Question for graphic artists....

[Cuda1447]

I've got a guy who is doing website, logo, business cards etc... for me. He comes highly recommended from a friend. I've seen his work, its very nice. He has given me what appears to be a very good price as well.

So we are just getting started. I gave him a brief description of my business, what I'll be doing etc... I told him very roughly what I was looking for in a logo. (Very roughly). He drew me up a concept. I like it. I'm not creative so I don't really know what to expect, but what I got is solid.


The problem is I don't know if its exactly what I want. It seems basic, compared to some of the other work he's done. Maybe that's good, not sure. It also is more specific than I wanted it to be. But I can't really think of a more general way of describing what I wanted, so I didn't really give him direction.

I emailed him back, basically explaining these thoughts, but I sort of feel bad. I didn't really give him any guidance initially. What feedback I have given him isn't really very straight forward, since I can't really visualize what it is I really even want. So I feel a bit guilty. At the same time, I'm not entirely sure how this is handeled in the industry? What's the general rule of thumb for this type of business? Am I being a pain in the ass client? Or am I being to soft? Some input from those in the industry sure would be nice!

 

[nickbits]

You sound like a typical client, i wouldnt worry about it.

 

[Key West]

I've designed logo as a free lancer. I've also had someone design a logo for me.

You are the client. You can demand all you want, change minds as many times as you want. Sure, it'd piss off the designer, but you are the client.

Boy you should meet some of the clients I've dealt with. You don't always have to know what you want concisely (but you should).

You are the customer. Get what you want for the service you're paying your good money for. Just be sure to communicate clearly, even if it means telling him you don't know what you want. A good designer should be able to guide you.

 

[Cuda1447]

From one point of view, Key, I agree. At the end of the day, I want to get what I want. After all, this is something that is going to be very important. At the same time though, I generally try to be very respectful to people. Especially those I'll be working with. Knowing what is typical, what is accepted/normal behavior will help guide my actions and judge how ridiculous my requests are.

 

[Key West]

From one point of view, Key, I agree. At the end of the day, I want to get what I want. After all, this is something that is going to be very important. At the same time though, I generally try to be very respectful to people. Especially those I'll be working with. Knowing what is typical, what is accepted/normal behavior will help guide my actions and judge how ridiculous my requests are.

Demanding what you want =! being an asshole about it

All in the delivery. But know that you as a client shouldn't end up with a product that you are not happy with.

Cheers.

 

[xanis]

I do freelance work occasionally while I'm still in school to get some extra cash. My major is Graphic Design.

I have a relative who does web design and development (and also basic Graphic Design) for a living, and a good friend of mine does quite a bit of freelance work.

It seems like you got a "friend connection" discount. Basically, you get what you pay for. Generally, prices are based upon the estimated amount of work/skill required to produce the desired result. In this case, the guy probably had an idea and knew it wouldn't take a lot of time and effort, so he gave you a good price, and as a result, a simpler product.

You should obviously not settle or pay for something you're not happy with, but if you want him to go do more work you should expect to pay for it.

 

[Sahakiel]

Here's a thought:
Ask him.

 

[xanis]

Here's a thought:
Ask him.

Seriously. If there's one I hate more than anything else about what I do, it's clients that don't communicate with me.