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For the past 3 weeks I have had a Formspring account and have been asking all sorts of anonymous questions that come into me about dealing with clients, marketing, blogging, etc. I have a backlog of questions in my inbox over there and just try to pop in and answer a few of them each week. (If you have submitted something and I haven’t got to it yet, just be patient – I am answering everything!)
This has become a bit of an “Ask A Freelancer” Lightening round, so I decided to pick a few each week that I think might be of interest to you guys and re-post them here. So here we go…
At what point in your design process do you start talking with the client in detail about their project? Before someone becomes a client or after they are under contract and are “officially” a client?
Before someone signs a contract and becomes an official “client”, we usually talk in pretty broad terms about the design end of their project. We usually discuss scale at the onset of things… how large the website they need, what print pieces need designed, how many illustrations. THAT type of stuff. After a quote – if they choose to move forward, they put down a deposit, sign off on a project agreement and then we have a “kick off meeting” or a “consult” where we go further into the philosophy of their business, their goals, their businesses aesthetic, etc. etc. If after this chat we find that the scope of what we initially discussed had widened – we adjust the project agreement to accommodate it.
Do you have a niche?
I specialize in Wordpress Design and Development. That is what maybe 75% – 80% of the work i do. But, I have a background in branding and print design and lately have been doing a fair amount of that. I love print, i LOVE IT. But, i think I do love web a little more.
What do you say to tire-kickers to prevent them from wasting your time? And what do you say to red-flag clients to send them elsewhere?
A red flag for me goes off when the first correspondence from a prospective client is vague. Emails like “I’d like a quote for a website.” Usually, these people either never respond, or they really have no clue what they need or want, but they know they can;t spend much money on it. I have a collection of “canned responses” in my email to respond to emails like this. It explains that I need more info to quote and then gives some wide-range ballpark prices they might expect for different types of sites. This will weed out most of those “tire-kickers,” but if they respond with more details on the project, they will already have a general idea of where your quote might fall from the previous email, so take the time to send them a quote!
What do you tell clients who see to be “afraid” of white space?
Well, when dealing with any client who is not comfortable with a design choice I have made on their project – I would explain the reason for it framed in the language of business instead of design. Telling a client “this empty space gives balance and order to the layout and allows your eye to rest.” makes perfect sense to you and your designer friends, but a client might likely heard “Wah wah wah wah wah,” try something like. “This space is important to give your companies logo more dominance, establishing a strong sense of brand and making sure your customer doesn’t get lost in too many elements.” Try not to let your client focus too strongly on what they like, but pull it always to what the customer needs.
How do you say no to a client you don’t want to take while still keeping the door open? Or what if you have too many projects flowing in at once?
Just be honest. If you have too much on your plate, tell them you can’t accept new projects for another 3 weeks – but you would love to work with them if they’d be willing to delay the start of the project! ….If you just aren’t interested in doing the job they have for you, tell them you don’t think that the project is the right fit for your skill set or style, but that they should contact you again if they have other projects in the future that the 2 of you could work on together!
Many of you may already know that I spent my weekend flipping through books, talking to artists and meeting Sci-Fi celebrities at the annual Seattle geekfest known as the Emerald City Comicon* .
It was a really fun weekend and extremely inspiring! As many of you who are creatives, you might relate to this, except for a few of my buddies who share some of my nerdisms – I am so rarely surrounded by a group of people who will laugh at the same subversive jokes as me and where the more you embrace your geekery, the “cooler” you are.
No doubt, times have changed. The blockbuster super hero movies and the mainstream adoption of the internet has made a lot of things that once were reserved for the uber-nerd much more socially acceptable — but there is still a line between those who will shell out $8 to go see Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man at their local Cineplex and those who will spend a wad of cash, an entire weekend and several hours of waiting in lines to attend a Comicon. Being a part of the weekends festivities, I took away a few freelance related lessons to share!
Lesson #1: Be nice.
Being nice is really under estimated, and in todays world, it is really unexpected when people are nice, so it means a lot. I met a few cast members from The Guild, and was really surprised at how genuinely happy they were just to chit chat with some fans of the show and how appreciative they were of the support.
