What’s a Web designer to do when a new client presents a logo in gosh-awful colors and asks that it be the focal point of his site?
Tread carefully, Grasshopper!
The last thing a designer can afford to do is alienate a client right from the get-go.
Let’s say your new client proudly tells you her teen-aged son created a logo for her cleaning business. It pictures a cartoon-like pink pig standing on its hind legs and carrying a hot orange broom in its front paws.
A pig. Seriously?
Who thinks of a pig as the mascot for a cleaning operation?
And on which planet is pink and orange a pleasing color combination?
Still, your first order of business, if you want her business, is to compliment her on her son’s creativity. Surely you can find something to notice and praise!
Then you need to ask if she’s firm on the logo — both the kind of animal and the colors.
Remember, some people actually like pigs and even collect them. To that portion of the buying public, a pink pig with an orange broom will be seen as fairly simple and memorable, two qualities of good logo design.
If your client is happy with her son’s rendition, think “whimsical” when you’re designing her Website. Not all sites have to be stiff and formal to be considered real businesses, you know!
But if she’s the least bit hesitant about the animal or the colors, jump right in and remind her that logos also need to be timeless (still look good years into the future) and appropriate (adequately represent the purposes for which they’re created).
Perhaps you can suggest someone (maybe yourself?) to design a logo that won’t cost a fortune but will incorporate the colors and image she’s trying to present.
You don’t want to hurt her son’s feelings, but you’ve got to give her the best possible advice when it comes to her business’s presence. That’s what she’s paying you for!
Next time: ??
