Hey,
Over the last month, I’ve been working on a big client project and I recently finished the strategy and creative direction stage meaning it was time to start designing the visual identity.
As you may know from my YouTube Videos my design process relies heavily on the strategy stage with the approved mood board acting as my creative guide. This means the design style is pre-approved by the client, so I have a pretty good idea of how the visuals will look.
So with that for reference, I got to work and designed the concept, put together the presentation, and sent it across to the client.
A few days later I received the feedback: I’m not sure about the concept, can we try something else’.
Now if I'm being honest, this feedback hurt a little.
No one likes getting negative feedback but it's important to not take it personally and understand it's just part of the process.
I’m sharing this with you because it happens. It’s normal. You’re not going to get projects right the first time.
So how do you deal with this situation when the client doesn’t like your design (especially if you’re presenting just one concept)?
Well, here’s exactly what I did:
After reading through the in-depth feedback, I scheduled a call with my client. But I made sure to give myself a few days to prepare. My client had provided feedback on their likes, dislikes, and things they wanted to change, which was great because I took this information and came up with two additional concepts and put together a simple brand board for them.
This meant on our feedback call, I had something to show them, so I could at least see if it was heading in the right direction (this was key).
I talked through both concepts, and they loved it. In fact, they approved one of the new concepts on the call.
My client mentioned how they loved how comfortable I had made them feel when it came to providing feedback, how prepared I was, and how I went out of my way to have designs ready for them on the call. They really felt like it was a collaborative effort, and I’d listened to their feedback.
Remember, the process should be collaborative, and receiving feedback isn’t a bad thing. In fact, the design looks way better now, and I really love how my client and I came together to nail their vision.
One thing I’ve learned over time is not to take feedback personally and not to get too attached to the design. At the end of the day, your job is to create something your client adores.
Some of my favourite projects have come from receiving pushback and feedback. It’s part of the process.
You’re not a bad designer if you don’t get it right the first time, it's normal.
I hope this helps if you’re currently dealing with client pushbacks.
Chat next week,
Abi 😊