When you’re building a brand on the internet, your power is in your audience — without them, there is nothing to save you! You can apply this to building your blog or even in a design studio — your clients are all that is standing between you living your entrepreneurs dream or going back to the daily grind working for someone else. So be nice, show people the respect and appreciation they deserve!
Lesson #2: Be Yourself.
It’s an adage that gets a lot of flack, “just be yourself,” but I think people misunderstand this. I don’t take it to mean that if sitting in your room alone doodling in your sketchbook and watching old episodes of Shera make you happy, do it and expect to succeed. I see it as, take what you love and work your damnedest to embrace that and make it your life!
The other cliche, “life is too short.” It ain’t. Life is long. Unexpected illness and traffic accidents excluded, chances are – you are going to be on this planet for a long while — so how do you want to spend that time? Life’s too long to spend it trying to fit into someone elses mold of success, so define it for yourself and live it!
Lesson #3: Open Your Creative Circle.
This weekend made me feel really good about pursuing my creative career and also made me realized that I wanted to branch out my social network of other creatives. I love web design, but design and business lessons can be learned from writers, crafters, and comic artists – so open your creative circle!
* note from liz: If you’re not into comics, give them a chance! They aren’t all for kids and they aren’t all super powers and capes. There are books out there of all different generes from mysteries to sci-fi to romantic comedies. You can get into a series, try out some graphic novels, or subscribe to a web comic. It’s a great entertainment and art medium and if you don’t know much about it, give it a chance — you will not regret it.
A Compete Guide on Sending a Print Design to Press | Part One
If you’re doing full design and development on a web design project, it is likely to take the project from concept to launch and be the only person on the project, however — if you’re doing a print project for a client, unless you have an offset in your spare bedroom, (and if you do, I demand photos!) you’re going to have to send the design off to a printer in order to make the project a reality.
Over the next 3 posts, I am going to share some of my knowledge and experience on sending design projects to press and I encourage any of your with experience in this matter to chime in with some comments if you handle things differently than I do, or if you disagree with anything I have to say! :)
Choosing the Right Type of Printing for your Design
If you really are interested in learning all the ins and outs of these options, check out the Wikipedia pages on each, but here I am just going to give a simple explanation of each and what you might want to use it for.
Offset Lithography
Offset Printers lay down solid colors of ink and different printers offsets may be able to do more (or less) colors. You can do a full color image (like Photographs) on presses that run 4 or more colors, or do spot color projects on presses that offer less that 4 colors. Offset printing gives consistent quality and had great color accuracy on spot colors and the for presses with more than 4 colors you can get stunning quality on full color images! The drawback is that small quantities of offset can be very pricey (especially full color work!)
Digital
This is the least expensive option, and you can find some really good quality digital presses — I had my very first business cards printed through JakPrints on their digital press and they turned out beautiful! But, a word of warning that I have also seen digital presses turn out awful stuff that looks like it was printed on an old ink jet desktop printer or something. So if you go this route, do your research! Request a sample pack from the printer.
Letterpress
With Letter-pressing, ink is laid down one color at a time. This is only used for spot colors – no full color photographs with this! In letterpress, each color of the design is made into a block that is then hit with the ink color and “pressed” onto the paper. (Imagine a high powered, automated stamp.) Letterpress created a look that cannot be achieved any other way, great textures and a “hand made” quality that just makes the piece feel so special! Because letterpress does requires blocks to be made for each color printing, it is a bit pricier than Offset or Digital, also it’s less automated than these other types of printing, which can cause for more variance and require more close monitoring (again driving the cost up.)
Upcoming subjects in this series: Choosing Pantone Colors, Choosing Paper, Getting Estimates on printing and finishing, Getting a sign off on your print order, Reviewing a digital proof, Doing A Press check.
One of my best friends, who I met in art school is setting out on the adventure to become a freelance illustrator. She invited me out for some dinner and drinks last week to get some advice and ask a few questions. She had some concerns about finances, legalees, and marketing — the stuff that even after 2 years of steady full time freelancing I freak out about from time to time.
She took notes on the links i spouted out and the random tidbits. “Seattle requires a city business license, in addition to your state license.” …We headed back to my house and I showed her my simple book keeping system and handed down to her my copy of the Graphic Artists Guild Handbook.
