The Tribune

Here is a common list of issues designers deal with while working with clients, and advice on how to avoid or solve these problems in a professional manner.

Great Designs

for Cheap Prices

Because everyone seems to have Photoshop and know a designer, many clients tend to have a bad idea of what design is worth. While it may be fine to have low prices when you are starting out, as you become more confident make your prices worth your time, and show why you are their best choice.

Asking for Design

‘on spec’

This is when clients want a finished design before payment. Designers should avoid this route as much as possible but, in times of desperation, it may be your only option. Be especially careful of designing ‘on spec’ for people on classifieds and forums because it is a common scam.

Slow Payments

Some clients are notorious for paying slowly or not at all. The way to combat this is to require a down payment before starting work. For smaller projects ask for payment up front, and send the final files when the last payment is received.

No prior plan

up front

I find it extremely important to plan out a project as much as possible before starting work. Despite a tight deadline, make it clear the project must be fully planned before you begin. After all meetings and discussions, write up an estimate listing all the details, plus prices and terms.

Last minute

resources

This is probably one of the most common ‘bad habits’ that clients acquire. I always require all copy and images before starting, which helps the smooth work flow.

Low Resolution

images for

print projects

This is usually due to the fact that clients do not understand the finer points of resolution, or may not have any high resolution images available. Try to recommend the use of high resolution stock photography or illustrations but, if they really must use those images, try to keep them as small as possible. If this happens make sure to let clients know that the low resolution images provided may not reproduce well when printed.

Poorly designed

logos and other

elements

Clients will often ask to include pre-existing logos or other design elements in the project. However, use your discretion if it will hurt the overall design. Learning how to negotiate and inform clients on what you believe is best can be considered an art form, and it takes practice.

Can you make

that type bigger?

This has always been on ongoing battle between designers and clients, and has become a sort of inside joke for the former. Even Paula Scher commented on the issue by naming one of her books ‘Make It Bigger’.

Requesting non-

stop revisions

This can easily be avoided by establishing a set amount of revisions and initial concepts before starting a project. Make sure there is e-mail evidence or writing regarding specifications. This is most commonly done in the logo and identity design area of graphic design.

Requesting extra

work in addition

to the original

agreement

This can be good or bad, as some clients add additional work and do not want to pay extra. So ensure your agreement outlines the pricing for additional work.

Availability

for Questions

and Samples

Clients can often be extremely busy. However, as a designer it is important to be able to contact clients to show them samples, revisions and ask important questions.

Printing Costs

Many designers handle printing for clients, but I personally try to stay away from this. I basically say I can recommend printers and do an initial check of the files to make sure they are print ready. However, it is up to you and your printer to do a final prepress check to ensure the files are correct, and to avoid being held responsible for any printing costs.

Additional Costs

This usually turns out badly if additional costs are imposed on clients at the end of the project. This problem can easily be avoided if you specify up front what the additional costs are, or might be. This can include stock photography, stock illustrations, printing costs and urgency fees.

Cancelling

projects

If you or a client decide to end a project, a contract is a simple way to safeguard yourself. Simply state that if a project is cancelled, you will invoice for work completed up until that point. Some designers give no refunds at all, while some are happy to refund clients if they are at fault.

Returning

months later

for Information

I recently had a client from more than two years ago contact me in desperation because he lost certain information. Luckily for him, I was able to locate his details. Having them in my records made it an easy problem to solve.

Files years later

Similar to log-in information, clients often misplace files, so ensure that yours are backed-up.

Legal Action

No one likes this one, but it does happen, so be prepared. Always save e-mails and paperwork in case you need to present them as evidence.

Controlling

Some clients do not allow much creative freedom.Nonetheless, it is important to offer your honest opinion on issues without being rude.

Lack of Research

and Planning

Clients may sometimes request a website or some other project, but have absolutely no idea of what they want. By this I mean they have done no research or planning beforehand, but still expect an intricate website that is easy to update. This makes the process extremely difficult, so preparation and planning is a big help.

Finally, some clients try to overpower the entire project with no regard for the designer’s input, which can be overwhelming. Do not be afraid to provide your feedback as you were hired due to your professionalism and expertise.

Always try to plan ahead and think consciously to avoid unnecessary stress throughout your design process. Until we meet again, fill your life with memories as opposed to regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.

• NB: The columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

ABOUT THE COLUMNIST: Deidre Marie Bastian is a professionally trained graphic designer/marketing co-ordinator with qualifications of M.Sc., B.Sc., A.Sc.

She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova South Eastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.