clients!

To start things off, I have decided to make sure that each of my blog posts will have some sort of REAL information in them, along with some personal updates. My last post, "How To Use A Sketchbook..." was my first attempt at writing an educational blog post, and I kinda liked doing it. I have a lot of information in my head that I know most people don't tend to talk about, and I would like to try to use this journal to explore some of those ideas. So, today's post is about something many of us freelancers have in common:

Dealing With Clients!

Where to begin? Well, first off, I LOVE my clients. All of them. Even the ones who drive me to the brink of insanity!

I know, you're sitting there thinking, "Why Alan? WHYYYY???!!! And Howwwwww??" And then you're probably thinking, "Oh great, he's gonna have some cheesy/amateur writer thing to say about clients that we all know already." Well, you're write! (AHA! BAD HUMOR TOO!) (and btw, clients and designers have such a CLICHE history together. we think they're ignorant and outdated, and they think were arrogant and weird. oh, and expensive. haha. can't forget that one. i hope one day we can change this stereotyped relationship, but it'll probably be another couple of generations before we begin to see things differently.)

Anyway, I love all of my clients because they all teach me something unique. A new situation, a new tactic, a new bit of advice.

Typically, clients are seen as a very scary thing in the design world. There are thousands of websites and books dedicated to telling horror stories that designers have had with their clients. Everything from decisions being made from a pet's tail wag, to their infant's reactions (i'm not kidding!). But overall, one thing is clear, design is a familiar thing to many people, and while everyone may not be capable to creating good design, everyone feels like they are able to say what they like and they don't like, which is totally OK.

However, don't let them tell you how to do your job. Chances are, if they hired you, it means they either didn't have the knowledge, or the time, to do what you are doing.

It is sad though, that in many cases, we aren't seen as the graduates from a prestigious private art academy where we spent 4+ years learning every aspect of art and design. Instead, we are known as the "Guy with CS5." In that case, we should just rent out our computer to all the people that could do this job for less.

Overall, the number one rule is that THEY ARE PAYING US. If they have to have comic sans, give it to them. If they want a lens flare, make it gigantic and gaudy. If they think web2.0 means reflections and rounded edges everywhere, then they're right! Guide them as best as you can, give them SOME options (don't go overboard) to look at. Ask for examples too. Visuals are always great. I can't tell you how many times someone has said, "I want it to look modern." Well, modern means lots of things to lots of people. I think of the 50s, with the "modern style." Other people think that MODERN=CONTEMPORARY, but alas, it doesn't.

Dont let your pride get in the way of your paycheck.

Go in, get dirty, and come out as best as you can.

I have recently gotten done with a project for one of my very good friends, Carlee Adams. Honestly, she was one of those clients that everything just went super smooth. She was open to my ideas, and very enthusiastic about the whole process.

She is what I would consider to be a hair and makeup artist. The things she does are awesome, and she even makes her own garments sometimes... one was a dress made out of newspapers! Anyways, she needed a portfolio/ad sight that she could use to showcase her own unique style, and brand her abilities under the name Viva La Bella. The address is http://vivalabella.com go check it out! :D