Know-it-all newbie clients

(Still editing this post...)
A few days ago, a client has been messaging me none stop about a vector design she saw that was similar to a design i gave her a week before. The client insisted that i explain how this happened. I have been a designer for a very very long time and had clients local and abroad. Clients don't get the fact that there are other people trying to get a hold of original designs and copying or uploading it as their own. Nowadays, young designers and clients make it a habit to google the designs they want and voila, everything's on the net. Designers who have been in the business for so long never had this chance let's say 10 years ago.
I remember when i was in college, my professors always made it a point that we render our projects and works manually. Manually means by hand... yes, with pencil and paint. I got used to rendering all my artworks by hand. When i was a fresh grad and had my first job as a fashion designer for high-end kiddie brands, i was introduced to photoshop and illustrator - which was not popular then. Designers like me never had it easy because designs were not widely available online. We had to design our own elements... we never had the chance to copy and paste... i wish it was easy then.
I always made it a point to design my own elements (call it vectors now). I now have hundreds of original designs that i personally designed. These files are so heavy that i used to have hundreds of cdr copies of everything. Since 2001, i made it a habit to upload my files via email, flickr, etc... I trusted all clients and thought that only... ONLY approved files are to be downloaded. and oooh was i wrong...
Many filipino graphic artists are hired to do vector designs. Vector designs are editable elements used on designs using adobe illustrator program. It is very disappointing to see how dishonest people can be. Most vector clients usually request the illustrator file to be uploaded since they need to check if these artworks being submitted are indeed editable using illustrator program. The internet is a very small world for all designers. A dishonest client could upload certain files and upload it without the knowledge of the designer. This is the part where some designers wouldn't have any control over copyright images - an original artwork circulating the net without their knowledge.
This happened to me a few days ago, when a client saw a similar vector file that i have originally designed for a client in 2001. I browsed a lot of free sites offering images and pictures and saw a collection of mine. I have messaged the site and they said that it would be pulled down in a few days. Pulling down the image won't help since the file was uploaded for so long and that some artists might have used them and uploaded it somewhere else. This is very frustrating since i couldn't do anything else except accept the fact that the designs are for public use.
I have messaged my client to pull out the collection which has been uploaded on the net. But the thing is that this "certain" client has been bugging me about these designs. The funniest thing about this client is that the collection submitted is not payed for! Stop bugging me about this "certain" design when it isn't even payed for! Of all the designs i have submitted this client could browse the whole net and look for the other designs i submitted. All my designs are original. Of all my years designing, i have never made it a habit to copy someone else's work.
Young clients just don't have any idea on how the designing world works. I have been designing since the day some of these clients were even born. The problem is with some client is that they want to have an original design (yet inspired by something they copied on the net). What is that? i don't get it.  The designs on the internet are mostly made by designers who have been doing this for a living for more than 10 years or so. There is never an original piece of design. I hope some "newbie" clients get this inside their tinnie weenie minds. I understand that clients make excuses when they first of all; Unsatisfied with a design, found a cheaper graphic artist or doesn't want to pay anything at all. Stop complaining about a design that you haven't paid for yet! Most designs you have seen on the internet are done by creative artists that have been in the business for years... so, please...

10 Early warning signs of a bad client

It is often the case that designers are competing for projects, and the client is selecting who to work with based on experience, rates and other factors. At the same time, designers should be deciding if the client is a good fit for them. While there are many ways to determine this, there are some classic red flags to look for... things a client might say that are a sign of only more trouble once the project is yours. If you hear any of these red flags, it certainly doesn't mean you should automatically end the relationship. Use your judgement and the look at the situation as a whole before making decision.

1. Everything is "Easy" or "Quick"

We've all heard it before... "I just want a simple website" or "Can you design a quick poster?" In some cases, the client actually thinks something is easy because they don't have experience with design. In other cases, the client may be trying to downplay what they need in order to keep your costs low. Either way, it is a red flag that can first be handled with an explanation of why the project or task is time consuming. While we don't need clients to completely understand every technical aspect of the design process, or that we may stay up until 4 A.M. obsessed with their project, we also don't want them thinking we're just throwing this stuff together. See how the client reacts to your explanation to determine how to proceed.

