Know who you are designing for
It is integral to create a lasting and overwhelming impression on your clients, if you want to be a successful graphic designer. You must be equally charming and congenial, but they must be able to distinguish what you do and create for them, separate from what others may provide. Remember clients all have different tastes, so you must correctly assess their individual preferences.
There are several key things that your client may look for in a designer. Depending on the person it may be all or a variation of the areas highlighted below. Talent, talent and more talent; this is something which can never be too much in a graphic designer. They should be so impressed by your talent that they immediately feel like they can trust your design decisions. To be anything different, will be easily perceptible to your clients.
Keeping up with what is happening in the industry is always important. More than likely your client will see things that they like and ask for it. As a designer you must be able to deliver adequately and professionally what is being asked for. This will require that you have the knowledge and skill to perform these tasks; creating the type of design they want in the way that they want it. If you use old techniques, you will soon be without a job and an income.
Communication is very important in the design world. You should not only be able to convey your ideas, but you should be able to fully understand what the client wants as well. It is not only communicating which is important, but the frequency in which you do so. Some clients like consistently be updated as to what is happening with their design. This goes hand in hand with providing excellent customer service.
How can your clients not have confidence in you, as a professional, and keep you on a job? This is a very important area in a graphic designer’s world. They should be in awe of the world that you are doing. Every time they look at a piece they should be thinking that you are the best at what you do. You should also be very comfortable using the latest applications. Software is always being upgraded with new features, which does make a graphic designer’s job easier. You will find new ways to make your designs pop.
Clients are not as stupid as you may think. Do not be surprised if they can discuss, intelligently, the types of software with you. Let them also see the passion and zeal you have for your work and you will be sure to win them over.
