13 answers
Pearl
Student
India
22
Questions
Asked
1671 views
As an artist, how can you ask your clients better questions to gain a deeper understanding of their needs?
I mean, if they ask you to design something, what kind of questions should you be asking?
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13 answers
Ritika Bisht
UIUX designer
9
Answers
Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
Updated
Ritika’s Answer
Hi Pearl!
I believe as an artist, asking the right questions can significantly enhance your understanding of a client's needs when designing something. Start by inquiring about their vision and goals for the project. Ask about their target audience or users and what emotions or messages they want to convey. Understand their preferences regarding style, colors, and aesthetics. Dig deeper into the functionality requirements and how they envision the user experience.
Also, inquire about their timeline, budget constraints, and any specific challenges they foresee. These questions not only clarify the project scope but also demonstrate your commitment to delivering a solution that aligns with their vision and objectives.
Warm wishes,
Ritika
I believe as an artist, asking the right questions can significantly enhance your understanding of a client's needs when designing something. Start by inquiring about their vision and goals for the project. Ask about their target audience or users and what emotions or messages they want to convey. Understand their preferences regarding style, colors, and aesthetics. Dig deeper into the functionality requirements and how they envision the user experience.
Also, inquire about their timeline, budget constraints, and any specific challenges they foresee. These questions not only clarify the project scope but also demonstrate your commitment to delivering a solution that aligns with their vision and objectives.
Warm wishes,
Ritika
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Pearl
Angelina (Yun Chu) Kuan
Risk Consulting
41
Answers
Foster City, California
Updated
Angelina (Yun Chu)’s Answer
Here are some tips on asking questions that will better help you understand your clients' needs:
1. Open-Ended Questions: This is the most valuable and useful tip to understand your clients. Encourage your clients to elaborate on their ideas and preferences. Avoid yes/no questions and craft those that require detailed responses.
2. Clarification and Probing Questions: If something is unclear to you, do not hesitate to ask your clients to explain in further details. Probing deeper into their answers can certainly reveal valuable insights.
3. Empathy and Understanding: Try your best to stand in your clients' shoes. Imagine what your needs/wants would be if you were your clients. This helps understand their needs and emotions better.
4. Focus on the Outcome: Understand the clients' ultimate goal or vision for the project. What problems are they really hoping to resolve. This ensures your alignment with their expectations.
Here are some sample questions:
Who is the targeted audience for this project?
Can you describe the vision you have for this project?
Are there any specific styles or themes you are drawn to? or you want to avoid?
What are the primary goals you want to achieve with this project?
1. Open-Ended Questions: This is the most valuable and useful tip to understand your clients. Encourage your clients to elaborate on their ideas and preferences. Avoid yes/no questions and craft those that require detailed responses.
2. Clarification and Probing Questions: If something is unclear to you, do not hesitate to ask your clients to explain in further details. Probing deeper into their answers can certainly reveal valuable insights.
3. Empathy and Understanding: Try your best to stand in your clients' shoes. Imagine what your needs/wants would be if you were your clients. This helps understand their needs and emotions better.
4. Focus on the Outcome: Understand the clients' ultimate goal or vision for the project. What problems are they really hoping to resolve. This ensures your alignment with their expectations.
Here are some sample questions:
Who is the targeted audience for this project?
Can you describe the vision you have for this project?
Are there any specific styles or themes you are drawn to? or you want to avoid?
What are the primary goals you want to achieve with this project?
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Pearl
Jordan Wilk
Statistical Programmer
18
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Jordan’s Answer
Depends on the deliverable but some to get you started would be:
1. Who is the target audience?
2. Will this be a digital or print product?
3. What's the desired timeline?
4. Do they have brand guidelines?
5. Can they send over branding materials such as the logo files?
6. Any specific colors or fonts?
1. Who is the target audience?
2. Will this be a digital or print product?
3. What's the desired timeline?
4. Do they have brand guidelines?
5. Can they send over branding materials such as the logo files?
6. Any specific colors or fonts?
Catherine Luna
Graphic Designer
2
Answers
Fairfield, Connecticut
Updated
Catherine’s Answer
If the client you're working with is a fairly established business already, they most likely will have particular colors and brand styles that you would be expected to design within. But if the person you're working with is a startup you will most likely have a lot more freedom in developing all of those styles anew yourself.
