Everyone is a Design Critic. Overview

Jason Santa Maria   Creative Director,  Happy Cog

Rob Weychert   Designer,   robweychert.com

Arrived a little late to this one, but these guys basicaly provided some perspective on managing criticism while working with the client. Lot's a basics. Lot's of healthy learning for this audience. 

Here are a few pointers:

. Stay positive and confident. The client loses faith in you if you appear defeated.

. Be considerate to everything you hear, but follow up with your honest recommendation.

. Avoid the Frankenstien Monster. Try to not let the client cobble bits and pieces of designs together. Explain how designs work holistically. 

. Do you research. Know your subject and your solution.

This part was more of a comedy act... 

Top 5 Client Questions? 

05 My Unqualified Friend has different ideas

04 Purple is my favorite color. Why don't we use that?

03 We need more stuff above the fold.

02 There is so much empty space. Can't you fill that?

01 Can't you make the logo bigger?

All of the responses are professional ways to say, "No."  

After meeting with the client, you should: 

Evaluate. Spend time considering your response to feedback.

Document. Capture the meeting discussion and share it with the client. No confusion.

Follow Up. Talk to the client about the feedback and tell them what you are doing about it.

Wash, Rinse, Repeat 

Most all of this seems like a given for us, but it's good to know how we all struggle with difficult criticism of our work. I need a coffee now.