What I learned about client relationships while being a Logo Designer
I learnt Logo and Brand Identity Design on my own. After learning the theory and the tools, now was the time for application in the real world. So I started reaching out to business owners for work to test myself and my skills.
I worked with multiple businesses and learnt some quite interesting things -
Here’s what I learnt in my freelance-logo-design journey
Have a contract
In the first few calls with the client, you get to know about the company and what the client actually needs. I learnt that keeping track of everything you’re talking about and creating a professional “Work Contract” helps a lot.
This contract is a document laying out all the work terms, project details and both you and your client’s expectations.
If the project turns out to be something unexpected, or if any issue is arising between you and the client, you can always go back to your contract and have it as your “guideline”
Like, I once had a case where right before the completion of the work, the company’s strategy and positioning changed. Now they wanted more work which was lying outside of the initially agreed terms, so my client decided to give me more time and increase the payment!
Have clear communication
Imagine this — you’re a freelancer and your days are pretty busy — full of working on projects. You’re experimenting and trying out lots of different things to find the perfect solution. You are working hard on your project!
But try to look through your client’s eyes. Your client’s days might be looking like this:
Monday: Was nice talking to him, I think he’s going to provide good solutions
Tuesday: I wonder what he might be doing
Wednesday: I wonder what his progress is. Is he even working on our project?
Thursday: I’m getting anxious about what he’s doing. Is he even working on this project or am I paying him to just sit and relax
Friday: Got the first draft. Looks great so far *sigh of relief*
You see, you’re working hard but how is your client supposed to know that?
Send progress reports, show him what you’re experimenting with, show him what you’re doing and going to do. Open and clear communication is always appreciated!
Set right expectations
In your initial calls, if you come off as a supreme-all-knowing-unicorn who knows exactly how to solve ALL the problems the client is facing; and then fail to deliver that in your final deliverables, you aren’t going to get a happy client. That client won’t come back to you or refer you to his network. You’re losing opportunities.
On the flip side, if you give too low expectations, the client won’t have confidence in hiring you and you might lose the job at the beginning. Yikes!
The solution?
Set the right expectations. Tell them exactly what you’re going to do.
Be realistic. Even over-deliver the work, but set the right expectations.
You should have integrity and should come off as someone who does what he says, not someone who makes fake promises.
Work on your deliverables
When delivering your final work, remember, they are not designers. Keep in mind their needs and wants and deliver the products that are actually useful for them, and don’t expect them to understand the designs as you do.
Make sure to include the final files in every usable format.
Like, when you’re delivering a logo, don’t just deliver the final logo, but also black-and-white version of the logo. Think of every scenario the client might use the logo for and make it easier for your client by providing a version for that scenario!
Follow up!
Ask them how their business is going and how your service has impacted them!
Here’s a bonus — they might have some new work for you!
Working freelance is an amazing experience, and it teaches a lot. Along with getting better at your hard skills, you also gain some new skills like -
- communicating effectively with people miles away from you
- Managing time-zone differences
- Creating and organizing invoices and contracts
- Figuring out the best solutions for the clients
- Negotiating your price
And last but not the least,
- Managing your own self, because here, you are your own boss!