When that's the case, you definitely want to have a good, really communicative first meeting with them to get a good idea of what they're looking for, as well as any preferences they might have. Something that I find helps me a lot is to try to dig a little deeper than the surface level to figure out the "why" of what they want, rather than the "what".
These are a few questions that I like to use:
- What are your goals for this item (e.g., increase sales, build brand awareness)?
- Who are your main competitors?
- How would you describe the image you want your brand to convey?
- Are there any examples of this thing that you've seen and really like? If so, what in particular you like about them?
If client is the business owner, I also like asking what inspired them to start the company and what they're passionate about in what they do. The best way to equip yourself for a project is by asking plenty of questions and really understanding who they are (as a brand) and what's important to them. It also doesn't hurt to ask if they have any particular likes/dislikes with regards to style.
Once you know more about the company from those angles, it helps a lot to educate what creative directions you can take to really deliver them a finished product that can be really successful for them and what they're trying to accomplish.
Being thorough in the discovery phase also helps to instill trust in your expertise as a designer and someone who really understands their brand and needs.
When that's the case, you definitely want to have a good, really communicative first meeting with them to get a good idea of what they're looking for, as well as any preferences they might have. Something that I find helps me a lot is to try to dig a little deeper than the surface level to figure out the "why" of what they want, rather than the "what".
These are a few questions that I like to use:
- What are your goals for this item (e.g., increase sales, build brand awareness)?
- Who are your main competitors?
- How would you describe the image you want your brand to convey?
- Are there any examples of this thing that you've seen and really like? If so, what in particular you like about them?
If client is the business owner, I also like asking what inspired them to start the company and what they're passionate about in what they do. The best way to equip yourself for a project is by asking plenty of questions and really understanding who they are (as a brand) and what's important to them. It also doesn't hurt to ask if they have any particular likes/dislikes with regards to style.
Once you know more about the company from those angles, it helps a lot to educate what creative directions you can take to really deliver them a finished product that can be really successful for them and what they're trying to accomplish.
Being thorough in the discovery phase also helps to instill trust in your expertise as a designer and someone who really understands their brand and needs.
Catherine T
Partner Engagement Manager
2
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Catherine’s Answer
Great question! It's always best to seek to understand your client and their why. Some may want to be more involved with the process, whereas others will give you more creative liberties. You will first need to know their preferences, and also who the art is for. This will impact the questions you are asking - whether for them or how well they know the person the piece is intended to be gifted to. From there, ask what drew them to your art - see what they enjoy most about what you are already doing, and to ensure you incorporate those details into their commissioned piece. I'd recommend asking what they are looking for differently as well. Asking open-ended questions will get them talking about their goals and objectives. Art, unless practical, is largely about evoking an emotion or thought - see what they are hoping to get out of your piece. It's also important to understand where they will be displaying the art so that you know more about the lighting, medium, etc. These are just a few talking points to start, and then you can build more questions off of their answers. When in doubt, just ask them to tell you more. I hope this helps!
Your advice was so helpful!
Pearl
Sarah Platt
Artist/Marketing
2
Answers
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
I find that taking the time to talk to them and just feeling comfortable while your sketch is the best.It not only helps your work but it allows you to see their personality, that then comes through in your art work.
Thank you for the advice, Sarah.
Pearl
Isaiah Crawford
Freelance 2D Animator
5
Answers
Kansas City, Kansas
Updated
Isaiah’s Answer
Whenever your client tells you to design something, really tear it apart. Sketch out a few different ideas to help lead you in the right direction. Ask the clients if they have any examples of what they want their work to resemble.
