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Managing Client Expectations

Posted by Designer Meetup in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Jan 30, 2009

The problem with creating a project for a client is that they already have in their mind what the project will look like when completed. This is unfortunate for you as an artist, because most clients have a hard time expressing their desires and expectations to you. Usually they come up with a vague outline, and it is up to you do interpret it in a way that will make the client happy. If the client has another artist that they really admire, it can be even harder for you to make them happy. The client has the designs of the other artist in mind, and expects yours to look and feel the same.

Managing client expectations is one of the hardest parts about being a creative artist. Not only do you have all of your expectations and hopes for the design, but you also have the client’s expectations and demands for the project. It can sometimes be hard to manage the demands and expectations that a client has for your project. You need to take the time to try and understand some of the common client expectations, you can learn how to manage them in your own client relationships.

Another expectation that clients often have is a very short time frame for the projects. If you are lucky enough to have a client who is specific in what he or she wants, they usually want it faster than is humanly possible to create. Sometimes clients want projects completed faster than the time it will take to meet their demands. Clients who are vague in their demands can be even worse. They may want you to rework a design several times before they are happy with it at all.

There are several ways that these client expectations can be managed. When a client expects your work to look like another artist’s, it should be made clear to them what your work looks like. Show them other projects that you have done and make sure they are happy with that kind of design. If the client is unhappy with that, then they should find another artist.

When strict time limits have been set on a project the best thing to do is try to meet the time constraints first, and worry about quality of design later. When time is an issue, it is better to have the project completed at a lower quality level than to have it unfinished with exceptional quality. Make sure to give a realistic time frame for the project in your initial contract or meeting. Make sure the client knows that the project will take a lot longer if they want you to go back and re-design it several times.

Managing client expectations can be difficult, but if handled the right way does not have to be a horrible experience. With the right tricks even difficult clients can be managed with ease.

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