For some, dealing with clients can be difficult. Clients don’t always know what is best for themselves, yet designers often give in to client demands, no matter how ludicrous they may be.

A technique some designers use to combat such clients is the “portfolio exclusion” technique. To implement this technique, what the designer does in response to an absurd demand from a client is say, “Sure. I can do that for you, but so you know I’m not going to put it in my portfolio.” Naturally, the client will be stunned by the response and will begin to question themselves. Once they ask “why?” the designer has them where they want them.

The designer kindly explains to the now potentially vulnerable client that they don’t agree with the clients absurd demand and with some luck, the client may give in. But if you’ve read my previous posts, you’d know I don’t condone this method. Continue reading “Be frank with clients”