The vendor-client relationship can be difficult and tumultuous, especially if the client does not understand the design process. It can be even more difficult and frustrating if they outright refuse to understand it or refuse to work in a linear fashion to complete projects.

I recently had the unfortunate duty to terminate a client relationship based on that problem. When I began the project it seemed like a great opportunity to work with this client. However, my great intentions were met with contention, waffling and an insatiable desire for change. There were multiple deviations from the originally agreed upon terms: from deadlines to CMS systems to back-end functionality. The continued delays were caused by a lack of commitment by my client to a design that was built, from scratch, per their specifications. It was not the work of Unicorn Press they were unhappy with, but rather the translations of their requests and the manifestations of the designs they requested. Now after 137 emails and 80+ hours worth of work, and one attempt to salvage the working relationship, I have had no choice but to terminate this project and forfeit my losses.

Here are a few things I have learned from horror stories and experiences like these:

1. Design your estimates and agreements from a “worse case” scenario perspective
2. Be open and honest every step of the way
3. Stay in regular communication with the client
4. Be strict in documenting all emails, phone calls, and hours worked
5. Be willing to walk away

Here is a smart video tidbit of what I’ve been experiencing with this client. If it weren’t so true it’d actually be funny.

I’ve been blogging for a number of years and whenever I start fresh, I find that it’s best to get started with an introduction!

If you’ve come across this blog you’ve probably come by way of my business Web site for Unicorn Press. Let me tell you a little about myself so you know who you are getting involved with. My first designs went to the printing press when I was eleven, I figured out Photoshop by the time I was fourteen and built my first Web site from scratch when I was fifteen. It was love at first blush when I picked up my first Esquire magazine as a child and began examining the relationship between messaging, typography, and photography.

Since then I’ve passionately pursued my dream of owning my own boutique communications studio. I’ve done a lot of things along the way — joined the military, went to nursing school, studied archaeology at 29 Palms, went abroad on a design, marketing, branding and business development mission, attended art school — but at the end of the day this is a dream come true!

I love helping people achieve their dreams (ENTER: The Rainmaker Network) and shortly after coming on board as the Brand Manager I decided to finally achieve my own dreams (ENTER: Unicorn Press.) Through Unicorn Press I’ve come to realize that I could pursue my passions of creating utilitarian pieces of art (graphic design) by helping others achieve their dreams (either via their business, donating revenues to non-profit organizations, or volunteering my services for worthwhile causes). It has been a wonderful marriage since its inception 08/08/08.

Make sure to drop me a line and let me know how I can help provide solutions to your communications needs!