, then things are right with the world (or something like that).

Most things that make your life fulfilling is what make your work fulfilling and sustainable. One facet of my life is volunteering my time.

In the design world, volunteering time is known as "pro bono" (originally used in the legal field, and is Latin meaning "for the public good") - I know, "duh". Pro bono work is great work to take - if you have to time to do it. You usually have the freedom to explore things you'd not be able to in more corporate (i.e.; fearful of risk or change) clientele.

But before you enter into a Pro Bono arena there are a few guidelines that will help make the experience beneficial for everyone.

1) Treat it as any other (paying) client. Communicate clearly and follow your normal process (concepts, revisions, finalization, print preparation, etc). Just because you get nothing in return (which isn't true, otherwise you wouldn't be doing) doesn't mean you shouldn't be professional.

2) Give value to your work. The only way for the client to know what they're getting from you (for free) is to show them the "going rate" of such work. A client can't value your (free) work if they don't know what its worth.

3) Recycle. Since your time is most likely limited, and you're either doing this as a favor or a means of gaining some "potential" audience - there's no need to completely knock yourself out.

4) Get something in return. Even though you're not getting paid, most clients are more than happy to find a means to show you that they value your time. I usually always make it a point to ask the client to tell all their friends and acquaintances about my services. Sometimes they become your biggest salesman, and find great contacts that turn into long term paying clients. Sometimes I get coffee and lunches. Either way, its good to feel valued, and giving the client an open door (via a few words like "All I ask is that you spread the word") they are more than willing to walk through - especially if you've done (2).