Client's Brother's Opinion
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- whatthefunk
While getting approval for the wire phase of a project that has a detailed contract, schedule, etc. the client provides me with a design from his brother - a flash designer. Was told to view this as examples of what they would like to see, or at least a starting point, and to consider the brother as part of the company, not an outside designer.
Not only are they ignoring our agreement to start with a wire phase (for a huge real estate site) but now they're using this guy's designs as what they would like us to do. Not only is the design shite but we haven't even come close to finalizing the wire phase as they've stated "we need to start with design not wires."
Don't have an exclusivity clause in the contract and not only have they done this but they've had the same guy redesign the logo from an earlier phase that has since been closed. Turning into a nightmare. Breech of contract?
- Handel0
Perhaps not yet. Time to get political. Show them some appreciation. But, also show them something better.
- identity0
Power through it and get the cheque. Times are hard.
- monospaced0
How badly do you want this job/client now? Can you afford to lose them?
- whatthefunk0
Want the project but want to make sure the client honors our process. Don't want to be designing the designs of another. Thanks for the perspective
- Continuity0
Guh, eject them ASAP. Sounds to me like they'll be disrespecting you, your capabilities and your counsel at every turn.
- manonthestreet0
Revisit the contract, assign resources to manage the new direction, charge more for management and integrating the new third party than you eliminate in design.
- animatedgif0
Not worth the hassle IMHO
- Handel0
I think it's a mistake to become a reactionary and self-righteous artist at this early stage. Again, incorporate this brother's work. Adapt it, improve it, and show something altogether better.
- i_monk0
Tell him this isn't what you agreed to.
- Hombre_Lobo0
if you can risk losing the work..
Show him why his brothers designs don't work. Then site him something that does. Gain confidence from client, get rid of shite uncles brothers hair dressers mums designs.
- orrinward0
For now, I'd say just do your bit and work with this guys crappy design. If they like the final outcome, you've got paid for more work than you've done. Take your money, smile and don't put it in your folio.
If they go back on the shoddy design and ask you to have a go at what you excel at, you get paid for the crappy work then charger again for what you're good at.
- monospaced0
I would hate to design someone else's work like that, especially in that situation, ignoring my whole process. Get paid and get out.
- Handel0
There are repercussions to capriciously leaving a client.
- whatthefunk0
These type of things are always tricky and sometimes I'm guilty of turning small things into big things and reacting before responding. Some clients are tough, these guys are great for the most part, but like any client they don't view our process as being as important as the final output. There is more than one way to skin a cat but I'm starting to feel like the cat and not the one doing the skinning anymore. We'll see how this goes.
- Miesfan0
Tell him he isn't his brother. What, you had, years ago, an affair with her mother and he is your son. Everything will be easier later.
- nb0
Buy him an iPad.
- cannonball19780
Get your brother to do some designs and show up with a counter brother offer. If you have no brother, show up with your mother's design. It's not your brother, but it rhymes enough. Hopefully he doesn't have a mother.
- MSTRPLN0
"by the way, since my brother was the creative lead on this project, we've both decided to give you half of what we initially set out to pay you"
- voiceof0
You should ask for contact with the brother and try to incorporate him into some of your discussions. The brother holds clout and you should use this to your advantage. If he is in town, bring him in and walk him through the process. Question his decisions and how they fit into your existing direction. He will be one guy among a team of professionals, he will fold if you approach it right. In the end hopefully you have a win-win.