Creating Successful Relationships Between Graphic Designers and Clients
Originally published Jan 4, 2017.
Today I will be discussing the topic of working and developing a good relationship with a graphic designer. While most of these points can be put to use in any working relationship, I will focus on the fundamental attributes to this particular area, stemming from my own working experiences.
Work with them, not against them. That being said, there are thousands of designers out there and many of them have different niches and methods of working. So it’s important to find one that can aid you and allows for a good working relationship. One of the fundamental steps that should be taken when establishing a working relationship with a graphic designer is establishing if you are a good fit for each other.
Some of the easiest steps in initial conversations that should be addressed are:
Working methods
How does this particular designer like to work?
How do they like to convey their own ideas?
How do they normally go about taking on board client ideas and putting them into a finished product?
Ask them about their workflow
Their processes of brainstorming and development of designs
Having a clear notion of where you want the designs to go is incredibly important. It is the designer’s job to best interpret your ideas in order to bring them to life. It’s fairly common for you both to have different ideas initially; this is a positive aspect of having different minds working together. Yet it is crucial that the direction of the design is established early, otherwise a barrage of problems will surface further down the track.
I also cannot stress the importance of maintaining open and fluid communication. So many business relationships end because of this factor! If something is not working discuss it and get back on track. Otherwise you will both end up with an end product that neither of you are happy with. This only ends with the likelihood that you will have to find another designer and it will be a waste of time for both parties.
At the end of the day keeping a smooth workflow between yourself and your designer, is the most productive way to see results.
In Summary
Recapping: Establish early on if you are the right match for each other
Everyone works in different ways, so it’s fundamental that you won’t be butting heads for the duration of the project.
Maintain a mutually cohesive creative vision
You’re both working together with the same end goal. Make of use of the old saying ‘two heads are better than one’.
Open communication
Make sure you’re both on the same playing field, throughout the entire process.
Enjoy the process
It’s not always easy, but try to engage in a creative dialogue with your designer and you’ll both learn from each other and celebrate the wins together.
I hope this article helps you establish the right working relationship with a creative designer! Feel free to add to the conversation below.