CLIENTS FROM HELL: How To Deal With Graphic Design Clients

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Good to listen to your experiences.... Quite interesting....

Thank you so much for this! I’m a social media manager that is currently parting with a client because my rates are now out of their budget. I just received a message from them ‘telling me’ to send over all of the graphic design and video templates I created.

We never had a contract established (not ideal, but I was junior when I first started working with them years ago). I know that I own the copyright to my templates, but I’m afraid that if I don’t send the source files that they will not pay me my monthly rate.

I’m really stumped, and honestly, I’m insulted that they feel entitled to these assets for FREE. Not too sure what the best course of action is. I really don’t want to sabotage the relationship, but I think I’m being treated pretty unfairly here. Got any suggestions? Any insights would be extremely appreciated!

Just got my first freelance project and it’s not the worst but just did all this work just to find out he’s looking for something a bit different so Now I officially know that freelance is definitely not for me and I’m not doing any side projects unless I know it’s my style/area of design they’re looking for. We can’t do everything as designers and that’s what makes us unique.

What do you do when a client doesn’t give you direction, doesn’t know what they want, wants you to make designs as you go, doesn’t speak up until the designs are done, changes they’re mind on a set design,… I’m just starting in graphic design.

I am currently working on a re-branding project. My clients are lovely but they keep wanting things that, as a professional, would not recommend and things just aren't looking the best to my standards. It killed my creativity throughout the duration especially since I am almost 2 months pass the estimated finish due to them not keeping up with meetings.

I plan on making edits that I find more appealing since I will add to my portfolio. Is it poor taste to do that?

Id love to hear more about how to deal with Clients telling you what to do aka trying to design/direct it themselves

Friends ❌ but there are helpful in networking your product ✅

in simple words: Don't work with someone you know closely . Always end bad .

He said go create 45 Seconds video of iG ad and 1 image with different versions for different platforms. ALL of those for 5$😢

Client from Hell Level 9999: We're looking to hire a graphic designer... who's knowledgeable with ALL THE TOOLS, knows Digital Marketing, How to edit website, post to social media 3x a week, send email blasts, and can wear multiple hats 👒😉. The budget is THIS LOW.

How about the Graphic Designers from HELL? It works both ways. Man, I've had some major bad luck, so its not only "bad clients" sometimes its the other way around. Sometimes its bad graphic designers who don't know what they're doing.

well i dont know basicly by investing some time you figured out that your friend is piece of shit and gave him the money back but i really doubt that this kind of friend will stand by you in the hardship so is he really your friend or are we calling people friends just because there is no better word for this type of person in your life .
? :)

I recently had a project where the client part way in wanted to start making creative and design decisions about the website build. At first I tried to convince the client that they should rely on my 12 years commercial experience but that didn't work. Then I played hard ball and basically said I will do it the way I think it should be then hand it over to you and you can do what you like with it. Finally I relented and did whatever they wanted in terms of changes. The end result was a mess but it's what the client wanted. I took the money and waved goodbye. My question to all you guys is what would you have done?

Hilarious story! I’m coming to your house right now! Lmao

Lol this is the 2nd time you;ve mentioned the iRiver mp3 player, you must have REALLY like it haha

You are entitled to your opinion regarding clients owing your working files. I disagree however, and part of the problem with our industry is that marketers and business owners who are not in our industry perpetuate this narrative.
I think most of us designer are cowards; we avoid difficult discussions and sales. Who owns My Files and Concepts is stated in my contract and we discuss before agreeing to work together. If they do not accept my terms... they have the right to move along.
And you have to distinguish the different types of clients. If a client is paying you or your firm millions of dollars, and they ask for the working files, go ahead and give if you want. But... most designers are underpaid and are not making that kind of money — let alone a profit. They should be making thousands of dollars on a project and instead they're losing money and time because they are only making a few hundred.
Also, you go work for an agency, that agency owns your work. You can't even show it in your portfolio. You work fo a large government agencies with lots of lawyers — same thing. The main good thing about solopreneurship or running your own business, is that you are the boss; you make the rules. Do not let clients rule over you too.
You give a client an inch, and they will take a mile.

Those are some pretty jewish friends you had

This is the second video I watched for you and you keep saying back in the day and I keep wondering man How old are you? :D

If you created this video just last week, then that thing will be live saviour for me
although I learn the same from my last week experience

With a time I have learned to distinguish between serious clients and client who doesn't know what he wants from his life 😂. When I'm sure that client is ready to spend some budget to solve definite problem I start working with him.

The worst is when you find out early that the clients is difficult to handle but you're already onboard, spend the whole project not wanting to do anything and trying to get rid of him.

When a client pays me in full, I give them the files, but I also stipulate in my contract that I can use the work in a portfolio setting

Never, ever work for a friend.

Client from Hell: Make us a 3D representation of Biblical Stories.
Ran: Yes

CoolStoryBob