Design Failures designfailures.com

"Can you just design a quick X...?"

Graphic design, one of those professions where people tend to (perhaps without realizing it) tell you how long something should take. But, as in most problems of this genre, designers should take ownership of why this happens and look to change behaviors. Explanation is a simple and good start. "Are you asking me for something "quick" because you have a tight deadline or because you don't have much of a budget for this project?. If its the latter then you should know that I'll essentially be going with my first idea, there will not be time for more than a single concept with a single revision."

We'll likely be able to head off some "design failures" by properly setting expectations, or even turning down work if we're not really interested in doing something "quick". Let's be honest, graphic design emergencies are few and far between. The first time your client comes to you with a need for something quick and dirty be sure to explain what they'll be getting and further that they may be paying a premium because you'll have to put aside other work.

What are your thoughts?