I think that’s why collaboration instead of confrontation was stressed. What I got from the presentation was to ask why and have a dialogue on the pros and cons of decisions. If their wrong it can be proven in a way that at least makes them realize the consequences of their choice. I doubt a client would insist you do something that drives away traffic and hurts their brand. Or, maybe there’s a solution to their problem that can be done another way than what they suggested? There’s many variables.

As for getting family/others involved I’ve gone into the cost of revision if we want to try what so and so suggested. They usually aren’t willing to put money behind what their brother, sister, cousin, grandma, etc suggests.

I do a lot of what’s in the presentation. However, I get clients that don’t want to be involved but want you to whip up something they’ll love. They insist I know what they like (or mean) and refuse to really elaborate. They’ll say words that mean nothing in the context of graphic design. A word like “stylish” which depends on your perspective. I’ll go back and forth through different fonts and colors – feeling frustrated.

I think the presentation assumes clients want to be involved when most just want something fast. Most look at your portfolio, see a commonality between you and them and think you’ll read their mind. Showing the process will sometimes make you look unprepared or make it seem like you don’t understand the project. I’ve explained and shown parts of the process and I can’t say I get a good response most of the time. The client will feel like you’re making them work and do your job. STILL.

Design a highly interpretive job. I got most of my techniques with clients from paying attention to customer service reps. That in itself is a pain.

well said. Couldn’t have put it better myself. I am beginning to really loathe graphic design. I have been drawing and painting and designing in some form or another since I was about 3 yrs old (I am now 34) and all of that experience often goes out the window when dealing with some talentless stooge of a client who is just a control freak. I hate the way this industry is so squeaky clean and client friendly, it’s sickening. It’s always the “designers fault”, it’s never the client is a total pain in the ass and quite simply WRONG. No other industry has it’s employees so gleefully rear ended by the general public, they don’t stand for it and neither should we. Sadly though things will never change, as too many designers swank about with rose coloured glasses on.

Websites like “Hi I’m Justin/Charlie/Josh and I am here to make you, the client feel happy” Should read “hello nervous little stooge, you are about to hire a complex service that takes just as long to learn and perfect as any other complex service such as plumping, electrician, car mechanic, lawyer or doctor. So be prepared to take our professional advice, or fail – cos guess what? You haven’t studied this, or worked at this or even thought about it till this morning…you just like “pwetty cowours”

Paul, do you have an outline or slides that you can post online? I’d really like to pick through them and make some lists for myself for my next project.

Brilliant presentation. I, like others, was a touch blurry that morning but hands down your session was the best I saw at sxsw this year. I’ve made this mandatory listening for my whole department. Thanks again for a clear, objective look at things.

Also – love the analogy of designers to “precious little flowers” in the Q&A.

Cheers.