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6 Ways to Transform Your Designer-Client Relationship

Stuart Crawford

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Discover 6 proven strategies to improve your designer-client relationship, from setting clear expectations to exceeding typical client demands.

6 Ways to Transform Your Designer-Client Relationship

As the founder of Inkbot Design, I've enjoyed working with all kinds of clients over the years, from the super-engaged professionals who “get” design to the less-enthused ones who see it as an obligatory cost.

And let me tell you – the difference between the two is night and day. The great clients make my job an absolute breeze. The not-so-great ones? I've had to develop some pretty thick skin.

But you know what? It doesn't have to be that way. With the right approach, any designer-client relationship can be productive, rewarding and enjoyable. 😊

In this post, I will share six proven strategies to help you do that. Take notes, whether you're a designer looking to level up your client management skills or a business owner seeking a smoother creative process. These tips could transform the way you work together.

1. Set Clear Expectations (From the Start)

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You've just landed an exciting new client. They seem switched on, enthusiastic about your work, and you can't wait to start.

But then the project kicks off, and suddenly, the lines of communication start to blur. Your client keeps changing their mind about the design direction. They're taking forever to provide feedback. And worst of all, they're always surprised by the final bill.

Sound familiar? 🀯

In my experience, this is one of the most common pain points in designer-client relationships. And it's completely avoidable – if you take the time to set clear expectations upfront.

That means:

  • Outlining your design process in detail, including timelines for each stage
  • Agreeing on a fixed scope of work, with clear parameters around revisions and changes
  • Establishing communication protocols (e.g. response times, preferred channels)
  • Being transparent about your pricing structure and payment terms

You want to leave no stone unturned. The more information you can provide, the fewer unpleasant surprises there'll be down the line.

Of course, some clients will still try to push the boundaries. But if you've laid everything out clearly from the start, you'll have a stronger foundation to return to when needed.

As the saying goes, “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” πŸ‘Ž Put in the groundwork upfront, and you'll be well on your way to a smoother, more productive working relationship.

2. Foster Genuine Collaboration

One of the biggest misconceptions about the designer-client dynamic is that it's a one-way street. The client provides the brief, and the designer executes it. That's it. Job done.

But the truth is, the best creative partnerships are built on true collaboration. πŸ’‘

Magical things can happen when you involve your client in the design process. You get to tap into their unique insights and perspectives. You can challenge each other's assumptions. And together, you'll have a final product infinitely stronger than anything you could have created alone.

How do you foster that kind of collaborative spirit? Here are a few tips:

  • Schedule regular check-ins and feedback sessions rather than waiting until the “big reveal.”
  • Encourage your client to share inspirational examples, mood boards, and visual references.
  • Be open to their ideas and suggestions, even if they don't align with your initial vision.
  • Create opportunities for them to get hands-on through prototyping, user testing, or co-creation workshops.
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The key is to make your client feel like a true partner rather than just a passive observer. When you empower them to contribute, you'll find that they become far more invested in the project's success.

And let's remember this approach's other significant benefit: it helps build trust and rapport. After all, nothing strengthens a relationship quite like working together towards a shared goal.

3. Over-communicate (Even When It Feels Redundant)

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I'll tell you a little secret: Even the best designer-client relationships can get…messy. πŸ™ƒ

No matter how carefully you plan and prepare, there will always be moments of confusion, frustration, or miscommunication. It's just the nature of the beast.

But here's the good news: You can dramatically minimise these hiccups by over-communicating. Yes, even when it feels a bit redundant.

Think about it this way: The more information you can provide, the fewer opportunities for misunderstandings to creep in. And that ultimately leads to a smoother, more harmonious working dynamic.

So, what does over-communication look like in practice? It could involve:

  • Sending detailed project updates at regular intervals
  • Reiterating critical decisions, actions, and deadlines in every meeting or email
  • Clarifying your thought process and rationale behind design choices
  • Checking in regularly to ensure your client is satisfied with the direction
  • Proactively addressing any potential roadblocks or concerns

I know what you're thinking: “But won't all that constant communication just annoy my client?”

The short answer is no. In my experience, clients appreciate the transparency. They feel more informed, empowered, and confident in the process. And that translates to a much more positive (and productive) working relationship.

Of course, you'll want to find the right balance. Don't go overboard to the point of information overload. But do err on the side of over-communicating rather than under-communicating.

After all, a little extra effort on your part can mean the difference between a smooth, seamless project…and a total disaster. 😱 Your choice.

4. Prioritise Empathy and Understanding

Let's face it: Designers and clients don't always see eye to eye. πŸ™„

We have different perspectives, different priorities, and different levels of design expertise. And that can lead to serious tension and misalignment if we're not careful.

But here's the thing: The more you can step into your client's shoes and truly understand their point of view, the easier it becomes to navigate those tricky dynamics.

That's where empathy comes in. Amazing things can happen when you approach your client relationships with genuine kindness and compassion. You start to see the world through their lens. You gain a deeper appreciation for their goals, their concerns, and the unique challenges they're facing.

And crucially, you can adapt your communication and working style to suit their needs better.

