Who Calls the Shots – The Designer or the Client?
(A problem shared is a problem solved)
Hello Palettives!!
Welcome back to another edition of The Weekly Palettives where we dive into the exciting world of design, creativity, and everything in between. Today, we are tackling a topic that has sparked many debates in the creative industry – Who calls the shots on design concepts, the designer or the client?
It's no news that the design space is buzzing with talent. From graphics to tech, designers are making waves. But at the heart of every creative project lies a disturbing question: Whose vision should majorly drive the design – the designer's expertise or the client's preferences?
The Client's Argument: "I Pay, I Decide"
For many clients, it's simple – "I'm the one paying, so the design should be exactly what I want." From this perspective, the client sees themselves as the visionary. After all, they have a personal or business objective to meet, and they believe they know best what fits their brand or project.
In the field of business, where customer satisfaction is key to business survival, many clients have a "customer is king" mentality. To them, the designer’s job is to bring their ideas to life – no questions asked. Some clients go as far as saying, "Why hire a designer if they can’t give me what I want?"
The Designer's Perspective: "Trust the Process"
On the flip side, designers see things a little differently. Having studied design principles, trends, and best practices, they believe they know what works visually, functionally, and conceptually. A designer may argue, *"You hired me because of my expertise; trust me to guide you."
Many designers feel restricted when clients impose unrealistic ideas, sometimes leading to designs that don't meet industry standards or lack creativity. Designers in fields like graphic design, UI, and UX often emphasize that while clients know their businesses, they (the designers) know what looks good and works in a competitive market.
The issue : Who Wins?
Who is rather right to call the shots — the designer or the client?
Let’s hear from you! Have you had a tough experience where a client or designer was too rigid? How did you resolve it? Share your thoughts, and let’s keep the conversation going.
Until next time, keep creating!
Stay creative.
PS: We are still running designer features, so be sure to send us who you’d like for us to feature on our newsletter. Or you could nominate yourself for a feature too. We’d take that as well.
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