First time freelancer (pt. II)

This is the second part of a short series on Freelancing. If you haven’t read the first story, take some time and do that now — this will all make more sense.

After getting some attention and great feedback on my first story on freelancing, I realised that the story evolved around the freelancer, alone. Being a freelancer, you might wonder… where’s the client in this tale?

A tale of two sides

Every freelancer has a few client related stories to share. And most of those stories rely on bad clients or clients that “want the logo bigger”. If there’s one thing I learned all these years — including my agency years — it’s that clients know a lot more than you think they do.

After all, it’s their product. Always keep in mind that what you’re designing and building is essentially someone else's brainchild.

Listen to your client

All clients are different, and no matter how much you think you “know” the project, you probably don’t. Always spend some time with the client discussing their product and offering. Get to know their goals and why they’re doing this. Chances are that the project will be much different than you anticipated.

Always listen to their ideas, and if possible, build upon them. If it’s crap, maintain a positive stance and help them understand what a better solution might look like.

Always be positive

No one likes a negative person, not even a negative person. Never say “no” and never “reject” feedback — even if you’re absolutely sure you’re right. Think before you reply and make sure you have something positive to say, right before you propose an alternative solution. And remember, choose your battles.

Learn as much as you can

Ask questions that provoke a meaningful discussion on the project. Be the devil’s advocate, try and find any gaping holes in the idea. Make sure your client is sure about his brief, and be absolutely clear that you are as well. Any issues you stumble upon now, will be easier to solve before diving into work.

Figure out their story

Every project has a story. From a website to a mobile application, there are people behind every project. Get to know them, and show empathy. They’re doing this for a reason, find out why. Use this knowledge to create a better experience. If they want to make the world a better place, you will be in part responsible for accomplishing that. You have to add value to the experience, even if that has nothing to do with styling. It’s all part of the design.

Make them feel comfortable

You’re there to help your client build a better product, not just design a pretty UI. Make sure you let your client know you care. Help them identify issues before they become problems. Make sure you answer any questions they may have regarding the project or the procedures. Always be available — or at least be absolutely clear on when you are. Let them feel that they have a partner in their venture. Drop the “y” from “your”, it’s “our” project from now on.

Your client is not your friend

This might sound harsh, but it’s true. Not that this is a problem — I’ve had plenty of clients turn into friends and vice versa — but it does add extra baggage to the project. No matter what you’re friendship status is or how far back you go, it all boils down to a single transaction. You’re client wants something done and you’re willing to do it, for a price. Always set a price, and never do work for free. This defines expectations on both ends.

This was the second part of a short series on Freelancing.
Make sure you read the third and final part.

I’m Constantinos Demetriadis, a digital designer based in Athens, Greece. I’ve been designing since 1998. Find out more about me at ohmylovely.com.