Six things to do when the client doesn’t like any of the presented designs

As a designer, you encounter hundreds of clients, each with a different psychology. Let’s accept it that often you get annoyed because you have presented them tons of ideas and they don’t acknowledge any of them, in fact you realize that even if you come up with one million more, they would still want something ‘else’, something ‘different’ and more ‘creative’. It could either be that you have been unable to identify their needs and preferences or they couldn’t interpret your designs. As a respectable designer, you can’t ask them to leave nor can you stand up, push the chair away and walk out.

Treating such clients with respect while not losing your temper and convincing them to accept a design, is an art not everyone knows. Here is the good news, you can develop it!

1. Stalk them a little!

To develop designs that satisfy their taste, you should know the sort of things your client likes. It could be a blend of reds and oranges or greys and blacks. Once you know they are not agreeing to any of your ideas, ask them to show you their favorite designs or may be anything they loved at the very first sight. Most probably you may not find them extraordinary and react with ‘What about it?’ but remember that every person has their own preferences and we must respect them.

Observe their words while they are telling you about the stuff they love, to know what it is that they like. It could be the colors, appearance, texture, style or absolutely any minute detail. You must now know what they are looking for! You may smile at their choices but don’t let the giggles out!

2. Tell them ‘It isn’t your first time’

The truth is your clients want flawless work and they are concerned about the quality, just like all of us are. You must make them realize that you know your job and wouldn’t disappoint them. Have an informal session with them and say ‘Don’t worry. You have my expertise’. Begin with sharing your work experience and the satisfaction of your clients. Meanwhile, show them some of your work and maybe some testimonials. Of course, they would’ve looked around for you before this, but you need to remind them that ‘Hey, you are at the right place. Now sit back and relax’.

The idea is to make them believe in your capabilities and ultimately trust the designs you are presenting. Show them you are the best at your job and see the wonders!

3. Let them have their favorite pie

Don’t you feel tired when you have tried every design you possible could, but your client still wants ‘something more creative’, such that even you doubt your abilities. Here is an easy tip. If they want flashy colors, a different style, or whatever it is, give it to them. Make designs that suit perfectly to their description since they are concerned a little too much, there is nothing you can do to convince them. As a designer, you cannot lose your temper as one angry client turns down 10 potential clients. Do not argue and simply say ‘Sure. I’ll make it like you say’. Remember you have a certain amount of sugar and you cannot hand it over to one client. He’ll be diabetic!

4. Make them feel like it’s their own design

Once they say ‘No’ to all your ideas, tell them ‘let’s start over’. This time involving them in every step, from brainstorming, to designing and to the final execution. You need to coordinate every detail with them so the end product is not your idea only but theirs as well. Sometimes clients don’t understand how your designs connect to their strategic vision and there is a dire need that you make them understand it, but there are clients who aren’t willing to accept ‘your’ idea anyway. Say ‘our design’ to make them feel like it is their own to smartly play with their psychology.

5. Answer their ‘Why’ and ‘How’

You are a professional designer who knows his job and you must portray the responsibility that comes along with it. Explain your client why exactly you chose the particular design and how it will aid their strategic mission. Show them other products having similar designs and discuss their success stories. Your job is to make the client believe in your work by comparing it to other not-so-good designs and say ‘See, our design is better than all of them. There is no way we will fail’.

Your clients want the best for them, however they may be unaware of ‘the best’ in the designing world, but you know it. Present them a set of best possible designs and restrict them by saying ‘These are the best designs for your business. Which one do you like?’ The game is to help them choose ‘the best design’ for them and to let go of the ‘No’.

6. Maybe it’s time to say ‘Goodbye’

Tried all your gorgeous designs, but it’s not working out? Well, maybe you should excuse the client now. As much as we emphasize on the importance of each client, we insist that as a designer you must know when and how much time, energy and concepts to input in a client. Time is gold and you should not spend days trying to convince one of them. Try your level best and a little more to convince and satisfy the client but if all they know is a ‘No’ to your designs, then probably it’s time for you to say a ‘No’ too.

Make sure you do not sound arrogant about your work, rather sound sorry for not being able to reach up to their expectations.

You may face situations where you made a mistake with the design or your client doesn’t like it anyway, but as an efficient designer you should know how to manage various types of clients in different situations. The key is to be patient and try to understand what exactly it is that they need and determine ways to meet up to their expectations.

Humor and smartness aside, even if they reject all your ideas, respect them and do not respond with any rude comments. As a designer, your patience counts a lot. Cheers!