2. Promise of future work
Potential clients will often try to obtain your services at a lower rate by promising to hire you for projects in the future. While it is up to your judgement to determine whether or not the offer is genuine, remember the only guarantee (or close to one) is the initial project. Even if a client is sincere about their intentions of working with you on an ongoing basis, it will ultimately be the work you do for them and how your relationship progresses that decides if you continue to work together. If you feel the client has good business sense and that there really is potential to gain a long-term client, giving them a break on the first job may be worth the risk. Just remember there is always a chance you never hear from them again.

3. Unrealistic deadlines
Be wary of clients that want everything ASAP. Sometimes turning down such work is easy, because what they want in the time they want it just can't be done. Other times, it is possible to pull it off but only if you sacrifice your current work (and existing clients) to get it done. Keep in mind that a client that wants their first project done right away will probably want their next one finished just as quickly, always leaving you scrambling to finish work. If you really want or need such a project, consider charging rush fees and explain that you have to put other work aside. You may also want to find out why the work needs to be completed so quickly to determine if this is a trend or a one-time rush job.

4. Questioning your rates
Look out for clients who question your rates, as that is an early sign of distrust. There is a nothing wrong with a client telling you they can't afford what you have quoted, but that is different from them telling you it shouldn't cost so much. Clients should understand you are quoting fairly and accurately (assuming you are) based on the scope of the project. While they will most likely get a wide variety of quotes from other designers, your costs coming in higher doesn't mean you are cheating them. Finalizing a rate for a project is one of the trickiest aspects of landing a deal, but it is also a good test of how effectively you and your client can communicate.

5. They fired their last designer
This is a tricky one, because you will probably only hear one side of the story, and it will be about how bad their last designer was. This may be 100% true and you might be just the designer to step in and save the day. Remember to also question what happened with the last designer... was the client too difficult to satisfy? You probably shouldn't just walk away from a job if you hear this, but take a look at the full story. Does the client also have unrealistic expectations or confusing requests? Is it difficult to agree on the terms of the contract? Find out what went wrong so you're not next.

6. You don't "Get It"
You've done many projects in the past. You're great at listening to your client's requests and coming up with a plan. Then how come you have no idea what this new client wants after several discussions? A client who can't clearly convey his or her goals and expectations will probably be difficult to communicate with throughout the project.

7. The disappearing client
Many designers have experienced projects that drag on and on, with little or no communication for weeks or even months at a time. Often, an early warning sign of this is the same behavior during the early stages. Does the client respond promptly when you call or email with questions, or do you wait too long and have to follow up before getting answers? Sometimes this is a sign that they are speaking with several designers and shopping for the best price, or perhaps they are too busy to be committed to the job at this time. If you see this problem developing but want the work, consider putting a project schedule in your contract that includes deadlines for the client, with cancellation clauses.

8. Spec work
One of the easiest red flags to spot is the request for "spec work." This means a client asks to see designs for their project before having to make the decision to hire you. Since they don't intend to pay a fee for such work, you may invest time and resources without getting anything in return. You should be selected based on your portfolio and experience, and come to an agreement regarding payment before starting on design. It is also likely that a client has asked several designers to come up with concepts, while spending little time with each of them to explain what they are looking for. In the end, both parties benefit by choosing to work together from the start.

9. Disorganized from the start
Watch out for clients who appear disorganized from day one. In order to finish a project on time and on budget, both designer and client need to be organized and able to communicate. If a project outline from a client is unclear, or if they cannot provide content on time, it may be a sign that the entire project will be frustrating.

10. Trust your gut
The last red flag is that "gut feeling" that a client is trouble. Trust your instinct, especially if you have already worked with a variety of clients. This may be more difficult when starting out, but as you take on more projects, especially those you wish you had walked away from, you will learn when to turn down a job based on any of the factors above and your own experience.

Horrible client habits

I have been a designer for more than 12 years and have met all sorts of clients. Clients have certain habits that annoy most designers. Designing is not an easy job as some people might think. Designing takes time and effort and a great design is a product of a great relationship between designer and client. 

1. Wanting great designs for cheap prices

Because everyone seems to have Photoshop and know a designer nowadays, many clients tend to have a bad idea of what design is worth. While it can be okay to have low prices when you are starting out, when you are confident enough and your work is good enough you should come up with prices that make it worth your time.

Many clients also try to outsource their projects to India and other places where designers work for rock bottom prices, but you need to stick behind your work and hold out for those clients who know what you are worth. Let them know why you are the best choice!

