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Dear Client, We Need To Talk(dearclient.goprospero.com)

over 6 years ago from Nurit Bahat, Art Director @Webydo

  • Wes OudshoornWes Oudshoorn, over 6 years ago

    One of the things I find hard to read about this article, is that the writer takes the role of the victim. The rules he lays out for his clients are focussed on a better working relationship, but are focussed on his terms, and all that could go wrong if the client does not obey to them.

    • Make sure you have enough money
    • Respect my creative process
    • Just let me do my work, my way
    • Communicate on my terms

    Now it is not wrong to have standards of being "professional" with your clients. But this focusses on all the things that could go wrong, while not inspiring potential clients about the outcome, about all the beautiful stuff that could happen in a great working relationship.

    No we're not products. We're tools. And sometimes the best ROI is a cheap tool, creating something that has been done before, with a pretty fixed scope, price, and less creativity than tackling big problems. And if you're not that kind a designer, that's fine - just say no to those projects. But I know plenty of designers that make a great living, have great client relationships, and don't mind getting a text instead of email from their clients.

    12 points
    • Lior FrenkelLior Frenkel, over 6 years ago

      Hi Wes - Lior here - the writer :)

      I agree with most of what you wrote and some of your conclusions.

      I wrote it from my personal point of view - I do say no to those projects. But I understand and totally am happy for other creatives that feel differently :) The letter presents only my truth, not an absolute truth.

      I think I did mention the good outcomes that could happen, and how much I want to work with and for those clients. But maybe I didn't bold it enough.

      Anyhoo - thanks for being very open and honest about the letter. Appreciated!

      1 point
      • Wes OudshoornWes Oudshoorn, over 6 years ago

        Hi Lior, thanks for your reply.

        I've just read the piece again and I think my main critique still stands. Every "principle" has a great point, but is buried in negatives. It would make me nervous as one of your customers, afraid to do something wrong.

        You see, I've had clients that didn't appreciate my creative work. And I've had clients who've hurt my feelings. Then there's those that pissed me off. I've had projects terminated earlier than expected. And clients that didn't pay for my work. Those that didn't return my calls.

        Hiring a creative isn't like buying a TV or a car.

        Maybe you aren't interested in a high quality end product

        It's disrespectful.

        Please don't ask to see my work every other hour, and I'd ask you not to micro-manage me. I cannot focus when you are looking over my shoulder 24/7. It's stifling.

        Please don't ask me for "A Logo" or "A Viral Video".

        3 points
        • Chris DroomChris Droom, over 6 years ago

          This part also jumped out at me:

          I've had clients who've hurt my feelings

          This paints the picture of a fragile prima donna, not a professional designer — which is probably incorrect.

          4 points