Logos, websites, digital and print advertisements, package designs, letterheads, and business cards are all examples of marketing collateral. Designers have a significant impact on the way you show yourself to the world. Regardless of the quality of your product or service, you need effective designs to convey your messages.
But what happens if you are unable to communicate with your designer? You compose what you believe to be a comprehensive brief, but something is lost in translation. Your graphic designer delivers an unexpected result. You may be dissatisfied, irritated, or frustrated, or all three.
Let’s examine how we might overcome this barrier to improve our interaction with your designer.
First, take a deep breath
You have the design shown on your computer screen while frustrated since it is not at all what you imagined. But hold on a second. Resist the urge to contact your designer and criticise them for making a mistake. While it may feel nice to vent your anger, it is essential to find positive strategies to move ahead. Spend a few moments evaluating the design. And attempt to do so with a level head. According to the proverb, it is impossible to perceive a clear reflection in boiling water.
Now, can you locate anything that corresponds to your design preferences? Will a few adjustments suffice? There are instances when viewing what you don’t want might reveal a few features that you would want to embrace. Perhaps this design has something you didn’t realise you needed. Clarity is essential for understanding. Therefore, if you continue to see red, shut your eyes and count to 10. Now, attempt once again to identify what is working and what is not so that you may offer clear instructions for the next draught.
Where did the error occur?
Communicate to your designer what you dislike about the design. Perhaps it’s the typeface used? Or the font’s point size? It may be the colour scheme or the images they used. Inform your designer of any aspects that aren’t working for you.
Give your graphic designer a second opportunity. If they had a better understanding of what you’re seeking, they may surprise you in the following round.
Was your original concept feasible?
Sometimes, what we see as a wonderful unicorn in our thoughts appears to be a pony on paper. It occurs to the greatest of the greatest. Your graphic designer followed your precise instructions. And the result was…well, there’s no good way to phrase ugly. Depending on your graphic designer’s degree of comfort with you, they may have erred by designing an unattractive design rather than challenging your vision.
Be sure to provide your designer the opportunity to describe their design process and decision-making. There is a possibility that your designer attempted to make the precise unicorn you requested. But the planet lacked sufficient magic to make it work.
Examples are always advantageous
When words fall short, give an illustration of what you mean. For example, do you prefer a certain logo with unusual colours? Send a photograph of it to your designer. Screenshots are an incredibly convenient method to share samples of what you like. Send as many examples as you can along with a description of what you like most about each. Your designer will be able to envision your design project with better precision if they have access to these extra resources.
Revisions. Revisions.
If you are dissatisfied with your design, you should request a revision. Good designers are constantly willing to alter and develop their work in accordance with the customer’s requirements. Obviously, this will need more time. As the saying goes, time is money. But the investment you make in strengthening your connection with your graphic designer will save you countless times in the future.
It will also assist you in calculating timetables for future projects (e.g. budgeting more time for different draughts and going through rounds of feedback). If you have the flexibility, investing additional time for numerous revisions might result in the discovery of novel ideas.
Does your designer understand what you require?
Never be hesitant. Your designer will adhere to your specifications. But they may still not comprehend your requirements. Ensure that you ask and respond to questions throughout the design process. Communication is the key to doing almost anything to your satisfaction. Communicate with the designer and describe in detail the kind of design you want. Explain why you need this kind of design so that they may comprehend the relevance of the many components. There is no way around the possibility that they should use just certain stock photos.
Give them the opportunity to ask questions on the deal-breakers. The more their comprehension of you, the superior the design.
Do you understand your needs?
In certain instances, the design you get fulfils all of your specifications.
But this is not acceptable. Why is this so?
Possibly because the needs you have for this design do not complement one another. Consult with your designer. Inform them of the gap between the current design and the desired outcome. Give them the opportunity to discover the optimal mix of parts to build the ideal item. Analyse your desires and requirements for the design and be willing to let rid of elements that may bog it down. And be willing to contribute something fresh to create a masterpiece.
Mood boards are quite useful
Take a few moments to compile a few recommendations and ideas on a mood board. It can be a lot of fun, and you will have a better grasp of how your design will ultimately appear. Moreover, it will communicate your ideas and feelings to your designer. Once they understand the concept, they will implement it.
Context is all-important
Share the websites, ad creatives, and other relevant designs of your rivals with your graphic designer. Assist them in understanding your competitors and your aspirations. Be careful to let them know who you definitely do not want them to resemble, and why!
So that your graphic designer knows where the bar is set, these details are essential. And they will assist your specialised designer in completing the project. Because they are in the same boat as you. When you win, others win as well. Therefore, they have your back.
Feedback!
Designers like feedback and are eager to learn how they may improve. Design is an endless process. No one can know everything about the subject. Therefore, every designer competes with themselves and one another to improve. Help them out, would you?
Tell them where they should focus their attention on the design. Tell them what further assistance you need. You will be astonished at how quickly they learn and develop after receiving a little more direction about your objectives and requirements.
The graphic design business is as competitive as any other industry. We watch, absorb inspiration, and strive for everyday improvement. Do not dismiss your graphic designer because of a single unsatisfactory design. Give it another try. They may be able to completely transform the situation by only altering a single colour or font.