- [Instructor] Running a design business
has its reward and challenges.
Working with clients is a great part of the job.
We have the opportunity to collaborate
with others and learn about incredibly varied subjects.
If I didn't have a client, I'd probably
design the same thing over and over.
It's their input and problems that keep the work fresh.
However, let's be honest here, working
with clients can also be the most challenging
part of the job.
Let's re-cap.
From first contact to the end of a project,
you are a professional.
Good designers are not divas.
There are no tantrums in graphic design.
Be prepared for the first meeting
by doing some research beforehand
and listen to the client more than talking
about yourself and your work.
When you do begin discussing previous projects,
bring the ones that are relevant to that client.
Talk about the problem presented.
How you solved it in terms of the ideas
and explain the results of the project.
If you're asked to submit a proposal,
meet in person or at least on the phone
to go over it line by line.
Make sure the client understands it.
Don't assume it's entirely clear.
If the costs are too high, decrease
the amount of work you will do.
If you arbitrarily drop the fee in half,
you may look shifty.
Why was it so high before?
Setting expectations is critical
through the entire process.
From the schedule to the budget, keep the client informed.
If there is a hiccup and things
might be delayed, let him or her know.
People get mad when they are taken by surprise.
This ties together with core communication.
Stay in touch.
Give weekly updates.
I'd rather have a client ask me to communicate less
than one who is in the dark imagining
all kinds of bad things.
Part of this is developing criteria for the project.
Make sure both parties are on the same page
in terms of the assignment and its desired outcome.
We covered the idea that clients speak a different
language than designers.
You are now in client world.
You need to speak their language
and talk about the issues that
are important to them, business, revenue,
audience share and other issues.
They don't care why you love that typeface.
They want to know how it helps
the communication or business goal.
We talked about the various approaches
to presenting both in format and style.
Be confident but not arrogant.
Truly listen to what a client is saying.
Don't respond in a reflexive way to criticism.
Find out why they don't like the color
or image or type choice.
How does that relate to the criteria?
It may inform your design choices
with a valid point and, finally, we discussed
methods for dealing with client problems.
The common theme is patience.
Be patient.
Remain calm.
Provide a change order if necessary
but, if you feel that a client is abusive
or harming your reputation, it's okay to step aside.
Just do it with grace.
This has been a remarkably enjoyable course
for me to pull together.
Human relationships are messy and tricky
but, as in all parts of life, a little respect,
understanding and kindness do wonders.