Designer’s Guide to Dealing With Difficult Clients

The client is not the designer, you are.

Image by senivpetro on Freepik

Have you ever dealt with an unmanageable client that wanted to take control of your entire design process?

These are the clients that will ask for “a small change” or just “one more revision” that turns into ten more.

Clients don’t know what they want and they don’t know what good design is.

But often they think they can help us by giving their input.

It’s our job as designers to advise the client on good design.

Otherwise, you might want to update your price list to the one below.

Source: Digital Synopsis — How To Charge Clients For Design Work)

Why do clients feel the need to be in control?

When clients feel the need to have control over the design process, often times they don’t trust you.

Trust can take time to build up, especially if the client has had bad experiences with designers before. As a designer, you can convey and build up trust with a new client in a few ways.

1. Your brand

• Are you perceived as professional or know what you’re doing?
• Are your rates in line with the perceived value to the client?
• Do you offer a niche skillset?
• Does your brand have an online presence or social media following?
• Do you have recommendations or testimonials from past clients?

2. Your communication

• Do you communicate clearly and concisely?
• Do you respond promptly to emails and attend meetings on time?
• Do you explain problems simply enough for the client to understand?
• Are you open and transparent about project concerns?

3. Your confidence

• Are you confident in your design skills and expertise?