I'm a beginner: my client won't answer simple questions I've asked to aid design, what to do?











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It's my first time designing for any one



Email sent.




Hi Chris! If you wouldn't mind answering a few questions I need to
know so I can communicate your brand better and have a better sight as
to how you want the design :)




  • What does Red Mist reflect (what's the brands identity, why you chose red mist etc.)


  • Who's your ideal client for shop and e-liquid (target audience/who you ant to reach)


  • Who do you see as your e-liquids direct competitors



Please will you throw together a mood board of labels and images you
like to give me a better feel for whats in your head



when you have the time



Cheers! Designer hat on Chloe




Email received




you know what i want crisp, simple, perfect & clean, easy 😊🤟🏻



Also i have decided i will let you put your name on as the designer
credit!



Thanks



Client




I don't think he understands the design process, and its unpaid - but I don't want to design the whole e-liquid graphic range for nothing- its a lot of work. How do I bring this up? how do I price? I'm a beginner/novice!



Any help appreciated










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  • 3




    Politely point out you must have a proper briefing, to avoid any miscommunication, extra work which you must bill, and a disappointing result.
    – usr2564301
    yesterday






  • 14




    As you're new to the industry and already doing free work, I strongly advise you to watch the talk "F*** you, pay me". The idea that work should be done for free seems to be peculiar to the graphic design industry. Nothing wrong with doing charity work, but many graphic designers do free work as if they're the recipient of charity, oh-so-grateful for the chance to do this free work for the "exposure." There is a lot of crucial advice in the talk; probably a good investment to watch it a few times.
    – Wildcard
    20 hours ago








  • 3




    I read random questions on Stack Exchange to learn things ... I'm an outsider and not a graphic designer. That said, if I had hired someone to design something for me, I would expect their communications with me to also be polished. Perhaps your communications above are an example, but I wouldn't use smileys. Also, the ending is a bit off. "when you have the time" seems tacked on at the end and unnecessary, and also misses punctuation and capitalization.
    – Steve
    16 hours ago






  • 2




    As an aside, I prefer numbers to bullets. Even in casual correspondence, it makes referencing so much clearer and easier.
    – Strawberry
    11 hours ago






  • 1




    I'm not sure what the situation is, but I strongly advise you to avoid doing unpaid work for potential clients. If you want to get design stick time in a professional setting, volunteer your services for a charity that you love. Don't give it away to clients because you feel you're too green to charge.
    – 13ruce
    6 hours ago















up vote
10
down vote

favorite
2












It's my first time designing for any one



Email sent.




Hi Chris! If you wouldn't mind answering a few questions I need to
know so I can communicate your brand better and have a better sight as
to how you want the design :)




  • What does Red Mist reflect (what's the brands identity, why you chose red mist etc.)


  • Who's your ideal client for shop and e-liquid (target audience/who you ant to reach)


  • Who do you see as your e-liquids direct competitors



Please will you throw together a mood board of labels and images you
like to give me a better feel for whats in your head



when you have the time



Cheers! Designer hat on Chloe




Email received




you know what i want crisp, simple, perfect & clean, easy 😊🤟🏻



Also i have decided i will let you put your name on as the designer
credit!



Thanks



Client




I don't think he understands the design process, and its unpaid - but I don't want to design the whole e-liquid graphic range for nothing- its a lot of work. How do I bring this up? how do I price? I'm a beginner/novice!



Any help appreciated










share|improve this question









New contributor




Chloe butler is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
















  • 3




    Politely point out you must have a proper briefing, to avoid any miscommunication, extra work which you must bill, and a disappointing result.
    – usr2564301
    yesterday






  • 14




    As you're new to the industry and already doing free work, I strongly advise you to watch the talk "F*** you, pay me". The idea that work should be done for free seems to be peculiar to the graphic design industry. Nothing wrong with doing charity work, but many graphic designers do free work as if they're the recipient of charity, oh-so-grateful for the chance to do this free work for the "exposure." There is a lot of crucial advice in the talk; probably a good investment to watch it a few times.
    – Wildcard
    20 hours ago








  • 3




    I read random questions on Stack Exchange to learn things ... I'm an outsider and not a graphic designer. That said, if I had hired someone to design something for me, I would expect their communications with me to also be polished. Perhaps your communications above are an example, but I wouldn't use smileys. Also, the ending is a bit off. "when you have the time" seems tacked on at the end and unnecessary, and also misses punctuation and capitalization.
    – Steve
    16 hours ago






  • 2




    As an aside, I prefer numbers to bullets. Even in casual correspondence, it makes referencing so much clearer and easier.
    – Strawberry
    11 hours ago






  • 1




    I'm not sure what the situation is, but I strongly advise you to avoid doing unpaid work for potential clients. If you want to get design stick time in a professional setting, volunteer your services for a charity that you love. Don't give it away to clients because you feel you're too green to charge.
    – 13ruce
    6 hours ago













up vote
10
down vote

favorite
2









up vote
10
down vote

favorite
2






2





It's my first time designing for any one



Email sent.




Hi Chris! If you wouldn't mind answering a few questions I need to
know so I can communicate your brand better and have a better sight as
to how you want the design :)




  • What does Red Mist reflect (what's the brands identity, why you chose red mist etc.)


  • Who's your ideal client for shop and e-liquid (target audience/who you ant to reach)


  • Who do you see as your e-liquids direct competitors



Please will you throw together a mood board of labels and images you
like to give me a better feel for whats in your head



when you have the time



Cheers! Designer hat on Chloe




Email received




you know what i want crisp, simple, perfect & clean, easy 😊🤟🏻



Also i have decided i will let you put your name on as the designer
credit!



Thanks



Client




I don't think he understands the design process, and its unpaid - but I don't want to design the whole e-liquid graphic range for nothing- its a lot of work. How do I bring this up? how do I price? I'm a beginner/novice!



Any help appreciated










share|improve this question









New contributor




Chloe butler is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











It's my first time designing for any one



Email sent.




Hi Chris! If you wouldn't mind answering a few questions I need to
know so I can communicate your brand better and have a better sight as
to how you want the design :)




  • What does Red Mist reflect (what's the brands identity, why you chose red mist etc.)


  • Who's your ideal client for shop and e-liquid (target audience/who you ant to reach)


  • Who do you see as your e-liquids direct competitors



Please will you throw together a mood board of labels and images you
like to give me a better feel for whats in your head



when you have the time



Cheers! Designer hat on Chloe




Email received




you know what i want crisp, simple, perfect & clean, easy 😊🤟🏻



Also i have decided i will let you put your name on as the designer
credit!



Thanks



Client




I don't think he understands the design process, and its unpaid - but I don't want to design the whole e-liquid graphic range for nothing- its a lot of work. How do I bring this up? how do I price? I'm a beginner/novice!



