If you work on enough design projects for enough clients, you will eventually run into a conflict.

You, as the designer, have a vested interest in creating a piece of art. You put your heart and soul into an eye-catching design, and you know what works artistically. Your client, on the other hand, has a vested interest in the piece as a promotional tool. He has an idea of what he thinks he wants, and when his ideas and yours do not overlap, conflict arises. The key to working through this conflict is clear, constant communication and the ability to compromise.

Avoiding Conflict

One way to deal with conflict is to avoid it altogether with clear communication from the beginning:

• Make the Contract Clear

In your contract, outline what you will do throughout the design process, including the approval process. Make sure deadlines, milestones, and sign-offs are clearly outlined, so the client knows exactly when he will hear from you. Consider having someone else write the contract to make sure everything is clear.

• Get Input from Client

Your client is an invaluable source of input about the company you are designing for, so draw from this. Learn from the brand knowledge and vision of your client. However, make sure your client understands your style and is willing to leave the personal taste and design elements to you. By showing your client your portfolio prior to signing the contract, you will be more certain that he knows what your finished products look like.

• Understand Your Role as Designer

Your job is to bring your training and expertise to the table. However, you must not succumb to your ego. If the client has a suggestion or feels the design is not lending itself well to the brand’s image, be willing to make changes. Communicate your vision for the design from the outset so the client is not surprised. Also, be careful of copyright infractions so your client will have no legal problems.

Handling Conflicts When They Come

Even with the best communication, conflicts will sometimes arise. When they do, stay calm, and handle them correctly. This will keep you from losing the job.

• Approach the Problem Objectively – Remember, when it comes to visual design, you probably know best. When it comes to the business itself and the customers, the client probably knows best. Be objective when trying to determine who is “right.”
• Keep It Technical – Discuss things like size, shape, texture, hue, color value, symmetry, and other quantitative parts of your design, so you can discuss the disagreement in a non-emotional way. Remember, your client is not attacking your abilities as an artist, so figure out what technical aspect would improve the design.
• Test the Design – Set up two designs and test them to see which really works better. Consider opinion polls to get a feel for the design that viewers appreciate most.

Remember, communicate with the client throughout the disagreement. Stay professional, and work out a compromise. With most clients this is possible, if you can remove your emotions and pride from the discussion.