Designer's Guide to Knowing What We Don't Know

How recording and defining your systems benefits you, your client, and potential collaborators.

Strict agendas lead to impersonal client relationships. Let’s get educated so you can go in confident, get the information you need, and cultivate their vision.

How being knowledgeable on a topic can set you up for success. Get an idea of what you are going into without working for free. Sometimes you need to invest in your own success. You are more likely to win a client over if you can up your personal confidence!

All about the client.

Brand audience, flavor, vibe… whatever you want to call it, let’s deep dive and work our magic as designers.

Clients have the ideas and we execute.

Post discovery call and research phase

How can you keep your client in the loop after each call? Tie in what you have learned about SOPs & Agendas from previous lessons. Communication. Prep work. Transparency.

Think about potential agreements that could be established outside of cash payment. A lasting relationship with another creative, for example could be very valuable.

Establish a schedule of payment and deliverables prior to the design phase.

Understanding types of work in the graphic design field and compensation for different services.

Mutually agree on terms prior to execution of projects.

Keeping track of the work that you do and the conversations that have been had makes you a more respected creative.

Think about the best marketing approach to attract the type of clients you want to work with!

Keep it authentic when you pitch yourself!

Staying organized, establishing action items, and setting up an adaptive SCRUM system.

Working directly with a client, instead of having a project manager involved, forces you to have emotional management and regulation skills.

Look at the responsibilities you have to take on as an individual working outside of an agency or typical salary position.