Any help appreciated







client-relations freelance pricing spec-work






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Chloe butler is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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edited yesterday









WELZ

5,57151657




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asked yesterday









Chloe butler

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5414




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  • 3




    Politely point out you must have a proper briefing, to avoid any miscommunication, extra work which you must bill, and a disappointing result.
    – usr2564301
    yesterday






  • 14




    As you're new to the industry and already doing free work, I strongly advise you to watch the talk "F*** you, pay me". The idea that work should be done for free seems to be peculiar to the graphic design industry. Nothing wrong with doing charity work, but many graphic designers do free work as if they're the recipient of charity, oh-so-grateful for the chance to do this free work for the "exposure." There is a lot of crucial advice in the talk; probably a good investment to watch it a few times.
    – Wildcard
    20 hours ago








  • 3




    I read random questions on Stack Exchange to learn things ... I'm an outsider and not a graphic designer. That said, if I had hired someone to design something for me, I would expect their communications with me to also be polished. Perhaps your communications above are an example, but I wouldn't use smileys. Also, the ending is a bit off. "when you have the time" seems tacked on at the end and unnecessary, and also misses punctuation and capitalization.
    – Steve
    16 hours ago






  • 2




    As an aside, I prefer numbers to bullets. Even in casual correspondence, it makes referencing so much clearer and easier.
    – Strawberry
    11 hours ago






  • 1




    I'm not sure what the situation is, but I strongly advise you to avoid doing unpaid work for potential clients. If you want to get design stick time in a professional setting, volunteer your services for a charity that you love. Don't give it away to clients because you feel you're too green to charge.
    – 13ruce
    6 hours ago














  • 3




    Politely point out you must have a proper briefing, to avoid any miscommunication, extra work which you must bill, and a disappointing result.
    – usr2564301
    yesterday






  • 14




    As you're new to the industry and already doing free work, I strongly advise you to watch the talk "F*** you, pay me". The idea that work should be done for free seems to be peculiar to the graphic design industry. Nothing wrong with doing charity work, but many graphic designers do free work as if they're the recipient of charity, oh-so-grateful for the chance to do this free work for the "exposure." There is a lot of crucial advice in the talk; probably a good investment to watch it a few times.
    – Wildcard
    20 hours ago








  • 3




    I read random questions on Stack Exchange to learn things ... I'm an outsider and not a graphic designer. That said, if I had hired someone to design something for me, I would expect their communications with me to also be polished. Perhaps your communications above are an example, but I wouldn't use smileys. Also, the ending is a bit off. "when you have the time" seems tacked on at the end and unnecessary, and also misses punctuation and capitalization.
    – Steve
    16 hours ago






  • 2




    As an aside, I prefer numbers to bullets. Even in casual correspondence, it makes referencing so much clearer and easier.
    – Strawberry
    11 hours ago






  • 1




    I'm not sure what the situation is, but I strongly advise you to avoid doing unpaid work for potential clients. If you want to get design stick time in a professional setting, volunteer your services for a charity that you love. Don't give it away to clients because you feel you're too green to charge.
    – 13ruce
    6 hours ago








3




3




Politely point out you must have a proper briefing, to avoid any miscommunication, extra work which you must bill, and a disappointing result.
– usr2564301
yesterday




Politely point out you must have a proper briefing, to avoid any miscommunication, extra work which you must bill, and a disappointing result.
– usr2564301
yesterday




14




14




As you're new to the industry and already doing free work, I strongly advise you to watch the talk "F*** you, pay me". The idea that work should be done for free seems to be peculiar to the graphic design industry. Nothing wrong with doing charity work, but many graphic designers do free work as if they're the recipient of charity, oh-so-grateful for the chance to do this free work for the "exposure." There is a lot of crucial advice in the talk; probably a good investment to watch it a few times.
– Wildcard
20 hours ago






As you're new to the industry and already doing free work, I strongly advise you to watch the talk "F*** you, pay me". The idea that work should be done for free seems to be peculiar to the graphic design industry. Nothing wrong with doing charity work, but many graphic designers do free work as if they're the recipient of charity, oh-so-grateful for the chance to do this free work for the "exposure." There is a lot of crucial advice in the talk; probably a good investment to watch it a few times.
– Wildcard
20 hours ago






3




3




I read random questions on Stack Exchange to learn things ... I'm an outsider and not a graphic designer. That said, if I had hired someone to design something for me, I would expect their communications with me to also be polished. Perhaps your communications above are an example, but I wouldn't use smileys. Also, the ending is a bit off. "when you have the time" seems tacked on at the end and unnecessary, and also misses punctuation and capitalization.
– Steve
16 hours ago




I read random questions on Stack Exchange to learn things ... I'm an outsider and not a graphic designer. That said, if I had hired someone to design something for me, I would expect their communications with me to also be polished. Perhaps your communications above are an example, but I wouldn't use smileys. Also, the ending is a bit off. "when you have the time" seems tacked on at the end and unnecessary, and also misses punctuation and capitalization.
– Steve
16 hours ago




2




2




As an aside, I prefer numbers to bullets. Even in casual correspondence, it makes referencing so much clearer and easier.
– Strawberry
11 hours ago




As an aside, I prefer numbers to bullets. Even in casual correspondence, it makes referencing so much clearer and easier.
– Strawberry
11 hours ago




1




1




I'm not sure what the situation is, but I strongly advise you to avoid doing unpaid work for potential clients. If you want to get design stick time in a professional setting, volunteer your services for a charity that you love. Don't give it away to clients because you feel you're too green to charge.
– 13ruce
6 hours ago




I'm not sure what the situation is, but I strongly advise you to avoid doing unpaid work for potential clients. If you want to get design stick time in a professional setting, volunteer your services for a charity that you love. Don't give it away to clients because you feel you're too green to charge.
– 13ruce
6 hours ago










8 Answers
8






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
29
down vote















  1. Make a phone call. Do not use an e-mail for this interview.



    You can't even know if he is answering this questions or he is just mentioning some previous ideas he has.




  2. If it is unpaid... do not do it. You are not only damaging yourself but the whole industry.



    The "Oh, I'm new" is not a reason at all. Either you have practiced a lot and have become good at designing or don't do it.








share|improve this answer























  • 1. I tried to ask these in person but he wasn't very forthcoming, so I thought email would give him better time to think
    – Chloe butler
    yesterday










  • 2. Thankyou for the advice
    – Chloe butler
    yesterday






  • 11




    "You are not only damaging yourself but the whole industry." Dual-edged sword here. Yes, you can certainly damage yourself by working for free. People simply do not appreciate your efforts if you give them away for free. Also there is this idea that if you give it away for free, it's probably not worth much. Still, I like the idea of 'paying it forward'. So I still do it sometimes. But I have this rule. If I'm doing it for free, it has to be fun.
    – Stijn de Witt
    yesterday






  • 2




    It's maybe been said enough times already, but I would like to reinforce that being a newbie is no reason to work for free. If new doctors and dentists don't work for free at first, graphic designers starting out should not have any reason to go unpaid either.
    – Joonas
    16 hours ago










  • Minor formatting tip: Put four spaces in front of the second lines of each paragraph, and remove the space in front of the 1.. Things will line up a bit nicer.
    – Nic Hartley
    13 mins ago


















up vote
15
down vote













Asking for a "mood board" is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much to ask any client. That's perhaps a designer's tool and a client should never be asked to do that work. That's what they are paying you for (or not paying as the case may be).



