I looked on a popular website called http://clientsfromhell.net/, and read some horror stories about some clients not understanding how the design process works. Here are some of my favourite examples:
1.
Client: Hey do you think you could read over the script before you do the voiceover and maybe give some suggestions on how to make it flow better or change some words around?
Me: Sorry, I don’t provide copyediting services, but I know someone who does. I can refer you.
Client: No, no man, I don’t want copyediting. I just want you to, you know, look it over and make sure the grammar is good and suggest any changes that might make it a better script.
2.
Client: The colors need to be liquid-color.
Me: More vibrant? Brighter?
Client: No, like the colors of liquids
I also found a website called http://sharpsuits.net/ which takes ridiculous client comments and turns them into graphic posters. Here are some of my favourites from there:
After looking at some examples, I tweaked my original content so it was aimed at the client. It gives off the same information in quite a professional way, but easily enough that the client can understand the process. The sections are also quite brief so they won't feel overwhelmed with information:
The brief:
The brief is the starting point of any project. You should give your designer a detailed brief, with clear deliverables and instructions. It’s important to discuss with the designer the budget for the project and the timescale at this stage.
It’s important to give the designer clear instructions, especially if you have something in mind, but try to keep it quite open too, as most designers like to experiment and push the brief. They might come up with something you haven’t thought of before!
Research:
Once your designer has recieved the brief, it’s important that they do some research before starting. This includes looking online for inspiration, reading books, magazines and maybe even conducting a questionnaire. Primary and secondary research are both important, so if it seems like your designer is taking a while to start the project, they’re probably still on this stage!
Your designer should be in regular contact with you - this is normal! They want to ensure they’re doing the right thing, and they’re fitting the brief correctly. If they’re overwhelming you with questions, let them know, but overall it’s for your benefit.
Initial Ideas:
After the research stage, your designer will start some initial planning for the project. This often doesn’t turn out to be the final design, it’s more to show you the direction they’re heading in.
The sketches are likely to be rough - don’t worry if they don’t look very refined at this stage! Your designer may show you a range of ideas, and it’s important that you give input into the design decisions when approached, to help your designer meet your vision.
Development:
The development stage is crucial in finalising the best ideas. Your designer will most likely mock up the ideas on a computer. They may still be quite rough, but more refined and easier to visualise than the previous stage.
It’s important to give feedback at this stage especially, so your designer can start to narrow down the choices and find the perfect design for the brief.
This stage is also a time for visualising the end product, and considering the stock and printing method. You need to discuss this with your designer, and ensure they fit in with the budget and timescale for the project.
Feedback:
Feedback is a crucial part of every design process. Your designer should be engaging with you at every opportunity, asking your opinion and tweaking their design. If you both don’t keep up communication, your designer will most likely end up creating something you aren’t happy with.
The initial ideas and development stages are where feedback is needed the most, and although it isn’t a linear process, feedback is always appreciated by the designer.
Production:
Once everything has been signed off, and you’re happy with the design, the final stage can begin. Here, you should review the budget and timescale to make sure they have been met. You should agree the printing method and stock with your designer.
Once the design has been produced and you’re happy with it, it’s time to pay the designer and be on your way!
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