Key Takeaways
- **Key Takeaway 1:** Avoid using vague or dismissive phrases like “Can you make it pop?” or “I’ll know it when I see it.” Provide clear direction and specific goals to enable designers to create effective designs.
- **Key Takeaway 2:** Value the time and skills of designers. Fair compensation is a sign of respect for their expertise and contributes to the quality of the final product.
- **Key Takeaway 3:** Embrace constructive feedback that provides specific reasons and suggestions. Vague critiques like “I don’t like it” are unhelpful and hinder the design process.
Imagine you’re a culinary wizard, whipping up a masterpiece for a dinner party. Just as you’re about to add the secret ingredient, a well-meaning guest leans over and says, “Can you make it a little more… peppery?”
That’s how it feels for a burgeoning global design industry worth over $50 billion when clients utter certain phrases. Phrases that undermine their hard-earned skills, stifle their creative vision, and make them want to chuck their styluses across the room.
“Can you just make it pop?”
This is like asking a surgeon to “just make my appendix disappear.” Design isn’t magic. It requires clear direction and specific goals.
“I’m not sure what I want, but I’ll know it when I see it.”
Designers aren’t mind-readers. They need tangible parameters to work with. Vague feedback is like trying to paint a masterpiece with a blindfold.
“Can you do it for free? I’m a startup.”
Designers aren’t charities. They have mortgages to pay and lattes to fuel their creative juices. Fair pay is a sign of respect for their time and skills.
“I have a friend who can do it for half the price.”
This is like saying, “My cousin’s a dentist, so I can get my root canals for free.” Comparing designers’ fees devalues their work and undermines their worth.
“I’ve already done some work on it myself.”
Designers are like chefs. They don’t want to start with half-cooked ingredients. Pre-designed work can hinder their creative process and compromise the final product.
“I want it to look like this other design I saw.”
Designers aren’t copycats. They create original work tailored to your brand. Copying designs is like stealing someone’s style – it’s unoriginal and uninspiring.
“It looks too modern/old-fashioned.”
Designers consider target audiences and brand identities when selecting styles. “Modern” or “old-fashioned” are subjective terms that don’t provide constructive feedback.
“I want it done by tomorrow.”
Design isn’t fast food. It requires brainstorming, concept development, and meticulous refinement. R provoshing a project can compromise its quality.
“I don’t like it.”
Constructive feedback is invaluable. But vague critiques like “I don’t like it” are like a doctor saying, “Your appendix hurts.” Explain what you dislike and why.
“I’m not paying you to think.”
Design isn’t just about executing instructions. It’s about brainstorming, problem-solving, and conceptualizing. Thinking is an essential part of the process.
Bonus:
Here’s a quote from legendary design guru PaulRand: “Design is the thoughtful articulation of purpose.” Embrace this mantra, and you’ll be on your way to fruitful collaborations with designers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are some good things to say to a design professional?
Use clear and specific language. Provide examples or inspirations. Be respectful of their time and skills. Constructive feedback is always welcome.
How can I avoid offending a design professional?
Avoid using the phrases mentioned above. Don’t be dismissive or disrespectful. Understand that design is a subjective field. Respect their creative process.
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