As a freelance designer, I have heard it all. I have had clients say things to me that range from the mildly irritating to the downright offensive. In an effort to help you avoid saying something that will make your freelance designer want to quit on the spot, here are six things you should never say to a freelance designer!
1. “I’m not really sure what I want, but I’ll know it when I see it.”
because what you’re really saying is “I don’t trust your design expertise and I’m going to be a pain in the ass until I get what I want.”
2. “Can you copy this other design?”
because that would be plagiarism.
3. “I don’t really like it, but my (insert family member/friend/coworker) likes it.”
this is because they are not the ones who have to live with the end result. If you don’t like it, chances are good that other people won’t either.
4. “I don’t really have a budget for this.”
because if you don’t have a budget, then why are you hiring a professional in the first place?
5. “I’ll just give you a positive review on Yelp/Google/Facebook if you do this for free.”
because chances are good that the designer is already getting paid way too little and doesn’t need to be taken advantage of.
6. “This is just something I’m doing for fun/for my portfolio.”
because most designers take their work very seriously and put a lot of time and effort into each project, regardless of its size or purpose.
7. “We haven’t finished writing the copy, but can you design a draft?”
because without the copy, the designer has no idea what they are supposed to be designing.
8. “I know you’re busy, but can you do this rush job for me?”
because most designers already have a full plate of projects and don’t need any more stress in their lives.
9. “Can you put it in a format that we can edit?”
because that’s not how design works. Once the design is complete, it is turned over to the client and they are free to do whatever they want with it.
10. “I love your work, but…”
because this is usually followed by some sort of criticism or request for a change that the designer may not be able to accommodate.
Conclusion
If you want to keep your freelance designer happy and avoid having them quit on the spot, avoid saying any of the above! Do you have any other things to add to the list? Let us know in the comments! Hire your freelance designer today on www.artmeet.sg ~