Rafael is correct when he posted make a phone call. Often in emails people skim and don't actually read. So things get missed, overlooked, and just forgotten about. In a phone call you can ask, if he evades, ask again. If he isn't clear, ask for clarity, etc. There's no skimming or forgetting during a phone call. It may take asking several times. It may require you explaining why you need to know. But I'd try to not end the phone call until I had answers.



Your questions are good questions to ask.



I would explain to the client.....




Hi Chris,
I can certainly create what you need but I really need these questions answered. Imagine if you hired a caterer for an event. They'd ask about food allergies, number of attendees, etc. All in an effort to do a better job. That's what my questions are for, to ensure I do a better job designing the [whatever it is].




If this is unpaid work then, frankly, I wouldn't keep "stalking" the client. I would make 2 maybe 3, phone calls and send 1 maybe 2, emails. Then explain that I can't move forward without some direction.






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    up vote
    5
    down vote













    First, It's not good for you nor for the whole sector to do free works. But I understand that at first is hard to take money from someone who trusts you.



    I think that the problem is the questions you are asking and how you are asking them. These questions are made almost in argot, you are using a very straightforward and professional language.



    My approach would be more human. If you have the opportunity to go to the company to talk to your client. Look at how they work, how is everything organized, maybe even you will see other things you can improve such as billboards, cards or catalogs and you can suggest expanding your contract.



    But if you can't go there, just call him. Talk to him as a counselor, this way you are selling your own brand. Ask him what they do (I think you've already talked about it), ask him how is the company doing (probably will tell you about problems that you can identify with design or marketing problems, even they tell you about competence) why he thought about requesting your help, what he thought about improving (you've already done this for sure) ask him if you like any company style (probably he should have pointed other company logos right now).



    The part where you ask about competence in my country at least would feel gross. You have to research the market. Which companies are the best, which ones are the direct competence, what's the difference between that company and your client's company, how to make that differences matter or not. All that is your work as a designer.



    Have in mind that unless you are working for a really big company that has complex inner bureaucracy and needs to control every investment, you usually won't receive all these answers in a straightforward manner.



    As a designer, you won't be only designing. You will be a "friend" of that company. Most of the people would come to you without really knowing their needs, even if they act as they know. You have to act as "visual communication therapist" to hear their problems and analyze what they need.






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    • +1 for the last paragraph especially.
      – Cullub
      6 hours ago


















    up vote
    4
    down vote













    Your client doesn't know what they want, and they don't know what any of the things you mean ask.



    You know the industry that the client works in, you know the name.



    Throw together a few different ideas in very rough draft.



    Send them to the client making very clear that these are rough sketches to get a concept not a final piece and ask them to rate each one by how much they like them and give feedback.



    Iterate on the feedback.



    I'm a software engineer not graphic designer but over and over again I find that if you ask someone what they want they don't know. If you present them with a few options though they will immediately know they don't want 1 or 3 but they sort of like 2 but can you add this bit from 4 and maybe X and sometimes a bit of U and then add a unicorn.






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      up vote
      1
      down vote













      Sometimes you have a client who doesn't know themselves what they actually want. They expect you as the designer to come up with the brand identity. In that case it can be a valid design process to just throw things at the wall and see what sticks. Give them a couple of different drafts and then ask them what they like or dislike about them.



      This is of course a process where you will invest a lot of work which will end up unused. You also risk getting caught up in an endless cycle of review after review with the client never being completely satisfied. So if you decide to use this process, then the client needs to be aware that they are paying you by the hour and that you also expect to get paid for those designs they do not pick in the end.






      share|improve this answer




























        up vote
        0
        down vote













        I understand the difficulty when it comes to communicating with clients and getting the information needed to create a cohesive design. With that said, Scott and Rafael are both very correct in that a.) a phone call is always an effective means of figuring out what is in a client's head and b.) the client is never the person to be creating a mood board.



        It is not entirely out of line to request if there are specific logos or designs that come to the client's mind when they consider their own form or taste for a style, but this is also not often given in design processes.



        If the client cannot be reached over the phone and will not provide any more information, there is still a lot of work that can be done. If the client will not tell you what they specifically want, they can certainly tell you what they do not want judging by the designs and sketches you put forward.



        The design process begins by assembling all possible aspects of the company together and sketching every idea that comes to mind. Create more solidified examples of ideas you find strongest, and allow the client to pick them apart and choose details they like and would prefer to remove. Most clients have a hard time actually saying what they really need, and what they think they need is seldom what the best possible design is for a project.



        Hope this offers some clarity.






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          up vote
          0
          down vote













          That's a nightmare waiting to happen. Dip-set. Find another client with money and an actual request.






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          • This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review
            – Danielillo
            5 hours ago










          • @Danielillo It answers the question asked in the title.
            – Steve
            4 hours ago


















          up vote
          0
          down vote













          You're the designer! They "hired" you for ideas, so you'll need to put some in front of them and get a sense of what they like. Make 3 quick very different mood boards yourself and ask them which one they like best. Then write up your questions in a numbered list, with space between. Word them very simply. Then tell the client "I'll need you to answer these few questions so I can have the information I need to do a great job for you. Please type your answers right below these questions and email it back to me by Friday."
          You can't ask a client to do a mood board, but they may have an "ideas" folder laying around, so always ask. There are some clients who just want to hire someone good and let them run with it and they usually end up being great clients. So his behavior is not unusual.
          Why are you working for free? You may be starting out, but charge something - get 30 or 50 bucks out of them. Always charge money. You need to pay the light bill so you can run your computer. If they don't value your time they won't take the time to work with you properly. Give him some basic stuff for free - logo, whatever....then a price quote for anything else,maybe a bundle of ad materials for a flat rate. And then let him know your hourly rate.
          If they don't answer the questions by Friday,you tried. Move on.
          Good luck!






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            8 Answers
            8






            active

            oldest

            votes








            8 Answers
            8






            active

            oldest

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            active

            oldest

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            active

            oldest

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            up vote
            29
            down vote















            1. Make a phone call. Do not use an e-mail for this interview.



              You can't even know if he is answering this questions or he is just mentioning some previous ideas he has.




