It isn’t always easy to deal with graphic design clients. While some will allow a designer free reign to complete a job in the manner they see best, others want to micromanage. The following five tips will help you meet their needs without sacrificing your sanity or your profit.
Don’t accept a project without discussing what is expected on both sides
Make sure you understand what your client wants you to do, how much time they are giving you, and to what extent they expect you to include them in the process.
- Discuss alternative timelines or adjustments to the project.
Offer clients a first and second phase to control unrealistic expectations and nonstop additions
A functional foundation is what matters most
- Many successful designers create a two-phase project
- The first phase will include essential features which make the product functional
- Once that phase is completed, the client can begin using your design
Accept that some projects are destined to die and rejection happens
Give the client a timeline for payments and are firm in collecting before you proceed to the next milestone
- Getting to know your client and preparing them for the process to come will eliminate many of the problems typically experienced during a design project
Plan ahead for changes and delays
Cover the steps a client may take when requesting changes to the original design plan.
Don’t give a price quote until you’ve thoroughly discussed the needs of the client
Don’t give the client the final number until they’ve heard you out
- They should expect to pay a bit more if they expect you to rush their order
