When is enough, ENOUGH?!

I am curious, when is enough, ENOUGH?  When do we take the stand that we are the experts. We understand you really love fusia, and comic sans, but it will not bode well for your business. When do we put our foot down and say no, I am not going to let you do this to your company image? When is it ok?

We as designers do our best to be great at everything we do. Rather it is logo design, poster design or web design, we strive to be the best. However,  it seems that the running theme is we MUST provide great customer service above all. In my experience, it seems that customer service is basically giving the customer what they want despite our professional opinion to the contrary.  I have recently found myself doing multiple revisions to designs. Sometimes, they come out better based on customer input which is what makes a great working relationship. However there are times when it is downright horrific. I can personally say that I recently finished a logo that is hands down,  the worst in my career. The customer loves it. I hate the fact that I did it. Do we as the professional just take our check and go, “oh well, I got paid?” I say no. I think we should demand more than that. Which is worse?  Sacrificing your reputation to continue the work even though you know it’s bad? Or to walk away and just say you don’t think you are a good fit for the job?

I know most will say that it’s a delicate balance… all that. I understand, and I agree. I guess I am asking, what is your process. Do you give a customer 2 rounds of revisions and stand strong? Have you ever gotten caught in that endless loop of revision hell? Interested in your thoughts and opinions.

 

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010 at 4:39 pm and is filed under Learn. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.