Working with Clients Branching Decisions

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Working with clients

You are a graphic designer working on a project for a new client. The project involves creating branding materials, including a logo, social media templates, and a product brochure. Throughout the project, you face critical decisions that can affect the outcome and your relationship with the client.

After submitting the first logo concept, the client responds with the following feedback: "The concept is close, but not quite what we were envisioning."

DECISION ONE

Make a few minor revisions based on your interpretation of their feedback

Submit multiple new design versions with completely different ideas.

Request a follow-up meeting to clarify the client’s expectations.

WORKING WITH CLIENTS

B

C

A

Midway through the project, the client asks for a new set of custom illustrations for the brochure—something that wasn’t originally part of the agreed scope

DECISION TWO

Politely remind the client of the original scope and propose additional fees for the new request.

Include the new request without additional fees to maintain a positive relationship.

Include the new request without additional fees to maintain a positive relationship.

WORKING WITH CLIENTS

A

B

C

Midway through the project, the client asks for a new set of custom illustrations for the brochure—something that wasn’t originally part of the agreed scope

decision two

Politely remind the client of the original scope and propose additional fees for the new request.

Include the new request without additional fees to maintain a positive relationship.

Include the new request without additional fees to maintain a positive relationship.

WORKING WITH CLIENTS

A

B

C

Midway through the project, the client asks for a new set of custom illustrations for the brochure—something that wasn’t originally part of the agreed scope

decision two

Politely remind the client of the original scope and propose additional fees for the new request.

Include the new request without additional fees to maintain a positive relationship.

Include the new request without additional fees to maintain a positive relationship.

WORKING WITH CLIENTS

A

B

C

Implement the changes and push the project submission back by a few days.

Ask the client to prioritize one change—either the color palette or the font.

Keep the original design, explaining that changes this late would compromise quality.

With the deadline approaching, the client sends a last-minute request:"Can you change the color palette to reflect next season’s trend? And also tweak the font for the logo?"

decision three

WORKING WITH CLIENTS

B

A

C

Implement the changes and push the project submission back by a few days.

Ask the client to prioritize one change—either the color palette or the font.

Keep the original design, explaining that changes this late would compromise quality.

With the deadline approaching, the client sends a last-minute request:"Can you change the color palette to reflect next season’s trend? And also tweak the font for the logo?"

decision three

WORKING WITH CLIENTS

B

A

C

Implement the changes and push the project submission back by a few days.

Ask the client to prioritize one change—either the color palette or the font.

Keep the original design, explaining that changes this late would compromise quality.

With the deadline approaching, the client sends a last-minute request:"Can you change the color palette to reflect next season’s trend? And also tweak the font for the logo?"

decision three

WORKING WITH CLIENTS

Branching Scenario

i'M READYFOR EXPLANATION

Try AGAIN

These decisions and their outcomes are crafted to reflect the real challenges designers face.You have made optimal choices while handling scope changes, balancing quality with deadlines, and managing client relationships. You have made thoughtful decisions and are better prepared for professional scenarios where design, communication, and project management intersect. story to captivate the audience and is resolved at the end.

all three decisions were rated excellent

OVERALL result: EXCELLENT

WORKING WITH CLIENTS

i'M READYFOR EXPLANATION

Try AGAIN

You made at least one less than optimal decision

OVERALL result: average

WORKING WITH CLIENTS

These decisions and their outcomes are crafted to reflect the real challenges designers face.You have made at least one less-than-optimal choice while handling scope changes, balancing quality with deadlines, and managing client relationships. You have made some thoughtful decisions but could be better prepared for professional scenarios where design, communication, and project management intersect.

i'M READYFOR EXPLANATION

Try AGAIN

OVERALL result: POOR

all three decisions were rated poor

WORKING WITH CLIENTS

These decisions and their outcomes are crafted to reflect the real challenges designers face.You have made the least optimal choices while handling scope changes, balancing quality with deadlines, and managing client relationships. Your decisions were not well thought and you need to be better prepared for professional scenarios where design, communication, and project management intersect.

hOW WELL DID YOU DO?

OPTIMAL: Request a follow-up meeting to clarify the client’s expectations.Outcome: Clearer communication leads to a refined design, but the schedule tightens.

First Feedback: Design Not There Yet

Midway: New Custom Illustrations

Deadline: New Color Palette & Logo

MEAN: Make a few minor revisions based on your interpretation of their feedback.Outcome: Client appreciates the effort but feels the design isn't exactly right.

POOR: Submit multiple new design versions with completely different ideas.Outcome: The client is overwhelmed, leading to decision fatigue and delayed feedback.

OPTIMAL: Politely remind the client of the original scope and propose additional fees for the new request.Outcome: The client agrees to pay extra, but this strains the project timeline.

MEAN: Include the new request without additional fees to maintain a positive relationship.Outcome: The client is happy, but you now face burnout and reduced profit.

POOR: Refuse the additional work, citing your commitment to the original timeline.Outcome: The project stays on track, but the client is dissatisfied with the lack of flexibility.

MEAN: Implement the changes & push project submission back by a few days.Outcome: The client loves the design, but the delay reflects poorly on your reliability.

POOR: Keep the original design, explaining that changes this late would compromise quality.Outcome: The client is disappointed but respects your professional stance.

OPTIMAL: Ask the client to prioritize one change: the color palette or the font.Outcome: Client is impressed by your problem-solving skills, and the project is completed on time.

These are tough decisions, and optimal is not perfect, but maximizes good outcomes while avoiding scope and project creep!

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Branching Scenario

Decision-making scheme

Final

Neutral decision - No impact

Decision Point

Cannot complete succesfully

Can still complete succesfully

Next decision point

Correct decision - Positive impact

Bad decision - Negative impact

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