            2. If it is unpaid... do not do it. You are not only damaging yourself but the whole industry.



              The "Oh, I'm new" is not a reason at all. Either you have practiced a lot and have become good at designing or don't do it.








            share|improve this answer























            • 1. I tried to ask these in person but he wasn't very forthcoming, so I thought email would give him better time to think
              – Chloe butler
              yesterday










            • 2. Thankyou for the advice
              – Chloe butler
              yesterday






            • 11




              "You are not only damaging yourself but the whole industry." Dual-edged sword here. Yes, you can certainly damage yourself by working for free. People simply do not appreciate your efforts if you give them away for free. Also there is this idea that if you give it away for free, it's probably not worth much. Still, I like the idea of 'paying it forward'. So I still do it sometimes. But I have this rule. If I'm doing it for free, it has to be fun.
              – Stijn de Witt
              yesterday






            • 2




              It's maybe been said enough times already, but I would like to reinforce that being a newbie is no reason to work for free. If new doctors and dentists don't work for free at first, graphic designers starting out should not have any reason to go unpaid either.
              – Joonas
              16 hours ago










            • Minor formatting tip: Put four spaces in front of the second lines of each paragraph, and remove the space in front of the 1.. Things will line up a bit nicer.
              – Nic Hartley
              13 mins ago















            up vote
            29
            down vote















            1. Make a phone call. Do not use an e-mail for this interview.



              You can't even know if he is answering this questions or he is just mentioning some previous ideas he has.




            2. If it is unpaid... do not do it. You are not only damaging yourself but the whole industry.



              The "Oh, I'm new" is not a reason at all. Either you have practiced a lot and have become good at designing or don't do it.








            share|improve this answer























            • 1. I tried to ask these in person but he wasn't very forthcoming, so I thought email would give him better time to think
              – Chloe butler
              yesterday










            • 2. Thankyou for the advice
              – Chloe butler
              yesterday






            • 11




              "You are not only damaging yourself but the whole industry." Dual-edged sword here. Yes, you can certainly damage yourself by working for free. People simply do not appreciate your efforts if you give them away for free. Also there is this idea that if you give it away for free, it's probably not worth much. Still, I like the idea of 'paying it forward'. So I still do it sometimes. But I have this rule. If I'm doing it for free, it has to be fun.
              – Stijn de Witt
              yesterday






            • 2




              It's maybe been said enough times already, but I would like to reinforce that being a newbie is no reason to work for free. If new doctors and dentists don't work for free at first, graphic designers starting out should not have any reason to go unpaid either.
              – Joonas
              16 hours ago










            • Minor formatting tip: Put four spaces in front of the second lines of each paragraph, and remove the space in front of the 1.. Things will line up a bit nicer.
              – Nic Hartley
              13 mins ago













            up vote
            29
            down vote










            up vote
            29
            down vote











            1. Make a phone call. Do not use an e-mail for this interview.



              You can't even know if he is answering this questions or he is just mentioning some previous ideas he has.




            2. If it is unpaid... do not do it. You are not only damaging yourself but the whole industry.



              The "Oh, I'm new" is not a reason at all. Either you have practiced a lot and have become good at designing or don't do it.








            share|improve this answer
















            1. Make a phone call. Do not use an e-mail for this interview.



              You can't even know if he is answering this questions or he is just mentioning some previous ideas he has.




            2. If it is unpaid... do not do it. You are not only damaging yourself but the whole industry.



              The "Oh, I'm new" is not a reason at all. Either you have practiced a lot and have become good at designing or don't do it.









            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited 5 mins ago

























            answered yesterday









            Rafael

            21.9k12254




            21.9k12254












            • 1. I tried to ask these in person but he wasn't very forthcoming, so I thought email would give him better time to think
              – Chloe butler
              yesterday










            • 2. Thankyou for the advice
              – Chloe butler
              yesterday






            • 11




              "You are not only damaging yourself but the whole industry." Dual-edged sword here. Yes, you can certainly damage yourself by working for free. People simply do not appreciate your efforts if you give them away for free. Also there is this idea that if you give it away for free, it's probably not worth much. Still, I like the idea of 'paying it forward'. So I still do it sometimes. But I have this rule. If I'm doing it for free, it has to be fun.
              – Stijn de Witt
              yesterday






            • 2




              It's maybe been said enough times already, but I would like to reinforce that being a newbie is no reason to work for free. If new doctors and dentists don't work for free at first, graphic designers starting out should not have any reason to go unpaid either.
              – Joonas
              16 hours ago










            • Minor formatting tip: Put four spaces in front of the second lines of each paragraph, and remove the space in front of the 1.. Things will line up a bit nicer.
              – Nic Hartley
              13 mins ago


















            • 1. I tried to ask these in person but he wasn't very forthcoming, so I thought email would give him better time to think
              – Chloe butler
              yesterday










            • 2. Thankyou for the advice
              – Chloe butler
              yesterday






            • 11




              "You are not only damaging yourself but the whole industry." Dual-edged sword here. Yes, you can certainly damage yourself by working for free. People simply do not appreciate your efforts if you give them away for free. Also there is this idea that if you give it away for free, it's probably not worth much. Still, I like the idea of 'paying it forward'. So I still do it sometimes. But I have this rule. If I'm doing it for free, it has to be fun.
              – Stijn de Witt
              yesterday






            • 2




              It's maybe been said enough times already, but I would like to reinforce that being a newbie is no reason to work for free. If new doctors and dentists don't work for free at first, graphic designers starting out should not have any reason to go unpaid either.
              – Joonas
              16 hours ago










            • Minor formatting tip: Put four spaces in front of the second lines of each paragraph, and remove the space in front of the 1.. Things will line up a bit nicer.
              – Nic Hartley
              13 mins ago
















            1. I tried to ask these in person but he wasn't very forthcoming, so I thought email would give him better time to think
            – Chloe butler
            yesterday




            1. I tried to ask these in person but he wasn't very forthcoming, so I thought email would give him better time to think
            – Chloe butler
            yesterday












            2. Thankyou for the advice
            – Chloe butler
            yesterday




            2. Thankyou for the advice
            – Chloe butler
            yesterday




            11




            11




            "You are not only damaging yourself but the whole industry." Dual-edged sword here. Yes, you can certainly damage yourself by working for free. People simply do not appreciate your efforts if you give them away for free. Also there is this idea that if you give it away for free, it's probably not worth much. Still, I like the idea of 'paying it forward'. So I still do it sometimes. But I have this rule. If I'm doing it for free, it has to be fun.
            – Stijn de Witt
            yesterday




            "You are not only damaging yourself but the whole industry." Dual-edged sword here. Yes, you can certainly damage yourself by working for free. People simply do not appreciate your efforts if you give them away for free. Also there is this idea that if you give it away for free, it's probably not worth much. Still, I like the idea of 'paying it forward'. So I still do it sometimes. But I have this rule. If I'm doing it for free, it has to be fun.
            – Stijn de Witt
            yesterday




            2




            2




            It's maybe been said enough times already, but I would like to reinforce that being a newbie is no reason to work for free. If new doctors and dentists don't work for free at first, graphic designers starting out should not have any reason to go unpaid either.
            – Joonas
            16 hours ago




            It's maybe been said enough times already, but I would like to reinforce that being a newbie is no reason to work for free. If new doctors and dentists don't work for free at first, graphic designers starting out should not have any reason to go unpaid either.
            – Joonas
            16 hours ago












            Minor formatting tip: Put four spaces in front of the second lines of each paragraph, and remove the space in front of the 1.. Things will line up a bit nicer.
            – Nic Hartley
            13 mins ago




            Minor formatting tip: Put four spaces in front of the second lines of each paragraph, and remove the space in front of the 1.. Things will line up a bit nicer.
            – Nic Hartley
            13 mins ago










            up vote
            15
            down vote













            Asking for a "mood board" is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much to ask any client. That's perhaps a designer's tool and a client should never be asked to do that work. That's what they are paying you for (or not paying as the case may be).



