(1) Get it right first (or second) time…
Check your copy before you send it over. Make sure your content/text is finalised and approved before sending it to your designer. Changes are normal and if you do spot mistakes get all corrections noted in one go. There is nothing more frustrating than doing revision after revision where all we do is correct your mistakes; we want to design and giving us the correct information from the outset means that our time is spent doing just this rather than correcting typos and changing text.
(2) Flattery will get you everywhere…
or at least a bit of appreciation. We designers are a pretty vain bunch and you would be amazed at how far a wee compliment will get you.
(3) The dreaded word…
Still a bad word for designers. Three words we don’t like to hear; Word, Publisher or powerpoint. Not good for design; best to keep quiet and send over a pdf. Though we’re sure they are good for something as designers we’re still mac based for a reason – it’s not just to be cool!
(4) Know your own deadline…
Getting stressed on your behalf comes naturally; but should it be just our problem? Give yourself some time. If you want it to look good then it’s not going to be done fast especially when there is print involved.
(5) Be specific…
Jazz it up. I want something cool. Fresh. What do these mean? If they can be interpreted in different ways then chances are they’re not good as feedback on how to get a design where you want it to be.
(6) Trust us…
If you’ve requested something and it’s not in your proof chances are it’s for a reason. As trained and experienced professionals we know what looks good and what works best…trust us – we’re here to help.