The relationship between a client and a designer is a special one. A designer is the modern-day mind reader who tries to make all of the elements you’ve thought about in your head come to life in a visual representation. The relationship you have with a designer and how well you work together can directly affect how your company’s visuals come out. That’s why it’s important to give honest feedback to your designer. 

Make sure you communicate well with your designer. Give honest and well thought out feedback to ensure you are getting what you want out of the experience. Continue reading to learn some tips about how to better present feedback to your designer in a way that will help make the process smoother and enjoyable.

Feedback For The Design, Not The Designer

When giving feedback to your designer, it’s important to make sure you stay on the topic of the design. Direct your critiques to the design and not the designer specifically. Designers make their designs for you and not themselves. If there is something they make that doesn’t feel like what you are asking for, don’t be quick to assume the designer can’t understand your vision. It’s important to acknowledge your own subjectivity and really work with your designer so they understand your preferences. When things like this happen, it’s most likely a miscommunication and the designer just needs more detail. It’s always a good idea to be as specific as possible and give examples to really give the designer all the bits and pieces of an idea. 

Don’t Be A Helicopter Client

Feedback is great, it should be given often. But, there is a time and a place for feedback and critiques. Designers love to sit with you and pick your brain about what you want but don’t forget to give them the freedom to create as well as give them time to create. If you are wanting big changes it’s better to address those as soon as possible, simple fixes can come towards the end. 

Also, make sure you are giving the designer the chance to explain their design decisions. Sometimes you can look at an aspect of a design and be unsure about it. Letting the designer explain to you why they chose to do that can help you make better decisions if it’s needed. Don’t forget, you hired a designer for a reason, they are creative-minded people who have studied the way a design can affect people and grab their attention. A lot of the time they are able to show you a concept in many different ways. Yes, it’s important to see what you originally envisioned but don’t be afraid to see some other varieties as well.

Keep It Constructive 

Feedback should always come from a place where you want to lift up a person and encourage improvement. It should never be used to bring a person down. Make sure all your feedback is balanced between the heart and the mind. Don’t forget you and your designer are there for the same reason. You both want to create something great that captures a meaning. 

Work together and don’t just lead with your thoughts. The designer also takes a lot to heart and connects with those you are creating for. Always keep a positive attitude. Be kind and understand each other. That is the key to a successful working partnership.

Are you in need of a partnership like this for your company? Burkhart is the perfect place for you! Contact us and we would love to chat.

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