Dealing with partial designs
Thursday’s Management Tip for Graphic Designers
Lots of people think they can design. It’s shocking just how many really do.
There’s a popular misconception that if you have software and a computer, you can design. Which we all know, is really not true. Some people have no eye for art.
So, what happens if one of your clients think they are are Milton Glaser wannabes?
Tips for dealing with clients who give you a partial design:
It’s all about diplomacy. Don’t tell them it sucks, even if you say it jokingly (and it’s true!)
It will never be taken well.
The other thing is that sometimes it’s designed by someone close tho them and they may think it’s quite genius and looks good.
What to do:
- Give the impression that it’s a good start: Let them know that you appreciate what they’ve done and that you think you know what they are expecting.
- Say you can work with it: Don’t say “boy is that ugly “. Say instead that you can work with what they’ve done — even if you completely change it.
- Tell them that this has triggered an idea: You want your client to think that they were a part of the process and that they have contributed to the success of the project.
The mindset you should adopt:
- Evaluate if you can use part of the design.
- View the design as the direction the client is going in with their project.
- The design can be a look into what the client likes.
- Use the design as a thumbnail.
C O N C L U S I O N :
You shouldn’t get insulted that the client is showing you a design.
Oftentimes, it’s not because they don’t trust your abilities, they genuinely think they can design. AND they are very excited over their project.
So, just smile, suck it up, and say that you can use this and build on it.
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