As designers and entrepreneurs, we’ve all had our share of projects that didn’t go the way we thought that they would. Sometimes the project just wasn’t the right fit to begin with, sometimes there are unpredictable obstacles, but most of the time problems start with a lack of communication and honesty on both sides.
The first thing we tell our clients before we show them new designs is that they can’t hurt our feelings. Design is art and we put a little bit of ourselves into each project we take on. However, that work is only improved through constructive criticism and other points of view. When working with our clients on a logo or other creative project our goal is to communicate effectively, not just to make something look nice.
So if you’ve ever worked with a creative to get a design project done – whether it’s a logo or the interior design of your office, here a few tips from us to make the process easier:
1. Pay attention to Details
So you’ve had all of your discovery meetings, you’ve talked through your vision, and it’s time for the big project reveal! You’re excited to see what your designer has come up with, but when you’re looking at the final product, all you can focus on is the fact that you don’t like the font. Before you point this out, take a breath and take in the entire work. Ask yourself if it’s just the font, or are there other things that just aren’t working for you? Make a mental list of any and all details you don’t like, and give them to us all at once. Like we said before, you can’t hurt our feelings. We want to know every little thing you may not like about the design right upfront so that the next draft can come that much closer to meeting all of your needs.
2. Be Specific
If you don’t like the color scheme because it reminds you of your grandma’s living room, tell us that! When it comes to working together on a creative project, the more information the better. Even if it seems silly, any reason is better than, “I just don’t like it.”
3. Have Examples
If your vision is inspired by somewhere you’ve been, or something you saw online, don’t be afraid to share it with us! We of course would never steal a design, but we find inspiration all over the place and the more guidance the better!
4. Tell us what you DO like
We can always use the elements you do like in a project to help guide future choices when fixing the things you don’t.
If you check all four of these boxes when giving feedback to your designer, videographer, or photographer, you’re sure to get where you’re trying to go a little faster, and it will help everyone stay on the same page for the remainder of the project. Giving good feedback can help save you time and money, and achieve your creative goals.