Here's an example: John Stupid wants a logo for his golf club clothing brand. You can ask him what logos does he like. John Stupid says that he really likes athletic logos like Nike, Adidas, Under Armor, and Puma. That let's you know that he wants something very simple, a solid color, not an extravagant design that you have to look at for awhile to understand.
Asking questions that help the client and yourself narrow down the brainwork you have to do is paramount.
Ask what they like as reference. People love to talk about their likes
Here's an example: John Stupid wants a logo for his golf club clothing brand. You can ask him what logos does he like. John Stupid says that he really likes athletic logos like Nike, Adidas, Under Armor, and Puma. That let's you know that he wants something very simple, a solid color, not an extravagant design that you have to look at for awhile to understand.
Asking questions that help the client and yourself narrow down the brainwork you have to do is paramount.
Isaiah recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for the advice, Isaiah.
Pearl
Karen Garcia Henriquez
Pastry Baker
6
Answers
East Palo Alto, California
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Hello Pearl, Could you start by asking what you want to convey to your customers? What ages are the product aimed at? What type of service do you offer when the customer purchases the product? Sometimes there are many questions that are important to a buyer. I am studying Marketing and I have learned that you must know the customer and know the need they have in order to be able to offer what they need so much. There is a book called Marketing by Grewal/Levy, that may be very useful for you to continue understanding what you need to know.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Pearl
Susan Stout
Senior Graphic Designer
4
Answers
Thousand Oaks, California
Updated
Susan’s Answer
Hi! It's awesome that you are thinking this far ahead. It can be confusing when someone approaches you with a new project and everyone's super excited to get going on it, and you're also excited to have been selected and to apply your talents to a meaningful project. Sorry that this is going to be kinda long, but I've been doing graphic design for a really long time and have some great stuff to share that I've learned along the way.
I'm guessing that you're talking about more of a commercial artwork (like a website or some marketing literature) versus an actual piece of fine art (like a painting or drawing), but this approach is actually helpful to both; it is a huge time- and money-saver for both you and your client.
1: Ask them to tell you EXACTLY what they want. I always ask for reference images of something they've seen and really liked to serve as an idea of their expectations; maybe they've seen some cool design on Instagram, Pinterest, etc. that they can share with you as a starting point.
2: Then, ask them what they do and don't like about the example(s) that they've shared, and what they would like you to do differently. This really helps pinpoint what will make them happy and you're not wallowing and wondering what they want. This also cuts down on the number of revisions you'll have to do to get closer to their final goal.
3: Have them tell you all about themselves and their company to get an idea of the personality behind the branding, and take the type of business into account when you start your design. For instance, talking about what colors they envision; a huge traditional banking firm isn't going to want to go with the same bright colors and fun, playful fonts as you'd use for a young ladies' fashion website. How does your client see themselves and what image do they want to present to the world?
4: Ask your client if there are any other artworks that they want to also create, to go along with what you're already doing, so you get an overall scope of the entire project. For example, if you're creating a website for them, maybe putting together some business cards or flyers would be a quick and easy addition while you're already working on their branding, and you're already in that groove of designing their stuff, versus them thinking of it as an afterthought and you've already moved on to the next project, and are now going to have to stress out fitting them into your new schedule.
5: And I can't stress this enough... if you are not charging hourly and giving a price up front, be sure and limit the number of revisions that you will perform for the total price in your quote. I've learned this one the hard way; people can get super nitpicky when they think you have endless time to keep tweaking their artwork for free. I usually say "price includes three revisions, after that any changes will be charged per hour", and that clears it up nicely. Also, be sure to get their changes in writing - ask them to email or text them over. That way, you have proof of what they asked for if they start to give you any headaches or try to delay payment (most people don't, but there's always that one jerk who wants something for nothing). To be honest, I usually charge per hour only, and if they don't like it, they can find someone else. (Side note - since I do charge hourly, going back to all the hints above is super helpful; I always tell them that it's cheaper now to have me design everything all at once, so it helps save them a ton of money to (a) provide examples to start from, and (b) think of every single thing that they'll need.
