Winning the client relationship game(Without selling your soul)
@mayabruck // www.pixotech.com
T R U T H
Relationships are tough.
The design process is weird and
complicated because it involves
people, who are weird and
complicated.
M A R K B O U L T O N
A L I T T L E B I T O F B A C K G R O U N D
W H Y W E ’ R E H E R E :
O N E
How to pick good clients
T W O
Aha Moments
T H R E E
Tools & Techniques
# B E ST C L I E N T S
@jpamental
Engaged, interested & passionate about what they do!
@winterbureau
Want to involve you in the full scope of a project so you can be a
valuable collaborator.
@CateKompare
have realistic expectations for cost and timelines. And good a!itudes.
@JasonSpeaking
The most important char. is mutual respect. They respect you and your cra!. You respect them
and their needs.
@mayabruck
Recognize the value of your services and are responsive,
passionate partners.
A N D N O W , A ST O RY
A N D N O W , A N OT H E R ST O RY
You’re so focused on not doing
things wrong that you’re not
focused on doing things right.
M Y A W E S O M E C O L L E A G U E DA N I E L L E
A P P R OA C H C L I E N T S W I T H H O N E ST Y & C O N F I D E N C E
Dear designers, clients from hell
only work with designers from hell.
Reflect on your life.
A N DY R U T L E D G E
T O O L S & T E C H N I Q U E S
Everything you do during the the
course of a project has an e"ect on
your client’s expectations.
You can either choose to lead the
conversation or not.
R O B H A R R
Starting a job without a contract is
like pu!ing a condom on a"er you’ve
taken a home pregnancy test. It’s just
not going to help you at that point.
M I K E M O N T E I R O
F*ck You. Pay Me. M I K E M O N T E I R O
From Creative Mornings SF
A N D N O W , M O R E T O O L S
T H E T O O L S
+ Be thorough during sales
+ Require a contract
+ Commit to budget transparency
+ Communicate & document changes
+ Hold weekly meetings
T O S U M I T U P
Remember that dogs clients are a
reflection of us, so when we work
with them, we are also working on
ourselves.
C E SA R M I L L A N , Dog Whisperer
Thank you!
@mayabruck // www.pixotech.com