- Clients tend to haggle on a designer's fixed price. Sometimes, the client haggles too much that the designer ends up with free products that won't be even used and an amount that would not even cover for electrical (pc / laptop) expenses.

2. Asking you to design on spec

This is when clients want to see a finished design before they pay. You should avoid doing this as much as possible, but in times of desperation it could be the only option. Be confident though and let clients choose you based on your portfolio and not on spec. Be especially careful of designing on spec for people on classifieds and forums because it's a common scam in places like those where they really are not clients, but designers themselves looking to steal your work and use it for their own projects.

- Yes, it is a scam. I have been designing for 12 years and have met all kinds of clients. Some clients would even say that they have seen these designs elsewhere. Some companies or clients upload designs as their own without the designer knowing it. I had a habit of uploading raw files online and somehow some of my designs have been used and posted in free sites. If this happens, there is a slim chance of finding the culprit. This happened to me recently and i have no control over it since the design circulated across the web. A designer should make it a habit to watermark artworks and NEVER upload a raw file which is editable with programs. Lesson learned.

3. Slow payments

Some clients are notorious for paying slowly or not at all. The way I combat this is to ALWAYS require a down payment before I begin work. For smaller project I usually ask for all the money upfront and I never send the final files until I receive the last payments.

- The best way to go about this without even having to ask for a down payment is to watermark the images or send a very low resolution image which cannot be used by the client.

4. Not planning out the project upfront

I find it extremely important to plan out a project as much as possible before starting work. Even if they have a tight deadline make it clear the project must be fully planned out before you begin. After all meetings and discussions are done write up an estimate listing all of the details of the project and your prices and terms.

- It is just a waste of everybody's time... enough said!

5. Not giving you all the copy and images needed up front

This is probably one of the most common bad habits of clients. I try to stress several times that I require all copy and images before I begin and this usually gets them to give it to me on time. Although don't be surprised if you end up having to design using dummy text and make annoying adjustments later to fit the actual copy.

- True! - Let's put it this way, how can you sew a dress without the fabrics and accessories? How can a designer finalize a project for a client when some of the pieces are missing? A never ending project editing and revisions... a waste of time again...

6. Not having high resolution images for print projects

This is usually due to the fact that clients do no understand the fine points of resolution or that they just do not have any high resolution images available. Try recommend using high resolution stock photography or illustrations instead, but if they really must use those images try to keep them as small as possible. If this happens make sure you write in your contract that the images provided were of low resolution and may not reproduce well when printed.

- Clients who won't spend for pictorial shoots or copyright images. If a client does not want to spend for a pic, what more spend for a decent design price? If a designer provides a client with a copyright free image, i think the client should spend more for the effort of providing it. Don't forget to state that the The client holds all responsibilities regarding approval and copyright (Application) issues (Photos/Wordings) & image trademarks of the approved project.

7. Forcing you to use poorly designed logos and other elements

Many times clients will ask you to include pre-existing logos or other design elements within the project you are working on. You will have to judge when and when not to argue this if you feel it hurts the overall design. Learning how to negotiate and inform clients on what you believe is best can be considered an art form and takes practice!

- Again, a client who doesn't want to spend for a high-resolution image... what more can i say?

8. Can you make that type bigger?

This has always been on ongoing battle between designers and clients and has become a sort of inside joke for designers.

- Clients that trick you into designing a small poster ad and asking you to make it bigger so they can blow it up into a bigger ad. These clients would pay for a small project and print it as a bigger one... Unfair! Make it a point to always send the agreed maximum size of an approve project. 

9. Asking for way too many revisions

This one can be pretty easily avoided by establishing a set amount of revision rounds and initial concepts before starting a project. Make sure you get this in writing or at least save your emails where they agree to your specifications. This is most commonly done in the logo and identity design area of graphic design.

- Always state in your terms & conditions the maximum revisions per project. If the client won't agree, drop it. Not worth your time.

10. Asking for additional work on top of the original agreement

This one can be good or bad. It's bad when they spring additional work on you and don't want to pay more, but it's good if your agreement outlines the pricing for additional work.

- Never accept an additional project without payment. Once you agree on doing this, this "certain" client will always ask for the same thing... over and over...

11. Never available to questions or to look at samples

Often clients can be extremely busy and working on multiple projects at once. As designers it's important for us to be able to contact our clients to show them samples, revisions and ask important questions. This one is really up to you guys. You can either try and deal with it and get the project done or you can let the client know about the issue and try and resolve it or drop them.

