Design: What if the Client Wants Ugly?

Ever design something that you’re so proud of, only for the client to make so many changes you’re left with something you’d never share on your portfolio?

We’ve all been there. The client has something in mind for their design and it’s reminiscent of something you’d see in clip art, or in 1991. You sneak in your ideas with the “as-requested” designs, only for them to completely dismiss the good designs and trudge on with the downright ugly designs? I’ve had numerous accounts of this.

But what can you do? After all, they’re the boss and the ones holding your paycheck.

Design a Solution

Here’s the thing, it may seem like what’s being discussed is an ugly design. Many designers are happy to just do whatever is asked and get the heck out there. So many designers put together regrettable projects and say:

“That’s what they wanted.”