When your client wants to become designer of your project..

By darcvanilla Sunday November 22, 2009

Little argument

- “Yes.. but I would do it in different way, use that colour and background[...].”
-”And that’s why is ME WHO IS DESIGNER, not you” – you would like to talk back.
Probably you had this great pleasure to meet client who seemed to be designer of your project. The type of client who disagreed with your opinion. This could be due to his eagerness, misunderstanding of professional boundaries or simply personality… Felt irritated? Powerless? Doesn’t matter. You still need to be professional in dealing with your client.

Be prepared

As they say: preparation is everything. No matter if it comes to interview, exam or new customer. You are asked to design logo for the company. As a professional, you have to carefully prepare yourself before your first negotiations with the new client. The best thing to do it is simply asking potential client to fill in an design questionnaire form. In that way you will prevent any unwelcome talks like:

“My budget is only £100. I thought you could design something professional & low-cost”

“I don’t have any idea what I’m looking for from design. Surprise me!”

And so on, and so on. Using design questionnaire form you will know estimated budget for the project, the brief of the company’s profile, the main strengths of the company etc. This will help you recognize and meet your client’s expectations.

But I have a Paint and can do it better

Yes, probably you do have a Paint, but it’s me who has experience in designing. That’s why you’ve contacted me – to get a professional design.
If you have situation where your client seems to feel like the designer of the project – take your time to explain him that you are designer and as such have a wide experience in design. Explain why green won’t necessary look good on a neon-red background. By the time of your first negotiation he should have seen your portfolio and your previous clients testimonials.

Contracts..

The situation described shows how important is having a detailed and pragmatic contract! It will state number of drafts , revisions etc. You will be ensured that any extra revision will be paid for as stated in contract. This will make your client think twice.

Professional soft-skills

Because all we want is win-win situation, you must listen to your client suggestions, and by slightly manipulating his decisions you may find compromise. Remember however, not to meet halfway if the result won’t satisfy you. In the end, your previous and current projects can generate or kill your future income..