For those of you just visiting the site, this is the third post in what I affectionately refer to as my "Idiot Series".  Chances are, if you do anything that requires that you deal with people then you’ve ran across a couple of "idiots."

As a freelancer or even as an inhouse designer working with other departments or personnel it’s very easy to get discouraged when your client just doesn’t seem to "get it". You know the ones I’m talking about. They come in and they want you, the designer, to create something for them. Then, instead of letting you help them to achieve visual greatness, they want to continue adding elements, tweaking things or making changes.

You know the ones I mean. They want a logo of a dove, with a cross, and a sword, OH! and a Bible. How do you let them know that that is probably not the best thing to do? As a designer, I also feel that it’s not only my job to "create" something, but I also attempt to educate my clients on a few basics "dos" and "dont’s".

Through the years I’ve found that if a client is SEEMINGLY taking advantage of you, chances are they do so un-intentionally. Usually, all it takes on my part is a simple sit down meeting where I explain the situation from my perspective, staying courteous, respectful and professional, and allow them to see behind what happens on my side.

I ran into a situation similar to this earlier this week. After talking through the situation, the client actually left the meeting with a totally new perspective! It was incredible to see such a visible difference in his attitude and demeanor.

Does this mean that we are to argue with a client who doesn’t "Get It"?  Absolutely not! As a designer, it is my job to do exactly what the client wants. If this appears to be detrimental to their best interest, my responsibility ends when I offer any knowledge that I have on the subject. If they don’t take my advice? I do the best job I possible can on creating EXACTLY what they want. Then I just do not publish their pieces in my portfolio.

It sounds simple and sometimes it is, the danger is guarding our emotions. Do not let yourself become tied up with the argument. Remember your job is to serve. The client’s not really an idiot, chances are they’ve just never been taught. So teach them!

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Whoever said, "the best things in life are free" was probably referring to Word of Mouth adverstising. Few things go farther and have a bigger impact that a positive referral from a client, colleague or friend. As a designer/web designer it’s important to me that my clients always feel like they can refer me and my work to their friends.
 

So far, so good. Since I’ve been in business, I’ve spent very little money on advertising, instead I’m constantly receiving a steady stream of clients through "the grapevine". Someone in Oklahoma knows someone in Alabama who knows someone in England. Yep! Word of Mouth advertising is so powerful that it even crosses the big pond!
 

The secret to positive referrals and good testimonials? Treat the customer with respect and integrity, both in business and personally. That’s it. It’s very simple. If you give your word, bust your butt to keep it. If you make a mistake, admit it. If you miscommunicate, pay for it yourself.

Above all the client should never be charged for a mistake you make.  But what about the clients that just don’t seem to like you and can’t be pleased? Evaluate yourself. If you’ve done everything you knew to do, and worked with integrity, shake the dust from your feet and go on.

I heard recently some interesting statistics:

• 25% of people will like you, but could be persuaded not to
• 25% of people will NOT like you, but could be persuaded to
• 25% of people will like you and stand by you till the end

and finally

• 25% of people will NOT like you no matter what you do.

So chalk those clients up the that last 25 and continue to do what you know is right!

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Ever wonder why some designs tend to stick out more than others? What makes the distinction between good design and "great" design?

As early as childhood artists begin to develop an "eye" for some things. Looking back at early crayon drawings some elements just seem to flow while other kid’s are still perfecting their stick figures. Like the musician with music, a true artist can "sense"  what’s appealing and what’s not.

Can it be taught? The methods and techniques can be taught, but I believe a true "artist" must have it within themselves. For them it’s not a "teaching" but a developing of the talent that is already placed inside of them.

So what is this secret key that poses the difference between good and great? It’s being where you are supposed to be. Using the talent you have been given. Not seeking to fulfill a position that you’re just not cut out for.

If you are struggling to be a "great" designer. Evaluate yourself, make sure you are in the position you are supposed to be in. All creative people shouldn’t be creating brochures, some are better at physical creativity such as interior design, point of purchase displays and creating stunning displays.

If the whole computer, adobe, design software thing isn’t your gig, don’t push it. Don’t try to be something you’re not. Just be GREAT at what you ARE!

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Co-workers. Depending on your environment they’re either friends or foes. Whether you work with a team, independently or in small groups I have no doubt you’re familiar with the joys and sorrows that often come from having to co-exist with other people!

Let’s tackle the teamwork scenario first: A "team" project has always elicited groans, sighs and rolled eyes. Inevitably at least one member of the team either honestly has no idea HOW to do their part, or just has no DESIRE to do it.  Both can be incredibly frustrating. How do we handle our share of the load and that of our co-workers?

