Oh, the dreaded question that always comes up in the initial meeting with a prospective client. After more than 7,000 creative projects, that question still sends panic through my veins. Here’s my advice: never state a deadline. That may seem strange coming from a 35-year veteran of the design and publishing business, but understand what goes into a...
Any time the graphic design field is being discussed, the topic of fees invariably comes up. We had a question the other day from a reader who asked “How can I convince the client my services are worth it?” Another lamented, “I’m uncomfortable about telling people what I charge.” You aren’t alone. Many people aren’t comfortable telling clients what...
One of the most frequent questions I hear from start-ups in the design, publishing or advertising business is “How do I get clients?” My usual response is “Who are your clients?” Obviously if you know who your ideal client is — or if the next client just walks in your door, you can market effectively. But if you are not...
People quite often ask me “How did you know that?” I usually answer “I don’t know.” (Not wanting to get into a long conversation!) However, as any successful designer will attest, you must know everything there is to know about a subject before you can create successful designs for it. The problem usually arises in this quest for knowledge when...
In my development years as a graphic designer, I had a mentor named Phil Meggs. Unfortunately, Phil is no longer with us. However, one lesson he instilled in me made an incredible difference in my career. I’d like to share it with you: Never pass up an opportunity to learn from a master. I know, you’ve probably heard...
One of the most important things designers can do, whether fresh out-of-school or a battle-worn veteran of design, is to ask “WHY?” Why did they select that color? Why did that ad grab my attention? Why do they use that typeface? Why did they crop it so close? Why didn’t they crop it closer? I could ask 100...