            Rafael is correct when he posted make a phone call. Often in emails people skim and don't actually read. So things get missed, overlooked, and just forgotten about. In a phone call you can ask, if he evades, ask again. If he isn't clear, ask for clarity, etc. There's no skimming or forgetting during a phone call. It may take asking several times. It may require you explaining why you need to know. But I'd try to not end the phone call until I had answers.



            Your questions are good questions to ask.



            I would explain to the client.....




            Hi Chris,
            I can certainly create what you need but I really need these questions answered. Imagine if you hired a caterer for an event. They'd ask about food allergies, number of attendees, etc. All in an effort to do a better job. That's what my questions are for, to ensure I do a better job designing the [whatever it is].




            If this is unpaid work then, frankly, I wouldn't keep "stalking" the client. I would make 2 maybe 3, phone calls and send 1 maybe 2, emails. Then explain that I can't move forward without some direction.






            share|improve this answer



























              up vote
              15
              down vote













              Asking for a "mood board" is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much to ask any client. That's perhaps a designer's tool and a client should never be asked to do that work. That's what they are paying you for (or not paying as the case may be).



              Rafael is correct when he posted make a phone call. Often in emails people skim and don't actually read. So things get missed, overlooked, and just forgotten about. In a phone call you can ask, if he evades, ask again. If he isn't clear, ask for clarity, etc. There's no skimming or forgetting during a phone call. It may take asking several times. It may require you explaining why you need to know. But I'd try to not end the phone call until I had answers.



              Your questions are good questions to ask.



              I would explain to the client.....




              Hi Chris,
              I can certainly create what you need but I really need these questions answered. Imagine if you hired a caterer for an event. They'd ask about food allergies, number of attendees, etc. All in an effort to do a better job. That's what my questions are for, to ensure I do a better job designing the [whatever it is].




              If this is unpaid work then, frankly, I wouldn't keep "stalking" the client. I would make 2 maybe 3, phone calls and send 1 maybe 2, emails. Then explain that I can't move forward without some direction.






              share|improve this answer

























                up vote
                15
                down vote










                up vote
                15
                down vote









                Asking for a "mood board" is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much to ask any client. That's perhaps a designer's tool and a client should never be asked to do that work. That's what they are paying you for (or not paying as the case may be).



                Rafael is correct when he posted make a phone call. Often in emails people skim and don't actually read. So things get missed, overlooked, and just forgotten about. In a phone call you can ask, if he evades, ask again. If he isn't clear, ask for clarity, etc. There's no skimming or forgetting during a phone call. It may take asking several times. It may require you explaining why you need to know. But I'd try to not end the phone call until I had answers.



                Your questions are good questions to ask.



                I would explain to the client.....




                Hi Chris,
                I can certainly create what you need but I really need these questions answered. Imagine if you hired a caterer for an event. They'd ask about food allergies, number of attendees, etc. All in an effort to do a better job. That's what my questions are for, to ensure I do a better job designing the [whatever it is].




                If this is unpaid work then, frankly, I wouldn't keep "stalking" the client. I would make 2 maybe 3, phone calls and send 1 maybe 2, emails. Then explain that I can't move forward without some direction.






                share|improve this answer














                Asking for a "mood board" is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much to ask any client. That's perhaps a designer's tool and a client should never be asked to do that work. That's what they are paying you for (or not paying as the case may be).



                Rafael is correct when he posted make a phone call. Often in emails people skim and don't actually read. So things get missed, overlooked, and just forgotten about. In a phone call you can ask, if he evades, ask again. If he isn't clear, ask for clarity, etc. There's no skimming or forgetting during a phone call. It may take asking several times. It may require you explaining why you need to know. But I'd try to not end the phone call until I had answers.



                Your questions are good questions to ask.



                I would explain to the client.....




                Hi Chris,
                I can certainly create what you need but I really need these questions answered. Imagine if you hired a caterer for an event. They'd ask about food allergies, number of attendees, etc. All in an effort to do a better job. That's what my questions are for, to ensure I do a better job designing the [whatever it is].




                If this is unpaid work then, frankly, I wouldn't keep "stalking" the client. I would make 2 maybe 3, phone calls and send 1 maybe 2, emails. Then explain that I can't move forward without some direction.







                share|improve this answer














                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer








                edited 23 hours ago

























                answered yesterday









                Scott

                142k14195403




                142k14195403






















                    up vote
                    5
                    down vote













                    First, It's not good for you nor for the whole sector to do free works. But I understand that at first is hard to take money from someone who trusts you.



                    I think that the problem is the questions you are asking and how you are asking them. These questions are made almost in argot, you are using a very straightforward and professional language.



                    My approach would be more human. If you have the opportunity to go to the company to talk to your client. Look at how they work, how is everything organized, maybe even you will see other things you can improve such as billboards, cards or catalogs and you can suggest expanding your contract.



                    But if you can't go there, just call him. Talk to him as a counselor, this way you are selling your own brand. Ask him what they do (I think you've already talked about it), ask him how is the company doing (probably will tell you about problems that you can identify with design or marketing problems, even they tell you about competence) why he thought about requesting your help, what he thought about improving (you've already done this for sure) ask him if you like any company style (probably he should have pointed other company logos right now).



                    The part where you ask about competence in my country at least would feel gross. You have to research the market. Which companies are the best, which ones are the direct competence, what's the difference between that company and your client's company, how to make that differences matter or not. All that is your work as a designer.



                    Have in mind that unless you are working for a really big company that has complex inner bureaucracy and needs to control every investment, you usually won't receive all these answers in a straightforward manner.



                    As a designer, you won't be only designing. You will be a "friend" of that company. Most of the people would come to you without really knowing their needs, even if they act as they know. You have to act as "visual communication therapist" to hear their problems and analyze what they need.






                    share|improve this answer










                    New contributor




                    umbium is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                    Check out our Code of Conduct.


















                    • +1 for the last paragraph especially.
                      – Cullub
                      6 hours ago















                    up vote
                    5
                    down vote













                    First, It's not good for you nor for the whole sector to do free works. But I understand that at first is hard to take money from someone who trusts you.



                    I think that the problem is the questions you are asking and how you are asking them. These questions are made almost in argot, you are using a very straightforward and professional language.



                    My approach would be more human. If you have the opportunity to go to the company to talk to your client. Look at how they work, how is everything organized, maybe even you will see other things you can improve such as billboards, cards or catalogs and you can suggest expanding your contract.



