How Graphic Designers Can Up their Credibility Factor — Part 1
Have you ever met someone who was obviously an expert at something? Probably. But have you ever met an expert you would absolutely never work with because you had no respect for them, or they were so disorganized they had no actual credibility?
As a graphic designer, reaching your highest potential requires more than expertise alone.
That’s why Tingalls Graphic Design has put together the following list of things you can do to improve your credibility and gain more respect from customers.
Be Yourself
Don’t try to be someone you’re not, or match some perception of what you think a graphic designer should be. Let your clients and colleagues see who you truly are.
Authenticity is easy to spot — just like a phony. The difference is that nobody likes a phony.
Be Professional
The term professional means different things to different people. For some graphic designers it means wearing a suit, while for others it simply means making sure their t-shirt doesn’t have a stain on it.
No matter what outward appearance you choose, professionalism comes down to a few core principles:
Be polite with clients.
Be on time.
Be prepared.
Follow up quickly.
Always be honest.
If you make a mistake, admit it. If a client wants you to do something you disagree with, voice your opinion — just make sure you do it in a constructive, non-threatening way.
Be Self-Reflective
Assess each project you work on. What worked? What didn’t? Is there a better way to present yourself next time? Even at Tingalls Graphic Design, our team regularly reflects on projects so we don’t fall into bad habits or become complacent.
I’ve been a copywriter for over twenty years, and self-reflection is one strategy that consistently helps me improve.
Set Personal Boundaries
Setting boundaries is important for long-term success.
This can include things like:
No client phone calls after business hours (unless previously agreed upon).
No graphic design or consulting services for free.
Never allowing yourself to be subjected to abuse of any kind.
And if a client is hitting on you? Whether you’re a man or a woman, it’s not acceptable for a client to behave in an unprofessional manner. If necessary, cut them loose. There are always more customers out there who will respect your skills and your time.
Write Up a Quote
Whether a project is $200 or $10,000, it’s always a good idea to create a detailed quote and have the client sign off on it before you start the work.
This also raises an important point for long-term success: make sure you’re being paid for the value you provide.
It can sometimes be difficult to see the full value of our own work, but your pricing needs to reflect your level of expertise and support your business.
Ask for a Deposit
This is especially important when working with a new client.
A deposit protects you and confirms that the client is serious about moving forward. It also shows that you are experienced enough to request a percentage of the payment upfront.
We recommend including your deposit and payment terms directly in your quote.
