As a graphic designer I get a bunch of completely moronic requests. Usually the client has a brother’s son’s next door neighbor’s daughter that thinks she is a designer and knows better than me. I’m not saying I’m the end-all-be-all of design, but I do get paid for what I do. Most clients are completely lost when it comes to things like negative space, typography, color profiles, etc. Therefore, they are not opposed to demanding horrendous changes to their artwork. To most of you, this post will make no sense. But to my readers who are designers rest assured this is good therapy because you are not alone!
These posts were taken from a Facebook group for graphic designers regarding stupid things clients say:
1. “Basically I want something that is traditional and modern, it has to be dynamic but easy to replicate in black and white. Oh and it has to work on glass and banner size.”
2. “Can’t you just stretch it so it fills up the empty space?”
3. “I showed my friends and they said it’s not bold enough.”
4. “Can you just take the logo from the website and use that.”
5.”‘What do you mean it won’t print well, the image looks fine on my screen!”
6. “Thats PERFECT… SPOT ON… Can you just change sevral things, It probably will make it look terrible, but I want you to do it anyway just to see!”
7. “Can I have the native AI files? I would like to move some stuff around myself.”
8. “What do you mean you can’t edit the text on a jpeg?”
9. “Can you please do this right now? It should only take you 5mins!”
10. “I would do it if i had the proper software, and the time.”
11. “Would you rather do this or actual work?”
12. “Just have fun with it.”
13. “Can you lay it out in word so that I can just edit it myself?”
14. “Make the logo bigger.”
15. “What do you mean you can’t print in RGB?”
So, if you have ever uttered any of these lines to a graphic designer, consider yourself a total fucking moron. We are not stupid college kids with a point & click program who slap together designs wholesale. Designers are constantly thinking and forever learning. Everything we see can be potential inspiration for us. New technologies and trends emerge every day that must be learned and utilized to stay ahead in the business. Most of the time, we work on our reputation, so you will get our best work.
Speaking of that: No, I will not sacrifice my design standards to complete your project. I will refund your money and kindly ask you to find a new designer if you insist on having a design I can’t live with. That may sound selfish or egotistical, but I really don’t care. 90% of clients don’t have the first clue about what good design is and I’ll be damned if I’m going to risk losing those clients who do know, for you.
-Chad 2
No, I will not sacrifice my design standards to complete your project. I will refund your money and kindly ask you to find a new designer if you insist on having a design I can’t live with.
sounds like a true artist to me. I have a BIL that is a designer and runs his own photography biz, he is the same way!
You did a great job on the Panther wallpapers by the way.
Les
Good times for all!
Like the time I was asked to look at a “high-end” lighting catalog project. The sample art was supposedly the best of the worst, and it was a complete trainwreck. And there were at least 171 more waiting in the wings…
Of course you want to read about how I suggest they take a flying leap at a rolling donut:
http://mrprepress.wordpress.com/2008/02/06/perspectives-on-yes-and-no/
Amen, Bro! I couldn’t have said it better. Check out the post where I hated the client so much, I sent him his money and files back.
http://turkeysandwich.wordpress.com/2007/08/29/war-stories-of-a-graphic-designer/