Ethics in Graphic Design

As a graphic designer there are certain ways to conduct yourself whether dealing with clients or other designers. When dealing with clients don’t over promise, this will save your image later. When you over promise and fail, the client might never forgive you easily, the trick is to under promise and over deliver. This way you surprise them and they will be happy with you.

Be Honest

Don’t lie to be an expert in a field you don’t qualify, avoid being greedy and wait for the appropriate opportunity. When work which is not your scope comes your way, don’t take it and figure out later by googling and you tubing; always link it to a professional and get finders fee instead. It’s more worth, will save the client time and money and even your image

Be Proactive

Always communicate about your progress, don’t keep silent and all of a sudden give a proposal, it’s not magic involve your client all the way. Keep your work transparent as possible. The client should also be cooperative by providing timely feedback, when dealing with a busy client schedule with them dates for feedback and if they are not available they assign representatives.

Be Inquisitive

Ask the right questions, in fact ask all questions you need to know about the project never assume anything before starting the project. Clear your kick start by clarifying on the basics like the time-frame, the budget and scope of the design. This will give you a bigger picture of the project and will minimize a lot of back and forth with the client. After you are done make sure you document all the necessary information and keep them safe. 

Be kind and Professional

In your tone even when disagreeing, remember you are the image of your business and how you behave matters a lot. Accept rejections humbly even if it cost you a lot to get them drafted and delivered to the prospects. This will always happen, learn how to overcome your ego and solve the problem up front. Harsh criticism and bad comment should not delude you to self pity, use the third eye and see the criticism without attaching anything personal. That’s how we learn and grow.

Control your Impulse

Have you got a call from your girlfriend or mom and you want to end the meeting immediately? Do friends reschedule your appointments and you go out to party? If this is and has been happening to you you need to master your emotions and decisions, continue on this lane and clients will take you as either childish or confused. Keep friends and family to motivate you and when the need comes, keep them away to be productive. Sometimes it happens and you feel like not in control then meditate and learn how to listen to your inner self, before you act count 1, 2 . 3 at least to let some sense sink in.

Other ethics and ethos can be borrowed from other professionals: like courtesy, respect, gratitude a simple thank you and dressing in a manner that portrays what you are up to. Know how to say NO, yes is not always an answer, nodding and agreeing with everything makes you look stupid not interested. A case where the client does not sign the agreement, does not fill the brief or pay the down payment, insist they do so. If they still ignore you then play it safe and don’t do business with them. Always include the V.A.T and file returns to avoid any legal mitigation.

Lastly, love what you do and do what you love, there is time for everything, always get good sleep, remember you are paid to think and your brain is your number one arsenal. Never be cheap or work for free, know yourself know your worth.