She seems to be going about this venture in a very smart way. She has saved up a nest egg, she is doing her research and is arranging with her boss to keep on schedule part time so that she has a steady cash flow with time left to build her business up. So it struck me was when she expressed how terrified she was. I understand, I’m terrified sometimes. Being in business for yourself can be scary, I don’t think that EVER goes away.
But isn’t regret even scarier? Maybe you will be a successful freelancer, maybe you will make a living doing what you love on your own terms, maybe you will find out it’s not right for you… the only way to know – is to try. “Well… what’s the worst that could happen?” I asked her. “You lose some money, you have to go back to working full time. …that’s not so bad.” Her expression changed and a smile started to peak through the terror that was on her face. “Yea. …yea! You’re right!”
So I was a little bummed that I missed out on going rollerskating with her yesterday (neither of us had even attempted to put on a pair of skates since adolescence!) But it gave me a big smile when I logged into Facebook today to see this inspirational and absolutely adorable status update from her…
I didn’t realize this was a secret, but when I posted a photo today of the paper samples I got in the mail, enough people emailed, DM’d, @ Messaged and commented to make me think maybe it wasn’t common knowledge. How do you get a library of paper samples for your home office? It’s REALLY EASY — check out my video below for the (not anymore) secret! ;)
Business Cards are a valuable tool in marketing yourself and your business. I’m really excited to announce that the lovely folks at UPrinting.com are sponsoring a 1,000 Free Business Cards Giveaway to one of you lucky readers! That’s right, you can get your business card printing absolutely FREE!Keep reading to find out how…
UPrinting.com offers an extensive line of print marketing services including business cards, postcards, brochures, mailing services and more. In addition, they even offer an online design tool to help you create your own custom designs with plenty of industry specific product templates. For those of you who are concerned about our environment, you will be happy to know that Digital Room is green-friendly and uses eco-friendly soy-based inks and paper stocks that range from 10%-30% recycled paper. This giveaway will be for 1000 custom printed business cards, you may choose from any of the stocks available with DigitalRoom. (I’ve seen their sample pack and I’d recommend 13 pt cover uncoated — looks professional, prints nicely and it’s recycled stock!)
How to Enter:
Step 1: Simply leave a comment and let me know what your favorite post on CMD+Shift Design blog has been and if there is something you’d like me to post about that I haven’t yet – let me know!
Step 2: Send out a message on Twitter to let others know about this giveaway!
RT @cmdshiftdesign 1000 FREE Business Cards from UPrinting.com available here! http://bit.ly/dorxsQ
I will be picking a commenter at random on Friday, February 29, 2010 at midnight, so get your comment in before then!
Note: Shipping is free for winners in the US and Canada. Those who reside in other countries must pay for shipping, but the cards are still free!
Today is Valentine’s Day and while many would see me as a prime candidate for someone who might relish in this holiday (been in a happy partnership for 8 years now,) I have always strongly held the belief that Valentine’s Day is bullshit. I do not practice it in the least bit. No candy hearts, no expensive dinners, it is a day just like any other day… and as per our Sunday ritual I got a lovely homemade breakfast this morning — who needs a holiday to tell us when to be thankful for each other?
But – hey all this relationship hoopla has got me thinking and you know… the process of being a freelancer, it ain’t much different than being out there in the dating world. …You don’t believe me? Well… here’s how it goes…
How I met my client…
When you first get a lead on a client, you have to pay attention to the signs to see if this is someone you want to start a project with. You get the information on the project and give out your quote. Can they afford you? Are they throwing up red flags like asking for free work or wanting to micro-manage the process?
Beware! At this stage in the game it can be easy to get swept up in the excitement of a new project, but keep your head about you! If you are a good match for each other then it’s time to plan for the future…
I think I could spend the next 15 – 20 business days with this person…
You’ve got a new client! They have accepted your quote and are eager to get the ball rolling, but slow down… it’s time to protect yourself and your client by doing things right.
