I have a client from hell, she wants my original .ai files and that is
fine, however she downloaded Ai CC and is now complaining that "things
don't show up right"...
Can you get her to define "what doesn't show up right?" I would suggest you ask her for screenshots.
this is a map and has about 70 layers and is very complex. I outlined
the fonts, I embedded all the files, I packaged the project but still
she complains that I am doing something to prevent her from seeing the
file properly.
I dont understand why you agreed to supply the AI files on a complex design. I hope you have limitations in your contract what can be used with the AI file.
She claims that some the "houses" I created and saved into my symbols
pallet and used on the map are not showing up in the right color.
I would ask her to send a screenshot example and ask her if her computer is color calibrated.
I am trying to tell her that it is a settings issue or a layer issue,
but if I flatten the layers she won't be able to modify at all. I
provided 100% vector pdf's but she isn't happy.
If you haven't been able to solve the issue you may have to meet her in person if you want the issue corrected.
Advice?
Cut the rope, let the boat sink and use it as a learning tool that you never supply the original AI file and expect the client to be a designer.
What would you do?
If you want the client in the future go to the client's house or location to resolve the issue and show them what to do. If you do proceed with this approach all future work will have the expectation of all source files.
What would you do to the file before you send it?
I would NEVER send source files, clients dont need source files unless they are an agency or printer and that's depending on limited situations and is a case by case instance. I would send a flattened PDF or ask her where and who is going to use this and send it to them because it sounds like she doesn't know what she is doing.
Help this is the job I have only heard about from others :)
I guess you can mark this in the diary of I "once did this" and learned my lesson.