Participatory democracy between designers and clients (part 1)

The Client may benefit more from the Designer's work if the project is approached  in terms of problems and goals.

In my years of experience, I have encountered many clients who seek someone to help them design (note the emphasis), instead of looking for someone (preferably a professional) who will help them find a solution to the problem from a design perspective.

Usually, this phenomenon occurs because the Client searches for a Designer at the last minute, when the project has already been completely decided by the Client. This provides a disadvantage to the final result of the project and the objective of the Client. Don't get me wrong, Designers are not the most important part of the game; no one is more versed in the characteristics of a company and its needs, than the Client. However, respecting this same paradigm, it is also true that no one knows more about the process and potential of design than a Designer.

When the Designer is included from the start, another source of ideas and solutions becomes available.
End of Part 1

About love and client relationships

This morning, while I was having breakfast, I was thinking: Ok, a client is like a girlfriend. Let me explain:

• The first time I see her, I don't know her, but I see her and I think: I would like to make her mine before other designers go after her.
• I send her gifts, flowers and chocolates, and I think: I hope to impress her with these work samples!
• At the same time I ask her out for a date, and I think: I must prepare myself well for this interview, introduce my work and my offer.
• Once she accepts me and we are in a stable relationship: This is a relationship that must be supported with respect, professionalism, and sincere communication.
• Occasionally there is friction, like when she does not want to give me what I ask for, or she thinks that I am asking her for too much, then I think: I have to find a solution so that we can go on, after all we have a history together!
• And if unfortunate things happen that make our relationship come to an end, then: it must be a friendly break up, otherwise my professional reputation could be affected.
• And yes, disappointed girlfriends speak with their friends, and can put your love/professional prospects* in danger.

*truth be told, in matters like this, a monogamous relation is not advisable.

Design Services Survey

Dear friends,
As you all know, I work as a freelance designer, providing branding, graphic and web design services. I am working to increase my client base, and I have created a 4-question, anonymous survey. If you could please take 5 minutes to answer these questions, it would help me greatly. Also, feel free to share it with your friends. Thanks, thanks, thanks.

Just watched (for a second time) a presentation on Google Wave. This is going to be a new way to communicate and collaborate at a personal or a professional level. I am very impressed, and I can't wait to get an invitation to an account. The system is still beta, and you are able to use it only by invitation. Cool stuff!

Rich Black or 100%K

(For Offset printing)

For when deciding between using Rich Black or 100% black in your designs: 100K is better for small text (smaller than 18pts). This helps avoiding registration issues AND if the client requests changes to the text, this will only affect one plate rather than all four (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black).

Client - Vendor Relationship

Interestingly enough, nobody would behave like this with a doctor, I wonder why?

Paul Rand, logo designer

Check out this video of Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO, talking about Paul Rand, the designer who created logos for: IBM, ABC, Cummins Engine, Westinghouse, and UPS.

It is refreshing to see the respect and admiration of a client for a designer.