3 Simple Steps to Help You Speak Graphic Designer
If you’re not a big reader, hey that’s okay! Just check out my video on this topic. I include some cute little illustrations that can be more interesting than a blog post. I hope you enjoy!
Sometimes, talking to a graphic designer about what you are envisioning can be really difficult! They don't know what you want, and it's difficult to put your vision into words. But can I just say, you reading this article means you're probably already a wonderful client because you're being proactive! Anyway, allow me to decipher the Rosetta Stone of that crazy graphic design language.
TLDR: If you take the time to show your designer what you are envisioning, be clear on timelines and listen to their recommendations, you'll have a great experience with the creative process.
Take 5 minutes before your initial meeting and jot down your final project hopes and dreams. Sounds counter-intuitive because you're getting a designer to do this for you, but having a simple skeleton of an idea will go a long way in jump starting the creative process. We graphic designers are extremely visual creatures, so any type of examples of what you like will help the process go faster.
When you do meet to kick-off the project, remember to talk timeline. I know it can be easy to just say "What works for you?" but that question isn't productive. Usually when someone asks that question they are not being honest, because honestly, most clients already have a timeline in their heads even if it isn't written out on paper. Be clear and up front on what your expectations are. This eliminates the need of that email "heeeyyyy... where ya at with this? We kinda need it tomorrow now." If the timeline you want isn't feasible, your graphic designer will tell you. Make it a conversation and leave with clear dates on process touch points.
Absorb their feedback. This one is really important. Your graphic designer is skilled in design. They studied it. Take in their recommendations. It doesn't mean you have to do exactly what they say, but at least entertain the idea. STORYTIME!
Let's say your toilet breaks. OH NO! Water is spewing everywhere and your kids are standing there with guilt in their eyes as you realize they cracked the toilet completely in half. Unsure of how that happened, you call the knowledgable plumber who studied plumbing and does it for a living. Your plumber comes and takes one look at your disgusting bathroom, they turn around and say "We're going to need to get a new toilet and that will cost $8,000." As you stand in the now four inches of water, all soggy and exhausted you say "Too expensive, I'll build an outhouse instead, I saw a tutorial on youtube."
Okay, okay, maybe I'm exaggerating your circumstances, but consider the fact that your graphic designer spent time building their skills, researching and studying the art of design. Their input may be extremely valuable to you! Sometimes an outside perspective can take a "good" idea to a FANTASTIC idea.