In this week’s question time I talk about what you can do if your client dislikes your design work, what you can try to avoid back pain while working at your computer and whether it’s a good idea to label yourself as a Freelance Designer.
This week’s questions
Have you ever had a client that didn’t like the designs you submitted or could not grasp why you used a certain design element despite your efforts to explain to them your reasons? And if so, how do you deal with such a situation?
Could you say something clever about work position? I tend to get a back pain and lean in on my 27″ screen, even though it should be big enough (and I don’t need glasses). I am especially interested in work positions when using a Wacom.
When you were doing more client work, did you call yourself a ‘Freelance Designer’? I have heard many different opinions about labelling yourself as a ‘freelancer’, just curious =]
Interesting design links
How To Create a Sleek Grid Based Website Design
Create a Grid Based Web Design in HTML5 & CSS3
Chris Spooner’s Gaming Channel
Ask a question
Have a question in mind? Fire it over to me on my Formspring account and I’ll drop in my text based answer. Every couple of weeks I’ll pull out a hand full of questions to expand on or talk about in more detail in video format.
I love how you have a gaming channel! Also very interesting video :) Thanks!
Hey its ineresting video
Great question time session, Chris. I still call myself “freelance graphic designer” on my website title because it’s so much easier to find clients that way although one day I’ll take the “freelance” off because of it’s negative connotations.
Question 1 (2cents) As a designer I feel it’s very important to understand the goals of the client. If you incorporate a series of questions with that focus before doing your design, you can refer back to their goals to justify your artwork. Making those elements ‘their idea’ once the dust settles. Clients that raise objections usually do so because they want control. Giving them frequent feedback and updates via email or phone keeps them feeling like their ‘in control’… therefore they’ll be less likely to try and take it later.
Yes, I have had this happen a few times. I call them my “Sitton” clients, because that was the last name of my first unpleasable client. Every time this happens, I just make the changes they request, but if and when I don’t agree with the design I put the websites owner info on the byline/copyright tag at the bottom, and I don’t include the website in my portfolio.
interesting….like that….
I have a special request- english is not my Native language so it’s a little bit hard for me to understand your videos. if you can add your answers written it will be awesome. I really want to hear your answers because I just started to work as a designer.
thanx :)
Great video. I sometimes do get into arguments with clients but your video has inspired new strategies when it hits the fan again.
Great Post and Video. Very Interesting…While you can have a website up and running using generic themes (like those available for free download), having a website custom-designed for the type of business you have is imperative. This is where professional web design comes into play – designing a website that is tailored specifically for your business.