Clients

Many graphic designers are so excited when a new shiny prospect contacts them that they miss a crucial step: screening the prospect. But having a vetting process is vital, so you can position yourself as an expert and evaluate the prospect and the work before taking it on. Here are 6 reasons freelance designers should screen prospects and how to evaluate them.
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6 Reasons Freelance Designers Should Screen Prospective ClientsRead More »

There are a lot of differences in mindset and behavior between graphic designers who are perceived as order takers and those who are perceived as experts. Here are 14 reasons graphic designers are seen as order takers instead of as experts. …

14 Reasons Graphic Designers Are Seen as Order TakersRead More »

Is your MO to respond immediately to calls, e-mails and texts from clients? Stop! You’re not helping yourself or your client by being so fast to reply. In this Creative Brief episode, I cover 5 reasons you shouldn’t respond to clients right away. …

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Respond to Clients Right AwayRead More »

Your freelance business does not need to feel like a circus. But you do need to be the ringleader. Here are 6 types of problem clients and how to fire them. I’ll also talk about when it’s you, not them, who is the reason for the breakup. …

6 Types of Problem Clients and How to Fire ThemRead More »

Some types of free work are good, while some hurt you and the design industry. You don’t have to pimp yourself out doing free work to build a portfolio. Find out what to consider before doing any free design work. …

What to Consider Before Doing Free Design WorkRead More »

Are you making any of these mistakes when presenting design work to clients? Find out and learn how to present your design work, so you get more respect and less pushback on your designs. Also, find out mistakes you might be making when asking for critique from other designers and others in general. Plus, don’t miss this one seemingly harmless question you should stop asking clients. …

7 Mistakes When Presenting Design Work and Asking for CritiqueRead More »

Client relationships and getting clients are not that different from dating. Learn how to identify your ideal client, attract them, approach them, spot deal breakers, nurture the relationship and more. …

Client Relationships Are Like DatingRead More »

Fellow longtime graphic designer Evelyn Powers and I talk about lessons learned from bad client experiences (you might gasp or guffaw at some of them), how to identify red flags with prospects and clients, and how to fire bad clients. …

Lessons Learned From Bad ClientsRead More »

What should you consider before going out on your own as a freelancer? How should you present your work to get objective feedback? When should you push back with a client? How can you earn more respect from clients? Should you specialize? Creative business guru Cameron S. Foote shares his insights on all of these topics. …

A Creative Business Convo With Cameron FooteRead More »

Do you know what to include in your design contracts and estimates? Do you know if your projects are profitable? Do you have trouble pricing your work? Do you suck up out-of-scope work that you should be charging for? Do you wonder if your contracts are protecting you? Find out when I use a contract, what I take into consideration when pricing work and what I include to protect myself from scope creep or potential legal issues. …

Are These Essentials in Your Design Contracts and Estimates?Read More »