Red Flag!

Just a warning, I'm about to get all business-like. I mentioned in my last post that I have been planning a design blog forever (YEARS!), but what finally made me start was an issue I encountered with a recent project, one that ended not-so-well. Long story short, the client will be finishing up the project with another designer. These things happen. It ended amicably. And we'll all be happier in the long run.

This brings me back to the issue at hand: trust your instincts before beginning a project AND make your voice heard. You are the expert. That is what you're getting paid for—not just a pretty website or brochure. Lesson learned? I sure hope so, as I really don't want to experience this again. I've been designing for long enough, I should know the red flags. Perhaps writing them down will help me to pay attention to them in the future...

1. Client questions the value of design/designers.
If I have to justify my hourly rate, or give a convincing argument as to why a client should hire me over having a family member do the design, it's probably not a project I'd like to take. It's great to have the chance to educate potential clients on the value of hiring a designer, but it doesn't always go over well... and I usually end up billing less in the long run to somehow relieve their skepticism.

2. Client doesn't know what he/she wants, but will know it when he/she sees it.
This is a tricky one. At first glance, it seems to be a designer's dream—complete design freedom. But that isn't what we're talking about. Not at all. If a client says, "I'm not creative. Make me something pretty. I know what I like when I see it," it's code for, "I know exactly what I want, but I'm testing you to see if you know what I want." Ok, maybe a little harsh. But it's not entirely untrue. Clients know what they like. They dress themselves, don't they?

3. Disorganization or disregard for professional practices.
This is a large category. For some clients, it means having too much on their plates and not having the time to devote to really making a project work. For others, it can be not writing anything down on paper (contracts, timelines, etc)—a BIG mistake. I prefer to keep things as casual as possible, but if a client doesn't take a project seriously, then no one else will—including me.

There are definitely more. But why bore you with more text? If a project/client doesn't feel right, ask yourself why. And if you have the luxury of passing up the opportunity... DO! You can thank yourself later.