                    But if you can't go there, just call him. Talk to him as a counselor, this way you are selling your own brand. Ask him what they do (I think you've already talked about it), ask him how is the company doing (probably will tell you about problems that you can identify with design or marketing problems, even they tell you about competence) why he thought about requesting your help, what he thought about improving (you've already done this for sure) ask him if you like any company style (probably he should have pointed other company logos right now).



                    The part where you ask about competence in my country at least would feel gross. You have to research the market. Which companies are the best, which ones are the direct competence, what's the difference between that company and your client's company, how to make that differences matter or not. All that is your work as a designer.



                    Have in mind that unless you are working for a really big company that has complex inner bureaucracy and needs to control every investment, you usually won't receive all these answers in a straightforward manner.



                    As a designer, you won't be only designing. You will be a "friend" of that company. Most of the people would come to you without really knowing their needs, even if they act as they know. You have to act as "visual communication therapist" to hear their problems and analyze what they need.






                    share|improve this answer










                    New contributor




                    umbium is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                    Check out our Code of Conduct.


















                    • +1 for the last paragraph especially.
                      – Cullub
                      6 hours ago













                    up vote
                    5
                    down vote










                    up vote
                    5
                    down vote









                    First, It's not good for you nor for the whole sector to do free works. But I understand that at first is hard to take money from someone who trusts you.



                    I think that the problem is the questions you are asking and how you are asking them. These questions are made almost in argot, you are using a very straightforward and professional language.



                    My approach would be more human. If you have the opportunity to go to the company to talk to your client. Look at how they work, how is everything organized, maybe even you will see other things you can improve such as billboards, cards or catalogs and you can suggest expanding your contract.



                    But if you can't go there, just call him. Talk to him as a counselor, this way you are selling your own brand. Ask him what they do (I think you've already talked about it), ask him how is the company doing (probably will tell you about problems that you can identify with design or marketing problems, even they tell you about competence) why he thought about requesting your help, what he thought about improving (you've already done this for sure) ask him if you like any company style (probably he should have pointed other company logos right now).



                    The part where you ask about competence in my country at least would feel gross. You have to research the market. Which companies are the best, which ones are the direct competence, what's the difference between that company and your client's company, how to make that differences matter or not. All that is your work as a designer.



                    Have in mind that unless you are working for a really big company that has complex inner bureaucracy and needs to control every investment, you usually won't receive all these answers in a straightforward manner.



                    As a designer, you won't be only designing. You will be a "friend" of that company. Most of the people would come to you without really knowing their needs, even if they act as they know. You have to act as "visual communication therapist" to hear their problems and analyze what they need.






                    share|improve this answer










                    New contributor




                    umbium is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                    Check out our Code of Conduct.









                    First, It's not good for you nor for the whole sector to do free works. But I understand that at first is hard to take money from someone who trusts you.



                    I think that the problem is the questions you are asking and how you are asking them. These questions are made almost in argot, you are using a very straightforward and professional language.



                    My approach would be more human. If you have the opportunity to go to the company to talk to your client. Look at how they work, how is everything organized, maybe even you will see other things you can improve such as billboards, cards or catalogs and you can suggest expanding your contract.



                    But if you can't go there, just call him. Talk to him as a counselor, this way you are selling your own brand. Ask him what they do (I think you've already talked about it), ask him how is the company doing (probably will tell you about problems that you can identify with design or marketing problems, even they tell you about competence) why he thought about requesting your help, what he thought about improving (you've already done this for sure) ask him if you like any company style (probably he should have pointed other company logos right now).



                    The part where you ask about competence in my country at least would feel gross. You have to research the market. Which companies are the best, which ones are the direct competence, what's the difference between that company and your client's company, how to make that differences matter or not. All that is your work as a designer.



                    Have in mind that unless you are working for a really big company that has complex inner bureaucracy and needs to control every investment, you usually won't receive all these answers in a straightforward manner.



                    As a designer, you won't be only designing. You will be a "friend" of that company. Most of the people would come to you without really knowing their needs, even if they act as they know. You have to act as "visual communication therapist" to hear their problems and analyze what they need.







                    share|improve this answer










                    New contributor




                    umbium is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                    Check out our Code of Conduct.









                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer








                    edited 5 hours ago









                    Ovaryraptor

                    4,23211028




                    4,23211028






                    New contributor




                    umbium is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                    answered 12 hours ago









                    umbium

                    511




                    511




                    New contributor




                    umbium is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                    Check out our Code of Conduct.





                    New contributor





                    umbium is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                    Check out our Code of Conduct.






                    umbium is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                    Check out our Code of Conduct.












                    • +1 for the last paragraph especially.
                      – Cullub
                      6 hours ago


















                    • +1 for the last paragraph especially.
                      – Cullub
                      6 hours ago
















                    +1 for the last paragraph especially.
                    – Cullub
                    6 hours ago




                    +1 for the last paragraph especially.
                    – Cullub
                    6 hours ago










                    up vote
                    4
                    down vote













                    Your client doesn't know what they want, and they don't know what any of the things you mean ask.



                    You know the industry that the client works in, you know the name.



                    Throw together a few different ideas in very rough draft.



                    Send them to the client making very clear that these are rough sketches to get a concept not a final piece and ask them to rate each one by how much they like them and give feedback.



                    Iterate on the feedback.



                    I'm a software engineer not graphic designer but over and over again I find that if you ask someone what they want they don't know. If you present them with a few options though they will immediately know they don't want 1 or 3 but they sort of like 2 but can you add this bit from 4 and maybe X and sometimes a bit of U and then add a unicorn.






                    share|improve this answer








                    New contributor




                    Tim B is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                    Check out our Code of Conduct.






















                      up vote
                      4
                      down vote













                      Your client doesn't know what they want, and they don't know what any of the things you mean ask.



                      You know the industry that the client works in, you know the name.



                      Throw together a few different ideas in very rough draft.



                      Send them to the client making very clear that these are rough sketches to get a concept not a final piece and ask them to rate each one by how much they like them and give feedback.



                      Iterate on the feedback.



                      I'm a software engineer not graphic designer but over and over again I find that if you ask someone what they want they don't know. If you present them with a few options though they will immediately know they don't want 1 or 3 but they sort of like 2 but can you add this bit from 4 and maybe X and sometimes a bit of U and then add a unicorn.






                      share|improve this answer








                      New contributor




                      Tim B is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.




















                        up vote
                        4
                        down vote










                        up vote
                        4
                        down vote









                        Your client doesn't know what they want, and they don't know what any of the things you mean ask.



                        You know the industry that the client works in, you know the name.



                        Throw together a few different ideas in very rough draft.



                        Send them to the client making very clear that these are rough sketches to get a concept not a final piece and ask them to rate each one by how much they like them and give feedback.



                        Iterate on the feedback.



                        I'm a software engineer not graphic designer but over and over again I find that if you ask someone what they want they don't know. If you present them with a few options though they will immediately know they don't want 1 or 3 but they sort of like 2 but can you add this bit from 4 and maybe X and sometimes a bit of U and then add a unicorn.






