How to be a Great Client for a Freelance Designer

As a service provider, we freelance designers are of course expected to provide an exceptional service and quality product. But to get the most out of a project, both the service provider and client should work together in a symbiotic, cooperative, and transparent fashion - much like a personal relationship!

Freelancers are always looking for long-term relationship potential, so for clients to meet the requirements of a designer, they need to show interest in building a professional relationship and potential for working together on future projects.

This can be shown by some key attributes that designers look for in an ideal client:

1. Clear Communication

• Well-defined objectives: A client is able to clearly communicate their goals, expectations, and requirements clearly, so there is a clear understanding of the project.

• Responsive: Respond in a timely fashion to questions, feedback and updates to facilitate smooth project progress.

• Be open to discussion: Willing to discuss new ideas and open to a designer’s professional input.

2. Respect for Expertise

• Trust in skills: A client is able to trust a designer’s expertise and allow them creative freedom all within the project scope.

• Valuing advice: Value and consider a designer’s professional suggestions and recommendations seriously.

3. Realistic Expectations

• Reasonable deadlines: To set or agree with a designer a realistic timeline for project milestones that allow for quality work without undue pressure to complete.

• Budget awareness: Have a clear understanding of the set budget and communicate it upfront whilst respecting the designer’s rates.

4. Reasonable Feedback

• Constructive criticism: To provide specific and constructive feedback that helps improve the work, encouraging direction and vision.

• Revisions: Be specific about the changes needed in revisions, keeping in mind the project scope.

5. Professionalism

• Respectful: To interact with a designer professionally, respecting their time and boundaries.

• Commitment: Be committed to the project and follow through with promises and obligations.

6. Flexibility

• Open to iteration: To understand that designing is an iterative process, and be patient with the design process and revisions.

• Adaptable: Be open to adjusting the project scope if the goals evolve over time.

7. Organised

• Preparedness: To provide all necessary materials, information and access in an organised manner.

• Documentation: To maintain clear and organised documentation of the project progress, changes and all agreements.

• Punctual: Be timely with communication, revisions and payments so the project milestones can be met on time so there is no pressure to work faster than agreed.

8. Positive Attitude

• Supportive: To create a supportive working relationship, showing appreciation for the work put in by the designer and the value of the project.

• Encouraging: To encourage a positive and collaborative working environment.

There is nothing better than a freelancer landing a great client; one that asks great questions, respects the works produced, has realistic expectations, and identifies with these attributes. How harmonious this collaboration is, can significantly impact the success and satisfaction of both the client and the designer along the journey.

Looking for your own freelance designer to work with?

Get in touch to let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll see what we can do to help.