Dealing with designers.

It’s a strange dichotomy with clients, one of the best parts of being in the design business is the clients, but the clients are worst thing about it as well. Here are some tips on how to work with a professional designer to get the best results for your project, and not end up giving them an aneurysm.

More often then not you’ll call on a designer because, simply, you are not. While many think having photoshop or illustrator makes them a designer able to do a professional job this is far from the truth. In fact it’s comparable to being able to brush your teeth thus calling yourself a dentist. So with this notion in mind and having hired a professional who does a lot more then click around in photoshop you’re a step ahead.

Now don’t tie them down with preconceived ideas and old vanguards. Most reputable designers will offer their unfettered advice to you, and it would be worth hearing out; after all that’s what you’re paying them for. If the designer thinks your logo is sub par or your marketing materials are weak, listen and make a decision based upon their professional opinion and not emotional attachments to the work being criticized. They are there to help, let them.

Fast, cheap, good. Pick two. If it needs to be cheap and fast, it will not turn out not nearly as well if you had chosen good as one of your options. If you need it fast however as well as good, be prepared to pay more. Price is often a hurdle for a lot of people, but think of this as an investment, and keep in mind that you mostly get what you pay for. If a quote is outrageously cheaper and a quicker turn around then others be suspicious. It’s not worth saving a few hundred dollars only to have the design hurt your goals and cause a re-design a few months later.

You are not the only client. I don’t think a lot more needs to be said about that other then don’t expect them to drop things just for your project, and don’t ask them to do something that you need done tomorrow because you procrastinated, unless you’re willing to pay appropriately of course.

Take a class. Not in design necessarily, but something artsy. People are generally left or right brained, and engaging in more right brained activities might help you open up to the creative process a bit more and embrace the possibilities.

With all this in mind the process should be a lot smoother, and the project more successful.