Attention CEOs! Here’s How To Be a Good Client
It’s not completely up to your designer to do a good job on building your brand. Good design takes thoughtfulness, collaboration and planning. It’s not an accident.
Learning how to be a good client can help you get the best work from your designer, maybe even great work. As Milton Glaser said, “Extraordinary work is done for extraordinary clients”. So what makes you an extraordinary client?
- Set your vision and goals-first. Think about it, talk to clients, customers, and friends, before you give direction to a designer. Your designer can be a great partner in focusing your ideas. How do you reach a destination without a road map?
- Make up your mind about the key things you want to accomplish. Changing direction in midstream wrecks havoc on the project.
- Identify your target market. Understand your competition.
- Keep your decision-making group small, and only include people who are marketing and brand champions.
- Get other opinions, just do it early. A strong leader knows how to elicit ideas from a wide group without losing sight of their vision and goals. Communicate clearly.
- Make decisions that align with your vision and goals. Don’t use purple just because it’s your favorite color. Put your brand first.
- Fully discuss the pros and cons of your product, and all concerns up front. Designer are problem-solvers at heart.
- Trust and respect your designer. It just won’t work any other way.
- Be willing to take a risk. The best work is always something that has not been done before. That’s what makes you stand out.
Red Flags for the Designer
- The owner is too busy to meet with you.
- You hear…”I’ll know it when I see it.”
- We’re taking a vote.
- I’m going to show it to my husband/wife/interior designer/nephew/focus group to see which one they like.
- My daughter’s favorite color is pink; I’d like to use it in the design.
- I like this font I saw on a candy bar better.
So, be a better client. Do your homework, collaborate, and lead with your vision.