68
votes
How to ensure international logo can be ethnically neutral enough so it won’t be offensive?
I personally don't find this picture suitable for a logo. It has shading, complicated color changes, and tiny detail - it looks around 6x6 cm on my monitor, and has tiny stars which might be a single ...
- 1,317
65
votes
Accepted
I underpriced a prior job, how should I tell my client that I'm charging significantly more for new work?
I think your reply is fine. I would perhaps alter it slightly, you don't need to rationalize prices and doing so can often convey a weakness in negotiation:
I would really enjoy completing some ...
- 198k
60
votes
Accepted
Is it frowned upon as a designer if you don't use "top" software?
Originally written in 2014. Non-Adobe apps have since taken a larger foothold on the industry. Still no comparison in terms of overall usage, but the smaller apps are far more prolific in 2021 than ...
- 198k
48
votes
Selling a logo to a business who did not ask for one
There's many good answers for this.
One thing I can suggest is to simply present the logo to the real business by explaining it the same way you did here! The fact that your logo got a lot of ...
- 13.6k
42
votes
Accepted
How long are designers expected to keep client files?
My business is not a backup service for any client.
All clients should be backing up the files they've received on their own. It's not my responsibility to be an indefinite backup service for any ...
- 198k
41
votes
Accepted
How do you deal with clients who bash your designs?
You have a "thumbprint" client. This person must always change something, and feel like he's left his thumbprint on it, or he doesn't think he's done his job correctly.
I have a coping ...
41
votes
How can I protect my job from a client publishing it elsewhere?
There's ways to add security features on your PDF that will prevent people from printing, editing or extracting elements from the file. There's also watermarks that can be added. BUT there's also ways ...
- 13.6k
37
votes
Accepted
Client wants me to teach them InDesign
I include a disclaimer when delivering native files:
.... makes no promise, provides no guarantee, and offers no support, for the continued use, alteration, or editing of native files after files ...
- 198k
37
votes
Is it normal practice to screen share with a client?
This kind of depends upon who you ask.
Here.... it would never be an option.
Much the same way I do not work with a client standing behind me "dictating changes". There is no feasible reason why a ...
- 198k
36
votes
Who is responsible for text mistakes in a print project?
If the client was given opportunity to proof read final files before they went to press, it's the client's responsibility.
If you failed to allow the client to proof read before anything went to ...
- 198k
36
votes
Accepted
I am a client and my work is being delegated without informing me
This sounds exactly like the person you don't want to work with.
A concept within 24 hours, unlimited revisions and payment at the end before receiving the final files.
Red flag already. That's ...
- 12.9k
35
votes
Accepted
Is the graphic designer asking too much of me as a customer?
This completely depends on you and your designer. Most likely your designer is asking for the following things:
What you want on your website. This includes what the purpose of the website should be ...
- 12.9k
35
votes
Annoying client asks for "all original files" years after project completion
What does the contract state?
No contract...
Working freelance — Then legally (in the US) all original files are yours. Do with them what you want. You can simply say "no". You can charge ...
- 198k
34
votes
How do you convince a client that work is 100 percent original?
It seems you and your client use different definitions of the word "original".
You seem to mean it in the sense that you created the emoticons from scratch without copying anyone else. Your client ...
- 578
32
votes
Accepted
Critique: Military Veteran Themed Business Card Design
The big issue I see overall is a struggle to make contrast work but a hesitancy to actually push the contrast to a readable state. All the semi-transparent rectangles behind information make for a ...
- 198k
30
votes
Accepted
First client's partner demands free website redesign, wants deposit returned - moral dilemma
Okay, it depends on this:
If they saw proofs or any other mock up and signed off on the design
before it went to code, then I think you are in a good position. They
should pay for it, propose that ...
- 1,833
30
votes
Is it right to use the ideas of non-winning designers in a design contest?
Ethically and morally..... using any "contest" is merely taking advantage of designers.
Contest do nothing but take advantage of designers and give all the benefit to the person running the contest. ...
- 198k
29
votes
Accepted
Client not satisfied with the design. Doesn't want to pay
Looking at your question I can see some points that cause me immediate concern:
"...first payment after the first milestone (30%)."
For me at least that's an immediate problem. I too have staged ...
- 8,438
29
votes
Is it normal practice to screen share with a client?
I've been in and out of the graphic design world over several decades, and have also spent a lot of time in both technical writing / illustration and architectural design & 3D modeling - in all ...
- 9,646
26
votes
Working file request due to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
TL:DR The client is fundamentally mistaken about the type of data covered under GDPR, although there are possibly things in the files that are covered under it. You should not send them the files, ...
- 363
26
votes
How to handle a request for handing over 6 years of working files?
Don't.
Unless specified in the original contracts of that 6-year body of work, you are not obliged to keep the original working files of past projects. That you do so is only for personal archiving. ...
- 24.3k
25
votes
I am a client and my work is being delegated without informing me
I am going to hate every word of this as I type it, but type it I must. Statement - I do not sub-contract my own work!
Subcontracting exists in all areas of business
I think it's more complicated ...
- 8,438
24
votes
Accepted
Should I ask for payment for my logo and website design when I delivered them late?
Depends on your contract.
In general, absolutely, yes. You did the work, you provided it to the client, now their job is to pay you. I would not offer a discount (seriously, 50 variations?) but would ...
- 356
24
votes
Accepted
Is the use of a QR code worth the space it requires?
QR codes can be valuable tools if there's a real incentive to use it. Augmented Reality, Coupons, and Time-Sensitive Content are the primary things that come to mind. And really above all, and worth ...
- 22.9k
24
votes
Client not satisfied with the design. Doesn't want to pay
The client is taking advantage of you. Plain and simple.
If "payment is not an issue" as the client states, then the client would have no problem paying you what you are owed to the current point. ...
- 198k
24
votes
How to ensure international logo can be ethnically neutral enough so it won’t be offensive?
The easiest, clearest solution to this problem is to not use figures of any kind in the logo.
Stick to symbology and type modification.
If the symbology uses some sort of nondescript "stickman-...
- 198k
23
votes
How do you deal with clients who bash your designs?
There are actually a couple issues here.
If the client just repeatedly wants changes, as @LaurenIpsum posted, they are a "thumbprint" client. And you simply need to get to a point where you can ...
- 198k
23
votes
Accepted
How to tell my boss his webdesign attempts are bad/hopeless?
You could start by describing what in particular you don't like about this design. Don't get me wrong, I don't really like it either, but I've noticed that you haven't written anything about why you ...
- 1,437
23
votes
How to bill a client when budget was never discussed
Bill them your regular rate. They will either pay or they'll come back with questions. Worry about the latter only if it happens.
- 49.8k
22
votes
Accepted
How do I treat requests for work for causes that go against my personal principles?
I made a promise to myself to never use my powers for evil.
I've created many pieces which sell, what I would see as, ethically borderline in terms of the product itself. Meaning... snake oil. A ...
- 198k
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