6: This may not seem important now, but as you go along your career this is SUPER valuable: When the project is done and they are all happy and glowing because you did such an awesome job, ASK FOR REFERENCES! Get a letter or note from them, ask permission for you to quote them on your website, ask them for a Linked In recommendation, and for permission to have your other potential clients and/or employers contact them for a reference. The more you can get, the better. Also, ask if it's OK to show the artwork you've done for your client on your portfolio, website, LinkedIn, etc. as examples of your excellent design work.
7: Another one that I've learned that has served me well: Keep a copy of the artwork, and all your notes. This includes notes on how good or bad the client was to work with, and their contact information. You wouldn't believe how many past clients come crawling out of the woodwork from years ago; they've lost the files you gave them at the end of the project and now are desperate for you to give them or their printer another copy of what you did so they can get more of their stuff produced. Depending on your relationship with the client, you can choose to charge a small fee (maybe an hour's worth of time for your trouble in digging it up). I usually don't do this, since 99% of the people are great, but if the person was a super pain in the neck to deal with, you bet I'm gonna hit them with a fee for dealing with them again. (That's where keeping the history and contact info comes in handy.... it will serve as a reminder of who they were and how it was working with them, when you may have moved on and forgotten about the project).
Okay! Congratulations on making it all the way through this. I hope this helps. You are amazing and you're going to be a total success at this. So go forth and be awesome! :D
TL: DR Version: Step 1: Have the client tell you EVERYTHING about what they expect from your design.
Step 2: Think about any other pieces of the project that they will want you to also do, up front, and include them in your quote.
Step 3: Be sure and keep your pricing in mind and don't let them step on you asking for one million revisions for free.
Step 4: Be sure and ask them for references and recommendations when you finish their project and they're all happy with it.
Step 5: Keep a client file for them with digital artwork files, and any relevant notes, because you may need these again in the future if they contact you.
I'm guessing that you're talking about more of a commercial artwork (like a website or some marketing literature) versus an actual piece of fine art (like a painting or drawing), but this approach is actually helpful to both; it is a huge time- and money-saver for both you and your client.
1: Ask them to tell you EXACTLY what they want. I always ask for reference images of something they've seen and really liked to serve as an idea of their expectations; maybe they've seen some cool design on Instagram, Pinterest, etc. that they can share with you as a starting point.
2: Then, ask them what they do and don't like about the example(s) that they've shared, and what they would like you to do differently. This really helps pinpoint what will make them happy and you're not wallowing and wondering what they want. This also cuts down on the number of revisions you'll have to do to get closer to their final goal.
3: Have them tell you all about themselves and their company to get an idea of the personality behind the branding, and take the type of business into account when you start your design. For instance, talking about what colors they envision; a huge traditional banking firm isn't going to want to go with the same bright colors and fun, playful fonts as you'd use for a young ladies' fashion website. How does your client see themselves and what image do they want to present to the world?
4: Ask your client if there are any other artworks that they want to also create, to go along with what you're already doing, so you get an overall scope of the entire project. For example, if you're creating a website for them, maybe putting together some business cards or flyers would be a quick and easy addition while you're already working on their branding, and you're already in that groove of designing their stuff, versus them thinking of it as an afterthought and you've already moved on to the next project, and are now going to have to stress out fitting them into your new schedule.