Get their deposit in the bank, draw up your contract and get both of you to sign it. These steps show that you are a professional and that you have a professional attitude about your business and their business. Are they in a rush and want to move fast? Allow for sign-offs to be faxed in or get a digital signature. You can accept payments through Paypal to speed things along. If your client is serious about getting to the next phase quickly, they will not bat an eyelash at taking the initiative to get your the proper items necessary to move things along.
They totally “got” me!
I love that first meeting with clients! You get to know each other a little better, you share a few laughs and find those common connectors. …You hate Flash intros!? Me too! :) HAHAHA!
I always leave kick off meetings on a bit of a high, I am flooded with inspiration and I usually have to race to my notebook or computer so I can start sketching out ideas, making notes and researching right away!
What do you think they’re doing right now?
Once the project is underway, I think a huge part of having a happy and successful project is to stay in good communication with your client. Don’t leave then wondering and waiting by the phone. Each of your interactions should end with you letting them know what the next milestone is and when they will be hearing from you again.
It just didn’t work out…
Every once in a while, things just don’t work out. It’s a possibility in every relationship and the designer/client relationship is no different.For whatever reason, there may come a time when you or your client decide to not see things through to the end of the project.
It is important to be professional, don’t take things personally! If you choose to sever ties, just keep in mind that you do not have control over how your client might take the news, but you can be in control of how you respond to them.
(All of the whose-whats of this break up should be easy, just defer to your project agreement!)
I’ll never forget how special they made me feel…
When your project is complete and it is time to part ways make sure you leave them feeling satisfied. Answer any questions they may have and let them know that you are available to them in the future.
Even clients who come for a small one time project can turn out to be those who send you the most referrals! Happy clients beget more happy clients.
Keep the flame burning…
Long after you and your client have completed your work together, they will always be your client. Don’t forget them when you send out promotional materials, holiday greetings, or maybe just shoot them a quick email from time to time to say hello! Not only will this remind you client that they are important to you, but you may end up reminding them that they’d been meaning to get a hold of you about some new work!
One of my first jobs out of college involved direct customer sales where I got a crash course on how to be a salesperson. Not a salesperson like I had been when I worked at random retail jobs in the past, but getting professionals to throw down thousands of dollars and feel really excited about it.
At the time, I saw this job solely as a way to get my foot into the door of the companies design department (it worked) but as I look back now on that time it was probably some of the most valuable work experience I have ever had! Every bit I learned that year about selling I have applied to my design business in talking with clients about their projects.
It’s All About the Product (Services)!
The most important part to selling, is believing in the product, if you don’t — you’re going to come off sleazy… no one is going to trust you. While you may finagle someone into shelling out the doe, they are likely to feel more nervous about the transaction than excited.
I see this with freelancers all the time, they are not confident in their work (some with reason, some without) and this comes across when they talk about their services. I am surely not going to throw down my hard earned cash and gamble my businesses reputation on someone who doesn’t feel confident about the product they’re supplying! Would you?
The harsh truth, this can’t be faked. You either believe you can offer your clients top quality services or you don’t. If you don’t you can still try and sell it — but it’s not going to be so easy.
It’s All About the Customer (and how you treat them)!
So you are 100% behind your product? Good. Now here is the hard part, get behind your customer.
By this I mean… it’s not just about selling the goods, it’s about honing in on what your client needs and delivering that to them. Your interaction with the client is PART of the product when you are a freelancer. Be a good person, care about your client, listen to them and tell them what YOU would do if YOU where them.
A 20 page site with a full company owners biography and photo gallery of their office space would bring in a lot more money to your business, but this guy’s plumbing company would get a better return on his investment with a concise one page. Do you tell him this? YES, you do!
When you focus on delivering the right solution to your clients and getting the best results for them – you’re delivering a superior product.
I truly do believe, we are sales people. We are selling our abilities to help grow our clients businesses. It’s funny that I didn’t see this connection back then, but I am so glad that I paid attention to those sales lessons and was able to draw upon them and make this connection later down the road!
Did you ever have a job that isn’t design related that taught you a valuable business lesson? Leave a comment and tell us about it!
I am a web designer, blogger, internet nerd and crazy cat lady. I run a one-woman web studio in Seattle, WA. and this blog is mostly about web design and freelancing!
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