I wanted to post some tips to help clients when working with graphic designers. The biggest tip I can think of to limit the rounds of changes to a design is to not blow the budget.
Generally, I estimate the number of rounds of revisions in my estimate, but clients don’t always understand what that means. I know it may sound basic, but any time you contact a designer with a change, it’s a round of changes.
Why does it take time to just change one little thing? To open a file, make the change, check it, and present it takes time. Making a new PDF, printing out new comps, emailing or posting a file, and coordinating the presentation takes time.
So…Don’t change one little thing or a couple of little things – It’s a waste of a round of changes.
1. Take time to review comps. Look for everything that may change. Notice what is working on one comp or another. Don’t find one thing and email the designer without finishing your review.
2. Let everyone review the comp before you send changes. Ideally, there would be just one contact or decision maker, but it’s a reality that many decisions need to go to committee. Don’t come back a day after you send changes with another person’s list of edits.
3. If there is a problem, present the problem to the designer…Don’t present the solution. “Make all the copy blue so it isn’t too busy,” in the wrong approach. “It feels too busy, what can we do?” This step isn’t really about revisions, it’s about refining a design. You should have these type of discussions before any final edits to content. A designer’s job is to present things visually…Why hire a designer and not rely on their expertise?
4. Finally, present all the changes at once. Be specific and be clear.
That’s probably the biggest thing you can do to make working with your designer go smoothly. We work for you and do what we’re told, so if you want 10 rounds of changes, we’ll do it. We just have to bill you for it.
Honestly, I want my clients to get the most out of working with me.
