Dealing with Bosses & Clients

[Babba]

I believe many of you are professional designers - as prof. occupation, either in a firm or as an freelancer. Probably some of you have found yourself in situation when you had to bury your knowledge, principles, ethics or ego... the moment when you as creator can not stand above the certain work, in order to meet boss's or client's requirements and interferences.
How do you deal with it? Do you set certain limits and boundaries? Or you follow other's desires?

[CDS]

sandra [if i may]...thanks for the welcome post...allow me to offer my help if i can...please feel free to take a look at my website [www.carleodesignstudio.com] to see my style of work and if you have any questions i'll be happy to answer them...i'm here to help...take care, sam

[CDS]

if you think the cllient has the chance of future work i would bend A LITTLE...client/designer relationships are an ongoing effort to educate the client in good design so they can justify your ever-increasing prices...if you want to change something bad the client wants to do don't just say it's bad or wrong...you must have another better idea to replace it and then you must sell them on it with valid reasons why it's better...hopefully they'll learn and grow with you...but if not, when you can afford to you can tell them thanks but no thanks...hope this helps...take care, sam

[Babba]

Hahaha - I like that expression "i would bend A LITTLE"
I agree with that - learning, teaching & growing with client.
But my point was also - when are you/we becoming just a tool, stop being an creator or artist?

[cclark413]

I heard someone say one time: "When I go to McDonalds, I don't tell them how to cook my food, do I?"

Some may disagree with how this pertains to designing, but does it really differ that much?

This is our profession, much like an engine mechanic, or a rocket scientist (what have you), we are the masters in our field. I have no problem telling my clients "No, that won't work".

I would expect that if I go to have a service performed, they know what they are doing and I will let them do it.

Of course, taste is in the eye of the beholder. I like to let my clients know upfront that they are hiring ME to do a service because they trust my judgement. Let's face it, we have all seen logo contests come through hear with a CH that has a "total lack of vision" (as I have heard others say).

Let you client know in a subtle way that you are creative and they are not. lol. It's hard to do, but it is the truth. You have to establish that respect for your work. Understand that they are consulting you mostly. Make sure you consult

[Evee]

I have come across that so many times. I usually try to suggest that the client go in a different direction and give them reasons why. BUt some clients just have it in their heads that is what they want.
I usually try and provide it ... hate to say it but they are paying me for what they want whether it is right or wrong.

Those are the jobs I am glad when they are over.

[Babba]

I couldn't but agree with all of you. I like everything all of you wrote. I have seen it as the experienced, constructive, objective, honest and fair posts. Thank you for that!
I guess, brief conclusion would be:
- 2way track: communication, learning and 2way growing;
- be wise, subtile and patient;
- do the best you can as proffesional;
- make sure client knows or recognize your proffesional integrity and consult.
... did I miss something?

[lindaromi]

i just listen to the client and try to vision his mind.