For example, let's say your client is a busy, non-technical entrepreneur feeling overwhelmed by all the design jargon. By slowing down, speaking in plain language, and providing plenty of visual aids, you can make the process more accessible and approachable.

Your client may be a seasoned marketing executive with a specific aesthetic vision. In that case, you must be more patient, open-minded, and willing to compromise to bring your vision to life.

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The bottom line is this: The more you can tune into your client's emotional state and unique circumstances, the better you'll be able to support them and keep the project on track.

It can be challenging, I'll admit. Designers can be stubborn, and it's natural to get defensive when our creative vision is challenged. But if you can check your ego at the door and approach every interaction with empathy and understanding, I guarantee you'll see a dramatic improvement in your working relationships.

5. Embrace Transparency and Honesty

Understand The Client

Let's be real momentarily: Not every designer-client relationship is sunshine and rainbows. 🌈

Sometimes, the path to a successful project is paved with a few uncomfortable conversations. You may need to push back on an unrealistic deadline. You may have to break the news that the client's budget won't cover their desired scope of work.

It can be tempting to sugarcoat the truth or avoid challenging discussions altogether in such situations. After all, who wants to risk ruffling a client's feathers?

But here's the thing: Opacity and dishonesty will only come back to haunt you. πŸ‘» In the long run, they erode trust, undermine your credibility, and create a seriously stressful working relationship.

On the other hand, when you embrace transparency and honesty, amazing things can happen. Your client will appreciate your straightforward, no-BS approach. They'll respect your integrity. And they'll be far more likely to work with you collaboratively to find a solution.

Of course, that doesn't mean you should be blunt to the point of rudeness. There's an art to delivering complex messages with diplomacy and tact. However, the core principle remains: Always strive for complete openness and truthfulness in your communications.

And remember, transparency isn't just about the tough stuff. It's also about proactively sharing information, keeping your clients in the loop, and using your expertise to educate them throughout the process.

The more you can demystify the design world and give your clients a behind-the-scenes look at your workflow, the more they'll feel empowered and engaged. And that, my friends, is the foundation for an advantageous, long-lasting partnership.

6. Consistently Exceed Expectations

Let's face it: In design, meeting your client's expectations is table stakes. To truly excel, you need to go above and beyond. 🌟

I'm talking about going the extra mile at every turn and delivering excellent work. Offering solutions they never even knew they needed. And consistently surprising and delighting them throughout the project journey.

I know what you're thinking: “That sounds like a lot of extra effort. Won't it just lead to burnout?”

Well, hear me out. Consistently exceeding expectations isn't just good for your client but a compelling business strategy. πŸ’Ό

When you wow your clients, they become raving fans. They're far more likely to give you repeat business, refer you to their network, and leave glowing reviews. And that, in turn, helps you attract even more of your dream clients.

It's the ultimate virtuous cycle.

How do you put this into practice? A few ideas:

  • Anticipate your client's needs before they even arise and proactively provide solutions
  • Identify opportunities to add extra value beyond the core scope of work
  • Respond to requests and provide feedback faster than expected
  • Surprise your client with thoughtful, personalised touches that show you're listening
  • Continuously seek ways to improve and refine your processes
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The key is always to be thinking one step ahead. What can you do to make your client's life easier? How can you make them feel exceptional and appreciated?

Now, I know it can be challenging. There will be times when you're stretched thin or when your client's expectations are simply unrealistic. But if you can go above and beyond, I guarantee it will pay dividends in the long run.

Conclusion: Levelling Up Your Designer-Client Relationship

Great design is about so much more than just pixels and code. πŸ’» It's about forging meaningful connections, building trust, and collaborating towards a shared vision.

As a designer, your ability to do that – to cultivate enriching relationships with your clients – could be the secret sauce that takes your business to the next level.

So, what are you waiting for? Start implementing these six strategies today, and watch as your designer-client partnerships reach dizzying new heights. πŸš€

Before you go, here are a few FAQs that might be helpful:

How do I handle a difficult or unreasonable client?

Stay calm, professional, and focused on finding a mutually agreeable solution. Employ techniques like active listening, empathy, and transparent communication to navigate the situation. If all else fails, it may be best to part ways.

What's the best way to get client feedback during the design process?

Schedule regular check-in meetings, provide mockups and prototypes for feedback, and consider using collaborative tools like Miro or Figma. The key is to make the feedback process seamless and interactive.

How can I set better boundaries with clients?

Define your availability, communication protocols, and revision limits upfront. Be bold and politely push back when clients try to overstep those boundaries. Maintaining healthy limits is crucial for preventing burnout.

What if a client changes their mind about the design direction?

Revisit your initial scope of work and decision-making process. Gently remind the client of the agreed-upon parameters and work together to get the project back on track. Getting buy-in at each stage can help prevent this issue.

These tips help you cultivate stronger, more rewarding relationships with your design clients. And remember, if you ever need a helping hand, the team at Inkbot Design is always here to support you. πŸ‘‹

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Written By
Stuart Crawford
Stuart Crawford is an award-winning creative director and brand strategist with over 15 years of experience building memorable and influential brands. As Creative Director at Inkbot Design, a leading branding agency, Stuart oversees all creative projects and ensures each client receives a customised brand strategy and visual identity.

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