Most importantly, we have to keep our attitude in check. This is the hardest thing to conquer: OURSELF!  We have to remember that God sees the work and effort we are putting into a project. Our feelings and emotions often try to get into the mix. It’s easy for us to become offended and feel sorry for ourselves when we feel that we are working harder than other "teammates."

Now, let’s say you work independently. So, what about the co-worker who can tell you’re on a big project, facing a tight-deadline and suddenly needs one of your files? And they need it ASAP! Especially if we suspicion that the other party just doesn’t want to put forth the effort to do their part. Or better yet, they attempt to sabotage the project (yep, it happens!).

I had to learn that I cannot let other people "pull me into the boat with them."  When they send vicious emails I respond sweetly, and they eventually give up. If I respond just as viciously, often that response will spur them on to make our lives a living hell. One word leads to another and before you know it you don’t even speak when you meet them in the hallway.

Thankfully, I work in an environment where my co-workers are also my best friends. We hang out on the weekends, enjoy time at each other’s houses and other activities.

Recently, a co-worker decided it was time for them to move on. Never before have I seen an office pull together and bless a fellow co-worker like that one. We raised over $300 dollars for him and a video game system he was wanting. It was truly awesome to be a part of.

All that to say, no matter how desparate your co-worker situation may look, stick with it, continue to do the right thing, and you’ll get to the other side, before you know it!

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The boss. In charge but clueless. We’ve all had them. They demand our respect and have the authority to do so.

As a professional, we know that it’s our duty to support the head honcho. We’re the golf ball. They’re the club. But when they make decisions we feel are wrong how should we respond?

As a designer, I’ve faced that struggle. I "knew" what was best for the design but the boss had other ideas. After "just a few minor changes" my work was no longer recognizable. I wish I could say this had only happened once. But, unfortunately in the real world of design this is a common occurrence. Whether your boss is a un-artistic creative director (yep, they’re out there), a know-it-all administrator or a  highly-caffeinated communications leader, the end results are the same.

So how do we handle the frustration of our creativity being squashed by these well-meaning but counter-productive higher ranking officials?

Separate the pressure from the problem. I have found that the first thing I must do, is separate my emotional frustration from the boss’s directive. Often, this is easier said than done. My friends can see it on my face. They learn to listen if I need to vent and then remind me sternly that I’m merely the employee.

Be reminded of this helps me to put the situation in perspective. As the "hired" designer, it’s not my responsibility to make good or bad design choices after the initial concept phase.  The one thing designers hate to hear is that WE ARE NOT IN CHARGE. After all, WE are the ones with the degree. WE are the ones who have been drawing since we were big enough to hold a crayon. WE are the ones who know the ins and outs of current trends and how to push the envelope.

But what if our leader is content inside that envelope?

 As long as I’m doing work for a client and in this case the boss, it’s not up to me to make the design decisions that I feel are the best. 

So what is my responsibility?  As an employee and as a designer, it IS my job to be respectful and settle the debate between doing what is asked of me and what I professionally think is best for the project. Bottom line, if I’m accepting payment for my services, then I’m most likely not making the final decisions. 

My advice?  If you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen! Seriously, if you find yourself constantly in a state of turmoil and can’t find it within yourself to submit, maybe you should be your own boss. But, make sure you’ve weighed the pros and cons of working for yourself. Do you really think you’re mature enough to be making all the decisions if you haven’t learned to submit to an authority yourself?

For me, I’ve been able to "be the boss" and "work for the boss."  Both positions carry an insane amount of weight, however, I would have to say the burden IS greater on the boss. Sure as the boss, I get to "decide" what the design should be for my own company stuff. But when it comes to making money, I’m still responsible for working with the client.

Many times, I’ve seen a "portfolio piece" turn into a "no way  piece" in just a few words from the client. 

Regardless how hopeless your employment situation is, I can tell you that if you hang in there and stick with it, this too shall pass. Good bosses are out there! I know, I have had a lot of them. Thankfully, I’m in a position where I have not one, but 2 great bosses. There is light at the end of the tunnel!

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I read an excellent article in a recent edition of HOW Magazine about successful Creative Directors and the things they do to inspire creativity on their team. The article mentioned creating sweet potato stamps, releasing balloons with deadlines written on them, and a variety of other things that let the team break away from the monotony of the everyday design grind.

With this in mind I set out to have the first creative meeting with my peers who had suddenly become my staff. It was a bit scary, introducing this new idea of "creativity" during a production meeting. I wasn’t sure how it would go over. But it went well. The fun was contagious and even those who started out a little leery were soon having a great time with the crayolas and large coloring sheets that I brought in specifically for the meeting.

We got everything administrative that was on the docket accomplished and had a chance to smile a little. The one thing that we didn’t count on was other staff members in the building passing by my office and sticking their head in and asking if they too could "color".

The first meeting was a success. The second one is today, and for it I brought play-dough. I’ll let you know how it goes!

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