Not getting threatened?

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1

I am working on a website for a client. It’s a gift. I’m not getting paid. I think it’s coming along nicely.

Another Designer (ironic, I know) said he could help me with it. I thanked him. However, I want to complete this job myself. The owner of the website likes what she sees. She said “Jane can help too, she is also a designer.”

I had this threatening feeling well up from my gut. Of course I agreed to it. But I feel threatened. How can I graciously share the duties or accept suggestions for the design of this website without feeling threatened. I should NOT be that way. The greatest works of art many times were a participation of ideas from various creative people.

2

What about including this designer on strategy and concepts but not on the actual design? You would still be collaborating but would feel in control over your role as the designer.

3

Why not be completely honest with your client? If the other designer is knowledgeable, look at her as a resource when you need help. Be honest with her as well.

4

Another Designer :wavey:

This sounds like a project I have been recently working on…there was nothing wrong with my design, infact far superior than the Graphic Designer…I don’t mind working with anyone, the more the merrier BUT they have to know what they are doing and talkin about…in this instance she didn’t, claimed pictures from a stock photography site were her own “work of art” for the client…when obviously they were just purchased, well i hope they were…! :shifty: anyway, not my problem…but alas I digress as usual :shifty:

The way I handled this was basically did what I had to do and move onto another project as fast as possible. Too many cooks spoil the broth, IMO this project needs 1 leader and that should be you. Utilize this person as much as you can but still be in charge of the project. Obviously this person u are designing the site for likes ur ideas and is happy with what is going on, this additional person is just an aide, fullstop… you are still the head honcho! :slight_smile: Don’t be disheartened/threatened by it, thats the last thing u wanna do or feeling - just concentrate on the job at hand and complete the website as you intended, best of luck ok :slight_smile:

5

I’ve been there too, and it is a pain. It makes things take much longer, and given that this is a free job, you certainly have a right to step back if things are being complicated by more (unnecessary) opinions.

I find it best to set clearly defined roles. If a graphic designer has been asked to create the design, I just go with that and don’t argue (except where the design is impractical from a coding perspective).

If you have specifically been asked to work on the look and feel and someone else is brought in to help, I would get clarification from the site owner about who is doing what, and make it clear that this is just going to make life harder for you (if that’s the case). For me, free jobs fall into the “beggars / choosers” category.

6

You never know, this other designer might have some really good ideas.

If you do want to work with them, just be clear that this is your project, and you’re happy to consider any input they have but that it won’t be automatically accepted, and if you don’t like what they put in, don’t use it. Also be clear to the client WHY you’re doing it this way (eg, you don’t hire 4 architects separately, to design your house… you might hire a team, but there’s always a team leader who makes the decisions).

If worst comes to worst, dump the project. Noone says you have to do EVERY single website asked of you. I reject stuff quite often because I don’t like the situation (eg the exact sort’ve thing you’re mentioning) or because I don’t like the goals or methods.

7

My opinion is it depends on what shes like and how well you get on. If she has good ideas and is fairly easy going it could help you out and inspire you perhaps. If its not as rosey as that and your not getting paid - unless you really need the work for a portfolio or something, dont bother.