Web Designer’s Lament (or Ohhhh, sparkles!)

Every web designer’s dream job would go something like this: “So, I’ve developed a design based on your needs and design style preference. I think you’re really going to like it.” Client: “Oh, it’s wonderful! Just what I was looking for. How soon can we launch?” Code, test, launch, done.

Every web designer’s hell: Client: “I know we agreed on the design, and it’s great, really, but we have a staff member we’d like you to train to add early 90′s clip art to the front page of the site.” Designer: “Well, if I had been aware that this would be added after the fact, I could have accounted for it in my design.” Client: “I’m sure we told you.” Designer: (checks contract) “Nope.”

So, a project that you just knew would have been a great addition to your portfolio becomes something you now feel compelled to apologize for.  Depressing.

How do you deal with this kind of situation? My first impulse has been to offer (usually free) updates so that Sally the Staff Member won’t jack it all up, allowing me to retain some sense of pride. A professional designer can’t afford to do this in reality, though. Giving stuff away for free sets a terrible precedent and puts you at financial risk.

Take control early. Your client has come to you for your expertise. Listen to their needs and guide the process as much as they’ll allow.

Communicate often. Clients often realize that they actually do want the awesome twitter widget you recommended in your first meeting. You didn’t account for it in your design and it’s not in the contract but catching it early can make both easier to amend, which brings me to my next point:

Always have a contract! I’ve made it a practice to always have a contract. That said, I don’t always have a contract. I usually have a facepalm moment shortly afterward. My problem is (because I’m a pushover and a little too nice) that, especially in a small town like mine, people tend to operate by handshake. Asking for a contract can feel like saying “I don’t trust you.” My solution? I tell every client that our contract protects both of us. That makes me feel better, anyway.

Get over it. You know, sometimes it’s just out of your hands. You’ve stood up for your design, you’ve drafted and revised, you’ve done your best and once your client gets their hands on it, it still winds up looking like a tech school Learn  Frontpage class assignment (Ohhhh, sparkles!). Grow a thicker skin and get over it.

Hamster Ball O’ Death

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Bionic Rosie

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Stupidly Expensive Sparkling Water

photoshop competition