Lately, I seem to run into more and more customers that continue to demand changes.

I hear a lot this, "move this here and move that there" and " ummm... I wasn't expecting that much of a change" "Do you think you can do this or that?" The list goes on and on.

I swear, It gets so frustrating at times I want to just hang everything up and go work in a factory putting boxes inside boxes.

I generally start from scratch in designs. I build a "mental image" of that company through research, and I begin creating. I try to utilize their colors, themes, logos, photos. Basically I turn a white page into a design. All along listening to their input and try (to the best of my ability) to make them happy in those areas.


From a professional design aspect. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas for future customers that may limit this sort issue?

Were do I draw the line in "what they want" vs. "what they've payed for"?

At what point does the designer have the right to just drop a project due to creative differences? (If ever?)

Why do people feel the need to tell you to "move this here move that there" when the whole concept is something that I created from thin air.

You give some people an inch and they'll take you a mile.


Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Are you able to have a "face-to-face" meeting first to get the exact specifics? If not, here's how I handle clients; especially since I do Custom Business Cards for 100's, all across America...

1. I tell them to READ MY WEBSITE SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS -- I'm always amazed at how many just look at the pictures, and never READ; I constantly get the same stupid question ... "How much are they and how many do I get?"

2. I tell them, if they have a specific logo, email it to me.
3. Then, I tell them I'll design the card according to what they've sent and the industry they're in.
4. Lastly; I let them know my time is just as valuable as theirs -- I allow up to a maximum of 3 changes ... anything over that, they need to visit a local printer.

well done, travel agent...good approach!

3 changes are alright...if they want more, they must pay.

I agree, definitely set out the scope for changes right from the start. Anything over and above, they pay an hourly rate or an additional flat fee.

As far as the creativity, if they could design it themselves, they wouldn't have hired you. If they want you to do something that would be a real blunder, perhaps explain to them why their idea isn't such a good one.

I've had practice managers and doctors do the same.. one said to me 'we want something flashing'.. AAAGGGH ! I explained to them how that was NOT an acceptable idea and then proposed a nicer alternative.. they said 'ok' - that was it.

Sometimes you can't get away with that and you do have to walk away - it happens. The old adage 'the customer is always right'.. only goes so far IMO.

Originally Posted by Sydpix

Why do people feel the need to tell you to "move this here move that there" when the whole concept is something that I created from thin air.

Because they're paying you to do this for them??? Whether you created something from thin air or pulled it out of a cracker jacks box really doesn't matter. You're getting money as your reward, not artistic autonomy.

Originally Posted by Sydpix

Were do I draw the line in "what they want" vs. "what they've payed for"?

That's the question. Seriously, how do you determine this? What's your policy? Do you have a contract? Once you've come up with a mental vision of what their page should be, do you show this to them some how and have them agree on it?

If you don't agree beforehand on what they're paying for, you painted yourself into a corner. You basically have to answer the question with other questions, like how much do you want their repeat and referral business? Or how might things play out in small claims court?

On the other hand, if you have a written and agreed upon scope of work and a visual design they've seen and signed off on, with all the elements in place, you're on solid ground.

Originally Posted by Sydpix

At what point does the designer have the right to just drop a project due to creative differences? (If ever?)

Well it's natural that when people see things in real life, they pay closer attention and have ideas, so a couple of "can this be moved here?" should be acceptable. If both parties have agreed on the details in advance, and they're being excessive, then I think it's okay to talk to them, explain the problem, and if you can't come to an agreement, to cut your losses and walk. Obviously, you don't want this to happen often, because it's a bad reference, and a waste of time.

On the other hand, a lot of software companies charge their customers per modification. If you cover yourself, this could be a good thing.

Originally Posted by Learning Newbie

Because they're paying you to do this for them??? Whether you created something from thin air or pulled it out of a cracker jacks box really doesn't matter. You're getting money as your reward, not artistic autonomy.

I'm not sure what you mean by artistic autonomy?

I'm not saying " This is your design, deal with it" and I never have. Or that I want to make my own rules. I do however, think I need to limit the amount of changes once an agreement has been reached.

I guess the whole reason for the post was... Can someone perhaps point me in the direction of a designers outline or pre written agreement to establish these limitations?

It's pretty bad when good designer's have to opt for a Contract instead of the good ol' days of a handshake and good faith -- so, since it's apparent you're going to head in that direction and need a couple of "go-by's" for a Contract, take a look at these and adjust them to fit you, and you only ... NOT the client!

Contract 1 | Contract 2 | Contract 3 | Business Document Templates

Thanks for all of the response. travelagent, I will review those.

Unfortunately, the good old fashioned hand shake just doesn't seem to work for me.

Nah you definitely got to set down maintenance contracts at the start of every job. I found the same problem - people want updates, at times, up to three times a week! If you build up a client base, then this little problem turns into a full-time job. So yes - maintenance contracts are the solution.