A great tip for clients when dealing with graphic designers is to present the problem, not the solution when giving feedback. For instance, we hear “Make the logo bigger” because it isn’t standing out enough. We need to hear “The logo isn’t standing out enough.” Perhaps the logo could be moved, the layout could be changed, the background color could be altered, or some other solution can be found. The solution that seems obvious to the client my be the wrong move, but as a designer it’s our job to make the project work.
Just “making the logo bigger” because the client says so may destroy the quality of the marketing when the client’s concerns could have been met without wrecking the design. Here’s some things to keep in mind:
- Some “solutions” just don’t fit. It’s better so avoid those “square peg, round hole” situations take take time/money and give you poor results.
- Clients don’t know everything that could be done. We’ve been in business since 1998, perhaps we’ve done some professional layouts before?
- There may be a good reason for an element the the client is unaware of.
- Designers are experts at what they do, so let us find the best way to move forward.
- Designers can try a bunch of solutions without having to present each one and wrack up hours of billable time presenting solutions that don’t work.
- Would you tell your doctor, mechanic, or plumber how to fix a problem, or would you tell them what the problem is?
- We just want the project to run smoothly and give you the best product we can.
I respect client’s input and always remember who really owns the project. That’s why I want to know what needs to be fixed, not just how you think I should fix it…Not that we don’t nail everything on the first shot.