                        share|improve this answer








                        New contributor




                        Tim B is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.









                        Your client doesn't know what they want, and they don't know what any of the things you mean ask.



                        You know the industry that the client works in, you know the name.



                        Throw together a few different ideas in very rough draft.



                        Send them to the client making very clear that these are rough sketches to get a concept not a final piece and ask them to rate each one by how much they like them and give feedback.



                        Iterate on the feedback.



                        I'm a software engineer not graphic designer but over and over again I find that if you ask someone what they want they don't know. If you present them with a few options though they will immediately know they don't want 1 or 3 but they sort of like 2 but can you add this bit from 4 and maybe X and sometimes a bit of U and then add a unicorn.







                        share|improve this answer








                        New contributor




                        Tim B is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.









                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer






                        New contributor




                        Tim B is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.









                        answered 8 hours ago









                        Tim B

                        1413




                        1413




                        New contributor




                        Tim B is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.





                        New contributor





                        Tim B is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.






                        Tim B is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.






















                            up vote
                            1
                            down vote













                            Sometimes you have a client who doesn't know themselves what they actually want. They expect you as the designer to come up with the brand identity. In that case it can be a valid design process to just throw things at the wall and see what sticks. Give them a couple of different drafts and then ask them what they like or dislike about them.



                            This is of course a process where you will invest a lot of work which will end up unused. You also risk getting caught up in an endless cycle of review after review with the client never being completely satisfied. So if you decide to use this process, then the client needs to be aware that they are paying you by the hour and that you also expect to get paid for those designs they do not pick in the end.






                            share|improve this answer

























                              up vote
                              1
                              down vote













                              Sometimes you have a client who doesn't know themselves what they actually want. They expect you as the designer to come up with the brand identity. In that case it can be a valid design process to just throw things at the wall and see what sticks. Give them a couple of different drafts and then ask them what they like or dislike about them.



                              This is of course a process where you will invest a lot of work which will end up unused. You also risk getting caught up in an endless cycle of review after review with the client never being completely satisfied. So if you decide to use this process, then the client needs to be aware that they are paying you by the hour and that you also expect to get paid for those designs they do not pick in the end.






                              share|improve this answer























                                up vote
                                1
                                down vote










                                up vote
                                1
                                down vote









                                Sometimes you have a client who doesn't know themselves what they actually want. They expect you as the designer to come up with the brand identity. In that case it can be a valid design process to just throw things at the wall and see what sticks. Give them a couple of different drafts and then ask them what they like or dislike about them.



                                This is of course a process where you will invest a lot of work which will end up unused. You also risk getting caught up in an endless cycle of review after review with the client never being completely satisfied. So if you decide to use this process, then the client needs to be aware that they are paying you by the hour and that you also expect to get paid for those designs they do not pick in the end.






                                share|improve this answer












                                Sometimes you have a client who doesn't know themselves what they actually want. They expect you as the designer to come up with the brand identity. In that case it can be a valid design process to just throw things at the wall and see what sticks. Give them a couple of different drafts and then ask them what they like or dislike about them.



                                This is of course a process where you will invest a lot of work which will end up unused. You also risk getting caught up in an endless cycle of review after review with the client never being completely satisfied. So if you decide to use this process, then the client needs to be aware that they are paying you by the hour and that you also expect to get paid for those designs they do not pick in the end.







                                share|improve this answer












                                share|improve this answer



                                share|improve this answer










                                answered 11 hours ago









                                Philipp

                                20916




                                20916






















                                    up vote
                                    0
                                    down vote













                                    I understand the difficulty when it comes to communicating with clients and getting the information needed to create a cohesive design. With that said, Scott and Rafael are both very correct in that a.) a phone call is always an effective means of figuring out what is in a client's head and b.) the client is never the person to be creating a mood board.



                                    It is not entirely out of line to request if there are specific logos or designs that come to the client's mind when they consider their own form or taste for a style, but this is also not often given in design processes.



                                    If the client cannot be reached over the phone and will not provide any more information, there is still a lot of work that can be done. If the client will not tell you what they specifically want, they can certainly tell you what they do not want judging by the designs and sketches you put forward.



                                    The design process begins by assembling all possible aspects of the company together and sketching every idea that comes to mind. Create more solidified examples of ideas you find strongest, and allow the client to pick them apart and choose details they like and would prefer to remove. Most clients have a hard time actually saying what they really need, and what they think they need is seldom what the best possible design is for a project.



                                    Hope this offers some clarity.






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                                      I understand the difficulty when it comes to communicating with clients and getting the information needed to create a cohesive design. With that said, Scott and Rafael are both very correct in that a.) a phone call is always an effective means of figuring out what is in a client's head and b.) the client is never the person to be creating a mood board.



                                      It is not entirely out of line to request if there are specific logos or designs that come to the client's mind when they consider their own form or taste for a style, but this is also not often given in design processes.



                                      If the client cannot be reached over the phone and will not provide any more information, there is still a lot of work that can be done. If the client will not tell you what they specifically want, they can certainly tell you what they do not want judging by the designs and sketches you put forward.



                                      The design process begins by assembling all possible aspects of the company together and sketching every idea that comes to mind. Create more solidified examples of ideas you find strongest, and allow the client to pick them apart and choose details they like and would prefer to remove. Most clients have a hard time actually saying what they really need, and what they think they need is seldom what the best possible design is for a project.



                                      Hope this offers some clarity.






                                      share|improve this answer








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                                        up vote
                                        0
                                        down vote










                                        up vote
                                        0
                                        down vote









                                        I understand the difficulty when it comes to communicating with clients and getting the information needed to create a cohesive design. With that said, Scott and Rafael are both very correct in that a.) a phone call is always an effective means of figuring out what is in a client's head and b.) the client is never the person to be creating a mood board.



                                        It is not entirely out of line to request if there are specific logos or designs that come to the client's mind when they consider their own form or taste for a style, but this is also not often given in design processes.



                                        If the client cannot be reached over the phone and will not provide any more information, there is still a lot of work that can be done. If the client will not tell you what they specifically want, they can certainly tell you what they do not want judging by the designs and sketches you put forward.



                                        The design process begins by assembling all possible aspects of the company together and sketching every idea that comes to mind. Create more solidified examples of ideas you find strongest, and allow the client to pick them apart and choose details they like and would prefer to remove. Most clients have a hard time actually saying what they really need, and what they think they need is seldom what the best possible design is for a project.



                                        Hope this offers some clarity.






                                        share|improve this answer








                                        New contributor




                                        Reine is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                        Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                        I understand the difficulty when it comes to communicating with clients and getting the information needed to create a cohesive design. With that said, Scott and Rafael are both very correct in that a.) a phone call is always an effective means of figuring out what is in a client's head and b.) the client is never the person to be creating a mood board.



                                        It is not entirely out of line to request if there are specific logos or designs that come to the client's mind when they consider their own form or taste for a style, but this is also not often given in design processes.



