Getting the job right is at the core of a client relationship at Fifteen. We want your project to be the best it can be just as much as your do. With this in mind, we’ve created some tips on how to get the most out of your designer
Create a mood board
Whether we’re starting a website, logo or brochure design, it’s good to know what the client likes. Sometimes it can be a great tool to the designer if you let them know what sort of style you’re going for, whether it’s the type of photography you want to incorporate, or an illustration style. You may even have a particular font you’d like to try.
Don’t be shy, let us know! It helps the designer gauge the direction you want to take your project. You don’t need to get the Pritt- stick and scissors out either, why not try creating a board on Pinterest instead?
Share your aims
Even if you have no idea what the design needs to look like, you need to know your end goal. We live by the philosophy of ‘form follows function’ – solve the problem first, then make it look great!
So, if for example, your end goal is to get more people to buy a certain product from your website, make sure you communicate this to the designer early on. That way, they can use their expertise in design to make sure the customer sees that product!
Provide content
Designers are often faced with the age old dilemma of designing something before they are given proper content. It’s not the best way around to do things because the designer can’t construct their best design just based on a rough idea. It’s like being given a jigsaw without all the pieces, we can take it so far, but it’s not going to give you the full picture. Try and provide as much content up front as you can, that way, the design will work to the content and not the other way around.
Don’t treat your designer like a tool
We don’t want to toot our own trumpets, but our design team are an exceptional, experienced bunch. They love to research new techniques, tools and typefaces, to make them the best in their field. What we can sometimes find frustrating, is when a client is far too specific about what the design should be. Our specialist team are here to advise, as well as undertake the project. We would suggest to let the designer know what you’ve got in mind, but also give them room to play! You might just change your mind about that font you were dead set on.
Communicate
Once your project gets going, communicate with your designer! If you like the direction a project is going, let them know! Passion drives a designer – the more we enjoy a job, the better it will be! However, don’t let that stop you from letting us know what isn’t working. If we’ve made an error or even if our design could use a little tweak then pipe up! We want to know and we want to produce the best work we can.
As well as this, ask the designer their opinion too! For example, if we have created a selection of logos for you and you’re stuck, then ask us! We’ll try and point you in the direction we think it should take.
Communication is the most important element to any client relationship.