Dealing with a client who shifts design directions frequently. Can you maintain creative consistency?

First meetings are essential, but it’s also important to keep the "Manual of Visual Identity" in mind. This aligns with what LinkedIn suggests: it's not just about what you admire, but about what is outlined in the manual that will help you stay on track. You can refer to it to understand what actions are permissible and what are not, allowing you to create your own path or proposals. While LinkedIn encourages sharing graphic designs you admire, you can also showcase your past work to guide clients toward a specific style they desire. Graphic design is broad, so don’t confine yourself to just one area. The key factor is always "what you want to communicate."

Charge them for revisions. You should be able to charge for any revision that’s made for reasons that are not your fault. So if you faithfully create a design based on the parameters they gave and didn’t overlook anything, it’s fair to charge them for those changes. Let them know the changes may affect the production schedule and deadline. Show them both your version and theirs side by side and hope they can see that yours is better. If you do this it might help you to see things their way.

Maintaining creative consistency with a client who frequently shifts design directions can be challenging, but it's definitely doable. The key is to establish clear communication, set expectations, and be flexible in your approach. It's also helpful to document decisions and create a style guide to refer back to.

Totally get it - clients changing their minds can be tricky! I focus on clear communication and setting expectations early to keep things consistent and on track. Flexibility is key, but so is gently guiding them back to the original vision when needed.

First meetings are always crucial for various reasons. During these meetings, you can agree on a style that effectively conveys what the client wants to communicate. Many times in "the field", there are similarities among areas because there is often a shared method or common approach to expressing a particular "area or specialty." Colors, for instance, can be associated with specific aspects, so it's important to keep that in mind. For example: "Health products" Ultimately, the goal is to understand and communicate the needs of your client. It's less about personal taste unless you are working in "experiential marketing," where the lines can sometimes blur.

Being adaptable while following the rhythm is important. Timing matters; you cannot remain stagnant. You need to move and take action to start seeing results and directions. Engage with your client and their customers, as these "small talks" can uncover insights that you or your client may not have realized about how others perceive their product or service. Sometimes we become so accustomed to our perspective that we overlook what others actually see. These ideas can guide and assist you in your design process.

Clients may not be designers, but they can certainly "love design." It's important to keep things simple when explaining design concepts. For example, consider how certain brands use packaging to emphasize softness. The shapes used in packaging can significantly affect how people perceive a brand. For instance, by looking at a well-known brand, you can see the real impact that shapes and colors have on consumer perception.

Set mutual goals! These can lead you to a shared objective, but always keep in mind your "final client". If you don't identify the tastes, desires, and needs of your final client, you cannot succeed. Design is not a matter of personal taste; it's about conveying and fulfilling specific client needs or, in the case of "experience marketing," creating new needs. Keep that always in mind!

In my experience, staying creatively consistent with a client who often changes direction comes down to a strong briefing, open dialogue, and flexibility. I make sure we align early on goals and style, so I have a solid foundation to refer back to. I keep communication open to understand why changes happen, not just what’s being asked. A modular design approach helps me adapt without losing visual cohesion. I also gently educate clients on how too many shifts can weaken their brand. When things go off track, I revisit the original goals and guide them back, using my creative authority to protect the integrity of the project.