- Designing is never easy. It takes time and effort. In all my years of designing, i have never failed a deadline even if the client gives me just 3 hours to do a large project. That goes to show how professional i am about what i do. I do hope that some clients appreciate the effort designers give to them. If a designer never gives updates or replies after a month, finish the project to show how professional and dedicated designer you are and drop the client when done. 

12. Pinning printing costs on you

Many designers handle printing for clients, but I try to stay away from this. I've seen way too many clients try and stick designers with outrageous printing bills because of an error in the final design. I basically say I can recommend printers to you and do an initial check of the files to make sure they are print ready, but i's up to you and your printer to do a final pre-press check and make sure the files are correct, because I will not be held responsible for any printing costs whatsoever.

- This has never happened to me though, but if it did, i am asking for additional costs. Some designer friends of mine actually fall for this... i don't know why... just saying...

13. Not willing to pay for additional costs

This usually turns out bad if you try to spring additional costs on clients at the end of the project. Once again this problem can easily be avoided if you specify upfront what the additional costs are or might be. This can include stock photography, stock illustrations, printing costs and rush fees.

-  Always give a deadline. Not only for a client but for you as well. I have never exceeded a deadline but if i did, the best thing to do is to tell your client 2 days before. And if a client exceeds a deadline, ask for additional costs. The best way to go about this is for the client and the designer to set a "realistic" deadline that would work for both.

14. Canceling projects

Whether you or a client decided to end a project you should be covered in some way. Using a contract again is a simple way to protect yourself. Simply state that if a project is canceled, you will invoice for work completed up until that point. Some designers give no refunds at all and some are happy to refund clients if they are the ones who drop the client because of issues.

- The most common client practice... never hearing from a client, EVER. That is why the best way to submit a design is to watermark it. If the client copies a draft you have submitted, you would have proof that the design was yours. Make it a habit to save all emails and mobile messages sent by a client. 

15. Returning Many Months Later for Login Information

I recently had a client from over two years ago contact me in desperation because he lost certain login information. Lucky for him I keep good records and I was easily able to look up his info. I'm not sure what would have happened if I didn't have it, but having it in my records made it an easy problem to solve.

- Not the designers problem!

16. Asking for files years later

Similar to log in information clients often misplace files you send them. I always keep files on my computer, even from projects years ago and I make sure to back up my files on multiple external hard drives.

- Always send a soft copy to a client once a design is approve. If your client is overseas or not accessible, uploading a "shared" raw file is the best option. Uploading artworks via online is always a gamble. You might not know who can access files via these sites. Some clients send links to other people and the net is NEVER a private place. expect your link and artworks to be seen or uploaded by somebody else... oh well...    

17. Legal action

No one likes this one, but it does happen so be prepared. Always save emails and paperwork in case you need to present them as evidence. Also make sure you find a lawyer that can help you if something comes up. Ask family and friends if they know any good lawyers who would be willing to represent you if a problem occurs.

- Proof. Always keep a copy of the raw file for evidence. Emails, Text messages. And always send a client a copy of your terms & conditions before starting a project.

18. Over controlling

Some clients are very over controlling and don't allow for much creative freedom. When dealing with an over controlling client it's important to let them know you are the designer without sounding to harsh or rude. Just give them your honest opinion on issues and suggest things when you can without being to pushy.

- If the client is that good, they could get a copy of Photoshop and do it themselves.

19. Lack of research & planning

Sometimes clients want a website or some other project done, but they have absolutely no idea what's going on. By this I mean they have done no research or planning before hand, but still want a complicated website that's easy to update.

This makes things extremely difficult for designers because we have to explain every last detail several times for clients. While helping clients is our job there are some clients who really need to go back to the start and do more research on what they are getting themselves into.

- Clients who don't have a clue about what they want should just do more research before asking a designer to do a project for them. They should first consult a marketing specialist and if they can't find one, pay the designer consultation fee. Please don't waste our time...

20. I know everything

Similar to over controlling clients, some clients think they know everything there is to know about design and what your job entails. They tend to tell you exactly what to do with your designs and can be very pushy. Sometimes you have to just deal with this, but as mentioned before don't be afraid to give your input. I mean they did hire you because you are a professional designer right?

- Like i said, get their own copy of Photoshop and do it themselves. :)