Why we're not entitled to design clients who blindly trust us - Creative Confessions™
- Robin Son
- Nov 27, 2025
- 2 min read
I got an anonymous creative confession sent in from a podcast listener about this topic, so let's talk about it.
The Confession
“I see designers online talking about getting their ideal clients, which are the ones who pay you and leave you to do the job. I've never had a client like that. Is this bad?”
Want to listen to this episode instead of reading? ↓
Originally aired: 8th February 2025
Why This Confession Hits a Nerve
There's a narrative around design clients that makes designers miserable and it's that if a client asks a lot of questions or wants to be involved in the design process, then they're a red flag client. But collaborating with your client is not the same as being a pixel pusher. Guiding your clients through a creative process is not the same thing as following orders.
Communication is the key, not cut-off
Communicating with your client is always going to help with any problem you face when working on a project like a brand design project. The projects health relies on your communication skills as a designer. You have to be able to differentiate between healthy collaboration and negative client behaviour.
Dream clients don't exist...
At least not in the way you think. The idea that clients just hand over money and trust you unconditionally and never get involved or ask questions is wild. This expectation really feels unrealistic and a lot of clients want to ask questions and give feedback which is a normal and healthy part of the design process. The key to successful client relationships is not looking for ones who will blindly trust you, but rather communicating your process clearly, setting clear boundaries and treating clients like real people deserving of respect.
Got a Creative Confession™ of your own?
Brand Your Brain is the podcast that collects and shares anonymous confessions from creatives to normalise the messy reality of creative life.
Every episode starts with a confession submitted by a creative like you and me. Some are deep. Some are funny. Some are wildly relatable. All of them are real. (it’s 100% anonymous, and always free)
If you've got a hot take, unpopular opinion, or personal story about life as a creative then you can share it anonymously below:
Comments