I need some advice. I’ve accepted a web design job for a new client and their logo is bad, and I mean really bad. It’s a red circle with a triangle cut out (think of a red pacman) and then the name of their company in the wedge bid, in word-art style curved letters… It’s so 80s it made me cringe.
They’ve also sent me their leafelt which they really like the “design” of, but in reality, the “design” is a plain light-blue background and it’s just some justified paragraph text and bullet points - it’s essentially a neat word-document, but it’s certainly not a designed leaflet.
I really don’t want to offend them as they’re just a tiny business starting out, but this “design” that they’re so proud of really is not design!
Any tips on how to deal with this kind of situation?
Thanks for the advice, folks, I really appreciate it. I’m busy working away on an updated version that looks a little less dated… hopefully, seeing it in place along with a little gentle persuasion they’ll accept the new version!
Cat
Ask them if they have considered re-branding or tell them in your professional opinion the design might not be in balance with the website design and have they ever considered altering the logo.
Else get them to explain how the logo came about and its history; like who designed it and what they were planning to achieve, etc.
I once come across something more hideous than that, and politely and tactfully told them it possible could to with “improving” for the web, as it so happened they thought the same.
The advice in the posts above mine also have some good pointers.
That logo might have been designed by a family member like his daughter or someone he holds dear. If you go in and shame his logo it might be the door you see next.
Technicaly the logo will be flawed so if you can point out those flaws and explain what the issues are you might have a chance. Sounds like you know it’s a delicate subject so just be careful of offending.
I’d not just spill out that their logo sucked badly, even if you feel that way.
I’d explain to them the importance of building a good and solid brand and the benefits of doing the best possible work the first time around, as rebranding, should things not go that well, can be a tricky and costly task.
Once you’ve explained the importance of having the single elements (such as content, logo, layout structure, aesthetics, etc.) build an entity, a unit, you can then carefully submit your idea of what would make a even more fitting logo.
If all arguments fail, then I’d recommend to swallow it and do the best you can do with the material you’re given.
I’m not a designer at all, so this is just my two cents worth…
I’ve often “designed” my own things and been really proud of it. When I get told its not good, its really hard to accept.
However, if I look at it objectively, I realise that the “critics” are right.
Sit your client down, explain to them calmly that you think that their design could be much better (don’t say its terrible to start with). Explain to them that your goal is to make their design the best it can be.
In other words, use words which will inspire them to want to get the best. Don’t break them down.
If someone approached me in that manner, I would appreciate the gentle candidness and I would want the best for my own product.
A good place to start might be to find out why they like their horrible logo so much. As SimonMC says, it might have been designed by a friend or relative. Or it might just be that they love the 80s. :S
Once you know that, you have a better idea of where they are coming from, and can start talking about the right sort of image for their brand, etc.
Although this subject is somewhat amusing, yet painfully truthful as it has probably happened to the best of us, I agree with SoftSmart. Careful communication is what’s going to get you booted or accepted in this situation. I would advise against overwhelming them with your vast knowledge of design templates as it sounds like that might be over their heads at this point. Instead, speak positively and constructively about their current template before suggesting some other improvements that may produce even better results. They may appreciate the constructive criticism, as it will ultimately benefit them in the end.
