You probably know me as a designer. I am a designer—but over the years, I’ve learned there’s a lot more to successful design than choosing typefaces and creating layouts. It’s also about how I work with my clients and the communication-driven process I use. My job—first and foremost—is to listen and interpret, which can’t happen without open communication. Through this blog, I’d like to continue the conversation I started with you, either as a client, colleague or professional I’ve met in my networking and business travels.
Because communication is so important, I practice these 4 principles every day:
- Ongoing dialogue is the only way. I could gather info, take it away, and try to figure out what you want on my own—but the chances of me delivering a “winner” under those isolated circumstances are slim to none! I don’t go away and come back. Ongoing dialogue is inherent to my process; I check-in with you at every step.
- A great design accomplishes nothing unless it meets your needs. Project objectives can evolve over time. To do my job well, I must listen and interpret, allowing the information you share to direct me to the best design solution. For a project to be successful, it has to be what you want and need.
- Relationships move mountains. I’ve been doing this long enough to know the more we’re able to build a relationship based on mutual respect, open communication and trust—the more it’s a win-win. Building strong client relationships is truly my passion!
- Saying “I meet deadlines” is one thing. Showing it is another! The strength of the process is what ensures a designer can meet deadlines every time. When it comes to deadlines, I’m very old school—down to my hard copy day planner.
Next time, I’ll show you exactly how I meet deadlines and achieve goals—so you can experience the process through the eyes of a client.
How communicative are you? If you have a strong communicative spirit, and want a design partner who’s involved at every step—let’s talk.