5: And I can't stress this enough... if you are not charging hourly and giving a price up front, be sure and limit the number of revisions that you will perform for the total price in your quote. I've learned this one the hard way; people can get super nitpicky when they think you have endless time to keep tweaking their artwork for free. I usually say "price includes three revisions, after that any changes will be charged per hour", and that clears it up nicely. Also, be sure to get their changes in writing - ask them to email or text them over. That way, you have proof of what they asked for if they start to give you any headaches or try to delay payment (most people don't, but there's always that one jerk who wants something for nothing). To be honest, I usually charge per hour only, and if they don't like it, they can find someone else. (Side note - since I do charge hourly, going back to all the hints above is super helpful; I always tell them that it's cheaper now to have me design everything all at once, so it helps save them a ton of money to (a) provide examples to start from, and (b) think of every single thing that they'll need.
6: This may not seem important now, but as you go along your career this is SUPER valuable: When the project is done and they are all happy and glowing because you did such an awesome job, ASK FOR REFERENCES! Get a letter or note from them, ask permission for you to quote them on your website, ask them for a Linked In recommendation, and for permission to have your other potential clients and/or employers contact them for a reference. The more you can get, the better. Also, ask if it's OK to show the artwork you've done for your client on your portfolio, website, LinkedIn, etc. as examples of your excellent design work.
7: Another one that I've learned that has served me well: Keep a copy of the artwork, and all your notes. This includes notes on how good or bad the client was to work with, and their contact information. You wouldn't believe how many past clients come crawling out of the woodwork from years ago; they've lost the files you gave them at the end of the project and now are desperate for you to give them or their printer another copy of what you did so they can get more of their stuff produced. Depending on your relationship with the client, you can choose to charge a small fee (maybe an hour's worth of time for your trouble in digging it up). I usually don't do this, since 99% of the people are great, but if the person was a super pain in the neck to deal with, you bet I'm gonna hit them with a fee for dealing with them again. (That's where keeping the history and contact info comes in handy.... it will serve as a reminder of who they were and how it was working with them, when you may have moved on and forgotten about the project).
Okay! Congratulations on making it all the way through this. I hope this helps. You are amazing and you're going to be a total success at this. So go forth and be awesome! :D
Susan recommends the following next steps:
🤩 this is very insightful. Thank you for this amazing answer it's not long it's informative, I really needed it.
Pearl
Hi Pearl, you are most welcome! I'm really glad I didn't bore you with my very long reply. :D
You will be amazing at this. I wish you the best of luck in your career!
Susan Stout
Melissa Arthur
Manager
6
Answers
North Rose, NY
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
As a photographer, mastering this aspect was a journey that took quite a while for me.
In the realm of art, emotional resonance often holds significant importance, but this varies from person to person. My advice would be to create a list of guiding questions that can steer your discussions in the right direction.
In the realm of art, emotional resonance often holds significant importance, but this varies from person to person. My advice would be to create a list of guiding questions that can steer your discussions in the right direction.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Pearl
Abigail Miller
Actor, Business Consultant
7
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Abigail’s Answer
Hi Pearl!
Great question. I am not an artist myself, which is why I've commissioned artists in the past. So I can answer this question based on my experience as a client, and share with you what has become very important to me as a buyer.
1. Clarify your services. This is the MOST important aspect of selling custom art. As a buyer, I need to understand: (1) price, (2) what's included (e.g., how many revisions I get, if I own the piece, if there are any limitations on where and when I can use the piece I've commissioned, etc.) (3) timeline for ALL phases of the work (e.g. first draft, revision deadlines, final product), and (4) anything else related to what you're creating.
2. Be transparent with risks. If you are working on an art piece that relies on raw materials that you have to source, be clear about what you're using, where it comes from, any risk there might be in obtaining the products, and what your process is for mitigating risk/having a backup plan so that if something goes wrong, I'm not surprised.
3. Align on billing processes. Before you do ANY work, make sure you're in agreement with your client about when you will bill them. My commissions are usually portraits. And the process I agree to is that I provide half of the payment when the full black and white sketch along with all revisions are complete prior to coloring. The final half of the payment is delivered upon receipt of the final, agreed upon colored images. My artist then sends me the final files with no watermark once all payment has been sent.
