Client vs. Designer

Sometimes, the client/designer relationship is like an age-old matchup reminiscent of Ali vs. Frazier. Eagles vs. Cowboys. Yankees vs. Red Sox. Except in this game, the battle isn’t on the playing field — it’s in the boardroom, on the telephone, in an email. And this isn’t a game reliant on physical strength or technique; it’s about wits, expertise and political posturing. And unfortunately, there’s one team that wins 99% of the time. You guessed it: the client.

Yes, us "clients" — we’re the old-fashioned bloodsucking types who like to tear apart your work and sap out every inch of creativity from it until we’ve got something that meets our goals and, most importantly, is aesthetically pleasing to our wives. There’s many of our ilk out there who don’t care one bit about your usability expertise and Photoshop prowess. Unfortunately, our attitude often means that the work (and the designer) are bound to suffer.

Build a Relationship and Set the Stage

Take the time and build a relationship off payroll. You’ll win more work, and you’ll have set the stage for better dialogue when the going gets tough and the project gets going.

Wait a Sec – The Client’s Opinion Matters?

The client’s opinion matters. Take the time to listen early on, and they’ll listen to you later when your life’s work is on the line.

Time for the Planning Phase the Client Never Understands

Establish your client-side champion and get them involved whenever possible. Before you know it, you’ll be watching them fighting your battles for you. (And please, for god’s sake, make the client know that they are actually buying off on something important when they approve your wireframes!)

The Great Design Debate
Back up your aesthetic choices with fact and theory – clients will have a much harder time arguing with you. And when push comes to shove, a little compromise never hurt anyone. You want to do work for this client again, don’t you?


Project Complete! But Still Work to Be Done
Where does this whole article leave us? What’s that final big lesson we’re trying to communicate? The relationships is everything. The more you do to encourage and maintain a dialogue, the better the work in your portfolio, the more money in the door, and the less nerves and stress generated during each and every project.

Protect your relationship at all costs – you’re protecting your work and your business in the process.