Starting out as a freelancer is hard when every client seems to want proof of what you have done before. But if no one has hired you yet, how are you supposed to build that proof? Some people do free work to get their first reviews, others create sample projects, and some just keep pitching until someone gives them a chance. There is no single path that works for everyone, and it can feel like a circle with no way in. What actually worked for you or someone you know when starting from zero?