4. Schedule a thorough intake session. During this session, it is critical to get as clear a picture as possible from your client on what they are wanting. Some powerful and effective high-level questions I've been asked before are:
- What about my art brought you to me?
- Can you point to any of my specific works that you like?
- Regarding your commission, tell me what your goal is?
- Do you have a target completion date?
- Do you have any reference photos/art pieces that I should take a look at to better understand the style you're looking for?
- What are you most concerned about in commissioning an artist?
5. Overcommunicate. I want to know where my artist is in the process at any given time. I don't like going months without hearing from my commissioned artist. I don't need a full status report, but sending a quick email once a week to say 'this is what I've completed and I'm on track' make a difference in building trust and earning a repeat customer.
Best of luck!
Great question. I am not an artist myself, which is why I've commissioned artists in the past. So I can answer this question based on my experience as a client, and share with you what has become very important to me as a buyer.
1. Clarify your services. This is the MOST important aspect of selling custom art. As a buyer, I need to understand: (1) price, (2) what's included (e.g., how many revisions I get, if I own the piece, if there are any limitations on where and when I can use the piece I've commissioned, etc.) (3) timeline for ALL phases of the work (e.g. first draft, revision deadlines, final product), and (4) anything else related to what you're creating.
2. Be transparent with risks. If you are working on an art piece that relies on raw materials that you have to source, be clear about what you're using, where it comes from, any risk there might be in obtaining the products, and what your process is for mitigating risk/having a backup plan so that if something goes wrong, I'm not surprised.
3. Align on billing processes. Before you do ANY work, make sure you're in agreement with your client about when you will bill them. My commissions are usually portraits. And the process I agree to is that I provide half of the payment when the full black and white sketch along with all revisions are complete prior to coloring. The final half of the payment is delivered upon receipt of the final, agreed upon colored images. My artist then sends me the final files with no watermark once all payment has been sent.
4. Schedule a thorough intake session. During this session, it is critical to get as clear a picture as possible from your client on what they are wanting. Some powerful and effective high-level questions I've been asked before are:
- What about my art brought you to me?
- Can you point to any of my specific works that you like?
- Regarding your commission, tell me what your goal is?
- Do you have a target completion date?
- Do you have any reference photos/art pieces that I should take a look at to better understand the style you're looking for?
- What are you most concerned about in commissioning an artist?
5. Overcommunicate. I want to know where my artist is in the process at any given time. I don't like going months without hearing from my commissioned artist. I don't need a full status report, but sending a quick email once a week to say 'this is what I've completed and I'm on track' make a difference in building trust and earning a repeat customer.
Best of luck!
Ashley Spangler
Partner Engagement
2
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
In every aspect of business, it's essential to earn trust. Make an effort to familiarize yourself with your clients, fostering a relationship that allows you to comprehend their needs and desires. Always remember to view things from their standpoint, asking yourself, "what's the benefit for them?" This mindset will guide you in providing a service that truly resonates with your clients.
Thank you so much, Ashley!
Pearl
Amy C.
Director of Strategic Communications
35
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Amy’s Answer
The fact that you're seeking advice shows your commitment and readiness to improve. As an artist, your emotional intelligence (EQ) is a significant asset in understanding your clients' needs. Remember, your clients have chosen you because they lack artistic skills, which means they might struggle to express their preferences clearly.
Here's a practical approach: always present your clients with several initial ideas before delving too deep into any single concept. Develop a variety of mood boards with distinct themes at the beginning and encourage your clients to discuss them extensively. They might hold back their thoughts, assuming they lack the expertise to comment. Assure them that their input is valuable and that their thoughts will help you better understand their vision.
Best of luck on your journey!
Here's a practical approach: always present your clients with several initial ideas before delving too deep into any single concept. Develop a variety of mood boards with distinct themes at the beginning and encourage your clients to discuss them extensively. They might hold back their thoughts, assuming they lack the expertise to comment. Assure them that their input is valuable and that their thoughts will help you better understand their vision.
Best of luck on your journey!