                                        If the client cannot be reached over the phone and will not provide any more information, there is still a lot of work that can be done. If the client will not tell you what they specifically want, they can certainly tell you what they do not want judging by the designs and sketches you put forward.



                                        The design process begins by assembling all possible aspects of the company together and sketching every idea that comes to mind. Create more solidified examples of ideas you find strongest, and allow the client to pick them apart and choose details they like and would prefer to remove. Most clients have a hard time actually saying what they really need, and what they think they need is seldom what the best possible design is for a project.



                                        Hope this offers some clarity.







                                        share|improve this answer








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                                        answered yesterday









                                        Reine

                                        111




                                        111




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                                            That's a nightmare waiting to happen. Dip-set. Find another client with money and an actual request.






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                                            • This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review
                                              – Danielillo
                                              5 hours ago










                                            • @Danielillo It answers the question asked in the title.
                                              – Steve
                                              4 hours ago















                                            up vote
                                            0
                                            down vote













                                            That's a nightmare waiting to happen. Dip-set. Find another client with money and an actual request.






                                            share|improve this answer








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                                            • This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review
                                              – Danielillo
                                              5 hours ago










                                            • @Danielillo It answers the question asked in the title.
                                              – Steve
                                              4 hours ago













                                            up vote
                                            0
                                            down vote










                                            up vote
                                            0
                                            down vote









                                            That's a nightmare waiting to happen. Dip-set. Find another client with money and an actual request.






                                            share|improve this answer








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                                            That's a nightmare waiting to happen. Dip-set. Find another client with money and an actual request.







                                            share|improve this answer








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                                            share|improve this answer



                                            share|improve this answer






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                                            answered 7 hours ago









                                            Steve

                                            1011




                                            1011




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                                            New contributor





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                                            • This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review
                                              – Danielillo
                                              5 hours ago










                                            • @Danielillo It answers the question asked in the title.
                                              – Steve
                                              4 hours ago


















                                            • This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review
                                              – Danielillo
                                              5 hours ago










                                            • @Danielillo It answers the question asked in the title.
                                              – Steve
                                              4 hours ago
















                                            This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review
                                            – Danielillo
                                            5 hours ago




                                            This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review
                                            – Danielillo
                                            5 hours ago












                                            @Danielillo It answers the question asked in the title.
                                            – Steve
                                            4 hours ago




                                            @Danielillo It answers the question asked in the title.
                                            – Steve
                                            4 hours ago










                                            up vote
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                                            down vote













                                            You're the designer! They "hired" you for ideas, so you'll need to put some in front of them and get a sense of what they like. Make 3 quick very different mood boards yourself and ask them which one they like best. Then write up your questions in a numbered list, with space between. Word them very simply. Then tell the client "I'll need you to answer these few questions so I can have the information I need to do a great job for you. Please type your answers right below these questions and email it back to me by Friday."
                                            You can't ask a client to do a mood board, but they may have an "ideas" folder laying around, so always ask. There are some clients who just want to hire someone good and let them run with it and they usually end up being great clients. So his behavior is not unusual.
                                            Why are you working for free? You may be starting out, but charge something - get 30 or 50 bucks out of them. Always charge money. You need to pay the light bill so you can run your computer. If they don't value your time they won't take the time to work with you properly. Give him some basic stuff for free - logo, whatever....then a price quote for anything else,maybe a bundle of ad materials for a flat rate. And then let him know your hourly rate.
                                            If they don't answer the questions by Friday,you tried. Move on.
                                            Good luck!






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                                              up vote
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                                              You're the designer! They "hired" you for ideas, so you'll need to put some in front of them and get a sense of what they like. Make 3 quick very different mood boards yourself and ask them which one they like best. Then write up your questions in a numbered list, with space between. Word them very simply. Then tell the client "I'll need you to answer these few questions so I can have the information I need to do a great job for you. Please type your answers right below these questions and email it back to me by Friday."
                                              You can't ask a client to do a mood board, but they may have an "ideas" folder laying around, so always ask. There are some clients who just want to hire someone good and let them run with it and they usually end up being great clients. So his behavior is not unusual.
                                              Why are you working for free? You may be starting out, but charge something - get 30 or 50 bucks out of them. Always charge money. You need to pay the light bill so you can run your computer. If they don't value your time they won't take the time to work with you properly. Give him some basic stuff for free - logo, whatever....then a price quote for anything else,maybe a bundle of ad materials for a flat rate. And then let him know your hourly rate.
                                              If they don't answer the questions by Friday,you tried. Move on.
                                              Good luck!






                                              share|improve this answer








                                              New contributor




                                              Kerry Ann is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                              Check out our Code of Conduct.




















                                                up vote
                                                0
                                                down vote










                                                up vote
                                                0
                                                down vote









                                                You're the designer! They "hired" you for ideas, so you'll need to put some in front of them and get a sense of what they like. Make 3 quick very different mood boards yourself and ask them which one they like best. Then write up your questions in a numbered list, with space between. Word them very simply. Then tell the client "I'll need you to answer these few questions so I can have the information I need to do a great job for you. Please type your answers right below these questions and email it back to me by Friday."
                                                You can't ask a client to do a mood board, but they may have an "ideas" folder laying around, so always ask. There are some clients who just want to hire someone good and let them run with it and they usually end up being great clients. So his behavior is not unusual.
                                                Why are you working for free? You may be starting out, but charge something - get 30 or 50 bucks out of them. Always charge money. You need to pay the light bill so you can run your computer. If they don't value your time they won't take the time to work with you properly. Give him some basic stuff for free - logo, whatever....then a price quote for anything else,maybe a bundle of ad materials for a flat rate. And then let him know your hourly rate.
                                                If they don't answer the questions by Friday,you tried. Move on.
                                                Good luck!






                                                share|improve this answer








                                                New contributor




                                                Kerry Ann is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                                You're the designer! They "hired" you for ideas, so you'll need to put some in front of them and get a sense of what they like. Make 3 quick very different mood boards yourself and ask them which one they like best. Then write up your questions in a numbered list, with space between. Word them very simply. Then tell the client "I'll need you to answer these few questions so I can have the information I need to do a great job for you. Please type your answers right below these questions and email it back to me by Friday."
                                                You can't ask a client to do a mood board, but they may have an "ideas" folder laying around, so always ask. There are some clients who just want to hire someone good and let them run with it and they usually end up being great clients. So his behavior is not unusual.
                                                Why are you working for free? You may be starting out, but charge something - get 30 or 50 bucks out of them. Always charge money. You need to pay the light bill so you can run your computer. If they don't value your time they won't take the time to work with you properly. Give him some basic stuff for free - logo, whatever....then a price quote for anything else,maybe a bundle of ad materials for a flat rate. And then let him know your hourly rate.
                                                If they don't answer the questions by Friday,you tried. Move on.
                                                Good luck!







                                                share|improve this answer








                                                New contributor




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                                                share|improve this answer



                                                share|improve this answer






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                                                answered 2 hours ago









                                                Kerry Ann

                                                1




                                                1




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