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As a graphic design professional, you’ll sometimes end up working with people who think that it’s their God-given right to be dismissive or even insulting towards you. And we don’t mean just criticizing your work, in case something isn’t the way it should be. Some refuse to pay. Some will call you names or continuously bring up some age-old mistake you made. Some don’t respect agreed working hours and think that their messages are to be replied to immediately at any moment, getting angry if that’s not the case.
So, what’s to be done about it? As ever, it depends on the circumstances.
In most cases, honest talk with a client should do the trick. Just as a golden key can open any door, so a kind word can diffuse most confrontations. It is essential to speak your mind and the issues you have with a client’s behavior without entering into a shouting match. Rational, calm, and direct communication is the best way to resolve differences. If it doesn’t succeed, however, then maybe it’s time to consider whether that particular client is worth your time and effort.
Set Boundaries
It’s said that an employed person has one boss, while a freelancer has as many bosses as he has clients. It’s true, to some extent. Clients bring work, and work pays the bills.
Still, we prefer to see the client-freelancer relationship as a partnership, which works the best when both sides are on the same page, knowing that they go together towards a set goal.
Unfortunately, some clients won’t see it that way and will treat you like their employees. Sure, everybody can have a bad day and snap, but it shouldn’t be the norm. Not by a mile.
Since, as a freelancer, you’re not protected by laws and company codes, you have to set at least some ground rules.
For example, in working hours. The deal was, say, to work Tuesdays to Fridays from 2 pm to 10 pm, and the client is seething for you not answering his message sent on Saturday in the middle of the night. Remind them (subtly, for a start) that your freelance business is a business like any other and that sometimes it’s just closed. Or that you have other clients, and they have their agreed schedule, too. Of course, you sometimes need to call it a day and spend some time away from work.
Another possible problem may be that the client constantly makes changes to the projects or moves the deadline. In that case, put in no uncertain terms that every shortening of the deadline means higher cost.
Mistakes Can Happen
Every graphic designer is a human being that makes mistakes (not too often, though). It is understandable that clients want their money’s worth. Some will even get mad if not all went according to their wishes. You may even be threatened with the loss of a gig.
If that happens, just say you’re sorry and thank them for their patience. Then correct what needs to be fixed. Maybe even offer some additional sweetener, perhaps in the form of a discount for the next job. That should settle the matter.
Most people will just accept the apology and move on.
Those that don’t do so can really ruin your day. Or more than one, in case that they just won’t let go, reminding you of that one mistake at every opportunity, even months after the incident. That certainly steps out of bounds of dissatisfaction and moves into the territory of disrespect, if not outright bullying.
Again, try to communicate. Direct talk, either in a bar or via video call, should be enough for a client to understand that he (or she) has crossed the line. If not, then maybe it’s time to part ways.
Never Tolerate the Intolerable
If some things can be resolved through conversation, some simply can’t. Personal insults are one of those things. Anyone who would do that is a person who is not worth the effort. At the end of the day, what matters most is your peace of mind.
Also, those who refuse to pay, or always delay payments, are ones to avoid.
All in all, if you believe that the client is worth your nerves, try to work it out with him. If not… well, it certainly isn’t your only client or one that your endeavor can’t do without.
