Good business relationships do not just happen over night. It requires the efforts of both the parties to make a partnership successful. Client and designer relationships are extremely important for the graphic design process and good business. Most designers must adapt and understand that the needs of every client differ and at the same time, clients must understand that every designer has a different way of working. These factors must be considered and verbalised as they are vital requirements for an effective designer-client relationship.
For a successful relationship, firstly the goals need to be established. If the goals are established before hand, then it will be easy to execute the plan of action. The graphic designer depends on the client to explain the complete design brief and summary about their goals, market and competition, in order provide accurate knowledge of the business. Clients should state clearly what the requirements are and expectations to be delivered from the design work. This will help the designer to work efficiently and come up with a great design, helping the client attract potential customers, which will in turn result in a successful designer-client relationship and keep a smile on everyone’s faces.
The next important factor for a successful designer-client relationship is having effective and concise communication. If a client is not satisfied with the designers idea, then they should state clearly what results the design is expected to achieve. Same is the case with the graphic designer, if they do not agree completely with anything the designer should mention this honestly as well as to provide a alternative solution or suggestion. Follow these simple steps and the designer and client will both be satisfied and will feel free to speak openly. Having sincere and open communications with the designer or client will generate trust, and will automatically result in better designs.
It is always good to talk things out and do not hesitate to say no if you are not satisfied. For building a strong relationship, you should make sure that the key elements and issues are broken down and are discussed. The client should clearly state the following (examples): what is the purpose of the design? Who is the target audience? Will the design be used in different medias? How much time and money should be spent? Similar to the questions generally asked in the creative brief (see Designz by Jamz previous blog on the Importance of The Creative Brief). Knowing the answers of all these questions, will help the designer to come up with great ideas and visuals in accordance with the client’s expectations. This will result in a successful Designer-Client relationship.
For a successful designer-client relationship you need to be timely and understanding. Designers should understand that it is necessary to meet the deadlines provided and should avoid to delay the project. A regular update on the progress of the project should be respectfully provided. The client also need to be timely and patient. Sometimes unplanned ‘events’ in the project go slightly wrong, and set back the designer — the client should try to understand the situation. Client should provide all the information that the designer asks for in a timely manner thus helping to complete the project on time.
Like all other relationships, both parties — the designer and client — must provide a sincere effort in order to attract success. If you put in the extra effort and follow these steps to create a strong relationship, the project, communication, design process and results will be wonderful and generate great business for all.
