Here’s what worked for me: Frame it as an opportunity – Instead of presenting it as a problem, I reframe changes as a chance to explore fresh ideas. Clients appreciate a positive outlook! Visual updates – A quick mood board or a before-and-after draft helps clients visualize the shift, making them feel involved rather than blindsided. The 3-Option Rule – I always offer three alternative approaches: one budget-friendly, one innovative, and one safe. This gives clients control while staying aligned with their goals. Voice messages over long emails – A short, friendly voice note explaining the situation adds a personal touch and builds trust faster than text-heavy emails.

When unexpected changes threaten your creative vision, engage early by informing clients as soon as possible. Be transparent about the situation, explaining the reasons behind the changes before they hear it elsewhere. Set clear expectations to prevent misunderstandings and show that you’re in control. Open the conversation for feedback, allowing clients to express concerns and collaborate on solutions. Early engagement builds trust, reassures clients, and helps maintain a positive working relationship despite the challenges.

I would first schedule an immediate face-to-face meeting with the client to have an open discussion about the current situation, ensuring they feel heard and valued throughout the conversation. Then, I would prepare a detailed impact analysis showing both challenges and opportunities that arise from these changes, helping clients see potential silver linings in the situation. Finally, I would create a revised action plan that incorporates their feedback and priorities while adapting to the new circumstances, demonstrating our ability to be agile and solution-focused.

Communicate proactively with clients through regular updates, present well-thought-out alternative solutions to address challenges, and maintain a clear focus on project goals to ensure alignment and successful outcomes.

When you receive unexpected changes and you’re on a tight deadline, first go into a dark soundproof room and scream loudly. I find that smashing things helps. But, whatever you do, don’t reply to that email with your very first thoughts. Take a moment, take a deep breath, draft that email and sit on it for an hour. This will help you respond in a more collected and strategic way. Be completely transparent with your client & your team about the risks of implementing feedback at that stage. Is it risking the budget? The timeline? Is it a great idea but will require extra hours to accomplish? Could it be implemented post launch? Having this conversation in person, once you’re done screaming into the void, goes better than a lengthy email.